Americans looking to renew their passports may be in for a shock as the cost of doing so has increased. The U.S. Department of State recently announced that the price for renewing a standard adult passport book will now be $130, a $20 increase from the previous fee of $110. The cost to renew a passport card will also rise from $30 to $65.
This rise in passport renewal fees comes as the government agency looks to offset the costs associated with processing and issuing passports. The Department of State has stated that the increased fee is necessary to cover the rising costs of providing consular services to U.S. citizens around the world.
The new fees went into effect on April 2, 2022, and will apply to all adult passport renewals, including those submitted by mail, by appointment at a passport agency or center, or through a third-party service. The fee increase does not apply to minors under the age of 16, as their passports are valid for five years and do not require renewal until they reach the age of 16.
In addition to the standard adult passport book and passport card renewals, the Department of State offers expedited processing for an additional fee of $60. This service allows applicants to receive their renewed passport within two to three weeks, compared to the standard processing time of six to eight weeks. The total cost for expedited passport renewal, including the $130 base fee and the $60 expedited processing fee, will now be $190.
For those who require a passport for emergency travel, the Department of State also offers an even faster option called “Emergency Passport Service.” This service allows applicants to receive their renewed passport within one business day of submitting their application. The total cost for emergency passport renewal, including the $130 base fee and the $60 expedited processing fee, will now be $350.
It is worth noting that the new passport renewal fees apply only to passport renewals. The cost of applying for a new passport for the first time or replacing a lost or stolen passport remains unchanged. The fee for a standard adult passport book for first-time applicants is $165, while the fee for a passport card is $50. Expedited processing for first-time applicants or those needing a replacement passport will cost an additional $60.
In light of the increased passport renewal fees, some Americans may be reevaluating their travel plans or looking for ways to save money on passport renewal. One option to consider is renewing your passport well in advance of your planned travel dates to avoid the need for expedited processing, which can add significant costs to the overall renewal fee.
Another option to save money on passport renewal is to consider using the standard 6-8 week processing time rather than opting for expedited processing. While the wait may be longer, this can save applicants $60 in expedited processing fees.
For those who are renewing their passports for the first time or are replacing a lost or stolen passport, it may be helpful to take extra precautions to avoid these situations in the future. Keeping track of your passport and storing it in a safe place when not in use can help prevent the need for costly replacements.
Regardless of the cost, it is important for Americans to ensure that their passports are up to date and valid before traveling internationally. Failure to do so can result in delays, additional costs, or even the inability to travel. With the new passport renewal fees now in effect, it is essential for travelers to plan ahead and budget accordingly for the cost of renewing their passports.
