Child’s Passport Price Set to Increase
Parents planning to take their children abroad may soon face higher costs as the price of a child’s passport is set to increase. The U.S. Department of State recently announced that the fee for a child’s passport will be increasing from $80 to $115, starting next month. The price hike, which represents a 43.75% increase, has sparked concerns among parents who are already grappling with rising travel costs.
The decision to raise the price of a child’s passport comes as the Department of State seeks to cover the rising costs associated with processing passport applications. According to officials, the fee hike is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the passport issuance process and maintain security standards. The current fee of $80 for a child’s passport has not been adjusted since 2008, and the increase is intended to reflect the current costs of processing passport applications.
The price increase has been met with mixed reactions from parents, with some expressing frustration over the additional financial burden of obtaining a passport for their children. “I understand that the cost of processing passports has likely gone up over the years, but it’s still disappointing to see the price go up so significantly,” said Sarah Johnson, a mother of two who was planning a family trip overseas. “Traveling with kids is already expensive, and this just adds to the financial strain.”
Others, however, have expressed understanding of the need for the price increase. “As much as it’s inconvenient to have to pay more for a child’s passport, I realize that the processing costs have gone up, and it’s important to maintain the security of the passport issuance process,” said Michael Williams, a father of three. “I would rather pay a bit more to ensure that the passport application process is carried out efficiently and securely.”
The price increase will apply to both first-time applicants and those renewing their child’s passport. Parents who are planning to apply for a passport for their child are encouraged to do so before the fee hike takes effect to avoid paying the higher price. The new fee of $115 will apply to all child passport applications submitted on or after the effective date of the price increase.
In addition to the price increase, the Department of State has also announced changes to the passport application process for minors. Starting next month, both parents or legal guardians will be required to provide consent for the issuance of a passport to a minor child. This new requirement is aimed at preventing situations where one parent applies for a passport for a child without the consent of the other parent or guardian.
Overall, the increase in the price of a child’s passport reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the Department of State in processing passport applications efficiently and securely. While the fee hike may be met with some resistance from parents, it is ultimately necessary to ensure the sustainability of the passport issuance process and maintain security standards. Parents who are planning to travel with their children are advised to take note of the upcoming price change and submit their passport applications before the fee increase takes effect.
