The cost of obtaining a new passport is set to increase starting next year, according to a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of State. The new passport cost will see a significant increase, which is the first in over a decade.
The current cost of a new passport for adults is $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. For children under the age of 16, the cost is currently $80 for a passport book and $15 for a passport card. These fees cover the cost of processing the application and producing the passport.
Starting January 1st, 2022, the cost of a new passport for adults will increase to $150 for a passport book and $45 for a passport card. For children under the age of 16, the cost will increase to $120 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. The price hike is being implemented to cover the rising costs of producing passports and providing consular services to U.S. citizens abroad.
The increase in the new passport cost has sparked some controversy among travelers, who argue that the higher fees will make it more difficult for low-income families to obtain passports. However, supporters of the price hike argue that the fees are necessary to maintain the security and integrity of the passport issuance process.
In addition to the increase in passport fees, the Department of State has also announced that they will be introducing a new fee for expedited passport processing. Currently, travelers can pay an additional $60 to have their passport application expedited and receive their passport within 2-3 weeks. However, starting next year, the expedited processing fee will increase to $100.
The Department of State has cited the need to modernize and upgrade their passport processing system as the reason for the fee increases. They have assured travelers that the higher fees will result in faster processing times and improved customer service.
Many travelers are already planning ahead to avoid paying the higher fees for their new passports. Some are renewing their passports early, even if they are not set to expire for several more years. Others are taking advantage of the current lower fees to apply for passports for their children before the price hike takes effect.
Overall, the increase in the cost of obtaining a new passport is a reflection of the growing demand for travel documents and the need for the Department of State to keep up with that demand. While the higher fees may be a burden for some travelers, they are a necessary step to ensure the security and efficiency of the passport issuance process.
