Passport Application Fees for 2023 Set to Increase
As the year 2023 approaches, there is important news for anyone who plans to apply for or renew their passport in the coming year. The United States Department of State has announced that passport application fees will increase beginning January 1, 2023. This increase comes after several years of keeping the fees constant and is part of an effort to cover the rising costs of processing passport applications and providing consular services to U.S. citizens around the world.
Currently, the fees for a first-time passport application for an adult (age 16 and older) are $110 for the passport book and $30 for the passport card. The fees for a renewal passport application for an adult are $110 for the passport book and $30 for the passport card. For minors (under the age of 16), the fees are $80 for the passport book and $15 for the passport card for a first-time application, and $80 for the passport book and $15 for the passport card for a renewal application.
Beginning in 2023, the fees for a first-time passport application for an adult will increase to $130 for the passport book and $50 for the passport card. The fees for a renewal passport application for an adult will increase to $130 for the passport book and $50 for the passport card. For minors, the fees for a first-time application will increase to $100 for the passport book and $25 for the passport card, while the fees for a renewal application will increase to $100 for the passport book and $25 for the passport card.
The State Department has cited several factors for the fee increase, including the need to cover the costs of enhanced security features in the new passport design, as well as the costs of providing consular services to U.S. citizens abroad. The fees for passport applications have not increased since 2010, and the State Department has stated that the fee increase is necessary to ensure that the passport program remains financially self-sustaining.
In addition to the increase in passport application fees, the State Department has also announced that expedited processing for passport applications will no longer be offered as a standalone service. Instead, expedited processing will be included as part of the standard processing time for all passport applications. This means that all passport applications will be processed in 6-8 weeks, with the option to expedite the process for an additional fee.
The State Department has stated that the changes to the passport application process are part of a larger effort to improve and modernize the passport program. In addition to the fee increase and the elimination of standalone expedited processing, the State Department has also announced plans to introduce a new passport renewal program that will allow eligible U.S. citizens to renew their passports by mail.
Overall, the changes to the passport application process in 2023 are aimed at improving efficiency, security, and customer service for U.S. citizens applying for or renewing their passports. While the fee increase may be a burden for some applicants, the changes are necessary to ensure that the passport program remains sustainable and continues to provide essential services to U.S. citizens around the world. If you are planning to apply for or renew your passport in 2023, be sure to take note of the new fees and updated application process.
