Illinois Passport Fees Set to Increase in 2021
In the state of Illinois, residents are gearing up for a change that will affect their ability to travel abroad. Starting in January 2021, passport fees in Illinois are set to increase, making it more costly for individuals to obtain or renew their passports.
The United States Department of State announced the fee increase earlier this year, citing the need for additional funding to support the operations of the passport program. The fee increase applies to both adult and minor passports, as well as passport cards.
Currently, the cost of a first-time adult passport book is $110, with an additional $35 execution fee. The total cost comes to $145. For minors under the age of 16, the cost is $80 for a passport book and $35 for an execution fee, bringing the total to $115. Passport cards for adults are $30, with a total cost of $65 when factoring in the execution fee. For minors, passport cards are $15, making the total cost $50.
With the fee increase, the cost of a first-time adult passport book will rise to $150, while the execution fee will remain at $35. This brings the total cost to $185. For minors, the cost of a passport book will increase to $115, with the total cost coming to $150. Passport cards for adults will be $50, making the total cost $85. For minors, passport cards will be $30, with the total cost rising to $65.
The fee increase has sparked mixed reactions among Illinois residents. Some individuals are unhappy about having to pay more for a passport, especially during a time when many are facing financial constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Others understand the need for additional funding to support the passport program and are willing to pay the higher fees.
One Illinois resident, Sarah Thompson, expressed her frustration with the fee increase. “As someone who loves to travel, I rely on my passport to explore the world. The fee increase is disappointing, especially since many of us are already struggling financially. It feels like an added burden during an already difficult time.”
On the other hand, John Michaels sees the fee increase as a necessary measure. “I understand that the passport program requires funding to operate efficiently. While no one likes to pay more, I recognize the importance of supporting essential services like passport processing. I will gladly pay the higher fees to ensure that I can travel when I need to.”
In addition to the fee increase, there are other changes coming to the passport program in 2021. The Department of State is planning to introduce a digital passport app to streamline the application process and provide a more convenient experience for applicants. The app will allow individuals to submit their passport applications electronically, eliminating the need for paper forms and reducing processing times.
The digital passport app is part of the Department of State’s ongoing efforts to modernize the passport program and enhance customer service. By embracing technology, the Department aims to make the passport application process more efficient and user-friendly, benefiting both applicants and staff.
Overall, the changes to the passport program in Illinois are part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the passport process. While the fee increase may be met with some resistance, it is ultimately a necessary step to ensure the long-term viability of the program. Residents of Illinois and beyond will need to adjust to the higher fees but can also look forward to a more streamlined application process with the introduction of the digital passport app.
