The cost of renewing a passport is a topic that many individuals may not be aware of until they are faced with the need to do so. For frequent travelers or those who have family living abroad, keeping a passport up to date is essential. However, the costs associated with renewing a passport can vary depending on a few factors.
In the United States, the cost to renew a passport is currently $110 for a standard adult passport book. This fee applies to individuals who are renewing their passport by mail using Form DS-82. For those who need to renew their passport expedited services, there is an additional $60 fee. This expedited service can shorten the processing time from the typical 4-6 weeks to 2-3 weeks.
For individuals who need to renew their passport but do not have their previous passport in their possession or it was issued more than 15 years ago, they will need to apply for a new passport in person. The cost for a new adult passport book in this situation is $130. This fee remains the same whether the individual applies for a standard passport or opts for expedited services.
For individuals under the age of 16, the cost to renew a passport is $80. This fee applies to both standard and expedited services. Similarly, for individuals who need to apply for a new passport for a child under the age of 16, the cost is also $80.
It is important to note that these fees are for passport books. For those who require a passport card in addition to a passport book, there is an additional fee. The cost for a passport card is $30 for adults and $15 for minors under the age of 16. The passport card is a wallet-sized card that can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international air travel.
In addition to the fees for the passport book and card, there may be additional costs associated with passport renewal. For example, if an individual requires a new passport photo, they will need to pay for this service separately. Some post offices and pharmacies offer passport photo services for a nominal fee. Additionally, if an individual opts for expedited services, they may need to pay for overnight delivery of their passport.
Overall, the cost to renew a passport can add up quickly, especially for families with multiple members who need to renew their passports at the same time. For those who are on a tight budget, planning ahead and saving up for passport renewal fees can help alleviate the financial burden when the time comes to renew.
In conclusion, the cost to renew a passport can vary depending on a few factors such as whether it is a standard renewal or a new application, whether expedited services are needed, and whether a passport card is required. It is important for individuals to be aware of these costs and plan accordingly to ensure that their passports remain up to date for travel purposes.