The cost of obtaining a US passport is set to increase in the near future, leaving many Americans wondering how much they will need to pay for this essential travel document. The US Department of State, which is responsible for issuing passports, announced earlier this month that it will be raising the fee for both new passports and passport renewals.
Currently, the cost of a US passport for adults aged 16 and over is $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. A passport book is required for all international air travel, while a passport card can be used for land and sea travel between the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults and can be renewed by mail.
For children under the age of 16, the cost of a passport book is $80, while a passport card is $15. Children’s passports are valid for 5 years and must be renewed in person at a passport acceptance facility.
However, the Department of State has announced that starting in the new fiscal year, which begins on October 1, 2022, the cost of a new passport book for adults will increase to $130, while a passport card will increase to $50. The cost of renewing a passport book will also increase to $110, and a passport card renewal will cost $40.
This will be the first fee increase for US passports since 2018, when the cost of a new passport book for adults was raised from $100 to $110. The Department of State cited rising costs and the need to invest in new security features as reasons for the fee hike.
The fee increase has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some Americans feel that the cost of obtaining a passport is already high and that further increases will make travel more expensive, especially for families. Others understand the need for increased security measures and are willing to pay a higher fee to ensure the integrity of their passports.
In addition to the cost of the passport itself, there are other expenses to consider when applying for or renewing a passport. These include passport photos, which typically cost around $15-$20, and expedited processing fees for those who need their passport in a hurry. Expedited processing can cost an additional $60-$100, depending on the speed of service requested.
For those who need to apply for or renew their passport in person, there may also be additional fees for execution or acceptance of the application. These fees are paid to the acceptance facility where the application is submitted and can range from $35 to $40.
It’s important to note that the fee increase for US passports will not affect applications submitted before October 1, 2022. So if you’re planning to travel in the near future and need to obtain or renew your passport, it may be worth doing so before the new fees take effect.
Overall, the cost of obtaining a US passport is set to increase in the coming months, so if you’re in need of a new passport or renewing an expiring one, it’s important to budget for the higher fees. While the increase may be a burden for some travelers, it’s ultimately a necessary step to ensure the security and integrity of this important travel document.
