Passport Cost in Houston: What You Need to Know Before You Travel
Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it also comes with its fair share of expenses. One of the costs that many people overlook when planning a trip is the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport. In Houston, the process of getting a passport can vary in cost depending on several factors. In this article, we’ll break down the passport cost in Houston and provide some tips on how to save money during the application process.
Passport Application Fees
The cost of applying for a passport in Houston can vary depending on the type of passport you need and how quickly you need it. Here is a breakdown of the current passport application fees:
– For a first-time adult passport book, the application fee is $110. If you also need a passport card, the total fee is $140.
– For a first-time child passport book, the application fee is $80. If you also need a passport card, the total fee is $115.
– For expedited service at a passport agency, there is an additional fee of $60 per application.
– For routine service at a passport agency, there is no additional fee.
– For passport renewals by mail, the application fee is $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. There is no additional fee for routine service.
These fees are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the State Department’s website for the most up-to-date information before applying for a passport.
Additional Costs
In addition to the application fees, there are some other costs that you may incur when applying for a passport in Houston. These include:
– Passport photos: You will need to submit a passport photo with your application. Many pharmacies and post offices offer passport photo services for a fee, typically around $15.
– Expedited processing: If you need your passport quickly, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing. This can cost anywhere from $60 to $150, depending on how quickly you need your passport.
– Shipping: If you are applying for a passport renewal by mail, you will need to pay for shipping to send your application to the State Department. This cost will vary depending on the shipping method you choose.
Tips for Saving Money
While the cost of obtaining a passport in Houston can add up quickly, there are some tips that can help you save money during the application process. Here are a few to keep in mind:
– Apply early: Passport processing times can vary, so it’s always a good idea to apply for your passport well in advance of your travel dates. This will help you avoid paying a higher fee for expedited processing.
– Use a Passport Acceptance Facility: Instead of using a passport agency, consider applying for your passport at a Passport Acceptance Facility. These facilities have lower application fees and can help you save money.
– Take your own passport photos: Instead of paying for passport photos at a pharmacy or post office, consider taking your own passport photos at home. There are many online tools and apps that can help you take the perfect passport photo for free.
– Look for promotions: Some passport agencies and facilities offer promotions or discounts on passport applications. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money on your passport costs.
Overall, obtaining a passport in Houston can be a costly process, but with some careful planning and budgeting, you can save money on application fees and additional costs. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can make sure that you’re financially prepared for your next travel adventure.
