Passport Renewal Fees Set to Increase: Here’s How Much You’ll Have to Pay
If you’re looking to renew your passport soon, you may want to act sooner rather than later. The fees for passport renewals are set to increase in the coming months, meaning it will cost more to get a new passport.
The U.S. Department of State recently announced that passport renewal fees will be increasing from $110 to $130 for a standard adult passport book. This fee increase is expected to go into effect in the near future, so it’s important to be aware of the changes if you’re planning to renew your passport soon.
The reason for the fee increase is due to rising costs associated with processing passport applications. The Department of State noted that the fees for passport renewals have not been increased since 2010, and the increase is necessary to cover the cost of providing passport services.
In addition to the fee increase for standard adult passport books, the fees for other passport services will also be increasing. For example, the fee for a passport card will be going up from $30 to $50, and the fee for a passport book and card bundle will be increasing from $140 to $165.
It’s important to note that the fee increases will not apply to children under the age of 16 who are renewing their passports. The fee for a child’s passport book will remain at $80, while the fee for a child’s passport card will remain at $15.
If you’re in need of a passport renewal but are concerned about the fee increase, there are a few things you can do to save money. One option is to renew your passport before the fee increase goes into effect. As long as your passport is not expired for more than five years, you can renew it before the expiration date and avoid paying the higher fee.
Another option is to consider applying for a passport card instead of a passport book. The passport card is less expensive than the passport book and can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. If you don’t plan on flying internationally, the passport card may be a more cost-effective option for your travel needs.
If you’re not sure when your passport expires or if you need to renew it, you can check the expiration date on the data page of your passport. If your passport is expired or will expire within the next six months, it’s a good idea to start the renewal process as soon as possible to avoid any delays or additional fees.
Overall, the fee increase for passport renewals is a necessary change to cover the rising costs of providing passport services. While it may be an added expense for travelers, it’s important to stay informed and plan ahead to ensure that you have a valid passport for your upcoming travels. Whether you choose to renew your passport before the fee increase or opt for a more cost-effective option, it’s important to be prepared for the changes coming to passport renewal fees.
