Passport fees at USPS set to increase in the upcoming fiscal year
Americans looking to apply for or renew their passports will soon be faced with higher fees as the United States Postal Service (USPS) is set to increase the cost of passport services in the upcoming fiscal year.
The USPS, the main agency responsible for processing passport applications in the United States, announced the fee increase in response to rising operational costs and the need to maintain quality services for passport applicants.
Starting October 1st, the cost of a new adult passport book will increase from $110 to $130, while the cost of a renewal passport will go up from $110 to $140. For children under the age of 16, the cost of a passport book will rise from $80 to $100.
In addition to the passport book fees, postal customers will also see an increase in the cost of passport cards, which are smaller, wallet-sized versions of the traditional passport book. The fee for a new adult passport card will increase from $30 to $45, while the cost of a renewal passport card will go up from $30 to $35. For children under 16, the cost of a passport card will rise from $15 to $25.
The fee increase comes as the demand for passport services continues to grow. According to the U.S. Department of State, the number of passport applications processed by the USPS has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with a record 21.4 million applications processed in fiscal year 2019.
With the cost of processing passport applications on the rise, the USPS says the fee increase is necessary to cover the costs of providing passport services and ensure the agency can continue to offer efficient and reliable processing for passport applicants.
The fee increase has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some passport applicants have expressed frustration over the higher costs, citing financial hardship and the already expensive nature of international travel. Others have voiced support for the fee increase, noting the importance of maintaining high-quality passport services and the need to cover operational costs.
In response to concerns about the fee increase, the USPS has emphasized that it remains committed to providing affordable and efficient passport services for all Americans. The agency has also highlighted the various options available to passport applicants, including expedited processing for an additional fee and the ability to pay in installments for those facing financial difficulties.
Despite the fee increase, the USPS continues to encourage Americans to apply for or renew their passports in a timely manner, especially as international travel restrictions begin to ease following the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency also reminds passport applicants to ensure they have all necessary documentation and photos before submitting their applications to avoid delays and additional costs.
As the cost of passport services at USPS prepares to go up in the upcoming fiscal year, Americans are advised to plan ahead and budget accordingly for their passport needs. Whether for leisure travel, business trips, or emergencies, a valid passport is essential for international travel and should be kept up to date to avoid any last-minute complications or delays.
