The cost for a US passport is set to increase in the coming months, leaving many Americans scrambling to renew or obtain their travel documents before the price hike takes effect. The US Department of State recently announced that the cost of a passport will increase by $20, bringing the total cost for an adult passport book to $160. The fee for a minor passport will also be going up, from $80 to $100.
This increase marks the first price hike for passports in nearly a decade, with the last change occurring in 2010. According to State Department officials, the fee increase is necessary to cover rising costs associated with passport production and processing. The fee increase is slated to take effect on October 1st, 2022, giving travelers a few months to apply for or renew their passports at the current rate.
For many Americans, the looming price increase has sparked a rush to secure their passports at the current rate. Passport agencies and acceptance facilities across the country have reported a significant increase in applications and appointment requests in recent weeks. Some travelers are even opting to expedite their passport applications to ensure they receive their documents before the fee hike goes into effect.
The cost of a US passport has long been a point of contention for many Americans, especially considering the additional fees required for expedited processing and international travel. The $20 increase may not seem significant to some, but for many families and individuals, it can make a big difference, especially if multiple passports are needed for a household.
In addition to the cost increase for passport books, the fee for passport cards will also go up by $10, bringing the total cost to $65 for adults and $50 for minors. Passport cards are a more affordable option for US citizens who only plan to travel to certain countries in North America and the Caribbean by land or sea. While the fee increase for passport cards is less than that for passport books, it still adds to the overall cost of travel for many Americans.
The State Department has also announced that the execution fee for passport applications submitted at acceptance facilities will increase from $35 to $40. This fee is paid in addition to the cost of the passport itself and covers the cost of processing and verifying the applicant’s identity and citizenship status. The execution fee is not changing for renewals by mail, which currently costs $110 for an adult passport book.
While the fee increase may come as a disappointment to many travelers, it is important to remember that a US passport is a valuable document that grants the bearer access to countries around the world. In addition to serving as a form of identification, a passport is essential for international travel and can provide important assistance in case of an emergency while abroad.
For those who are eligible for a passport renewal, it is recommended to take advantage of the current fee rate before it goes up in October. The State Department advises travelers to apply for a new passport or renew their existing passport as early as possible to avoid any delays in processing. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee, but it may still take several weeks to receive a new passport, so planning ahead is key.
In conclusion, the cost for a US passport is set to increase in the coming months, prompting many Americans to take action to secure their travel documents at the current rate. While the fee hike may come as a financial burden to some, it is a necessary step to cover rising costs associated with passport production and processing. Travelers are advised to apply for or renew their passports before the October 1st deadline to take advantage of the current fee rate and avoid any delays in processing.
