Passport Fees in Maryland Set to Increase in 2022
Travel enthusiasts and vacation planners in Maryland may want to take note of an upcoming change that could affect their plans: passport fees are set to increase in 2022. The U.S. Department of State recently announced that passport application fees will be going up starting January 1st, 2022, as part of a larger effort to cover the actual cost of providing passport services.
The price of a standard adult passport book will increase from $110 to $130, with the execution fee (paid separately) also rising from $35 to $40. For those looking to renew their passport, the cost will go up from $110 to $140. The cost of a passport card, which can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, will also increase from $30 to $55 for adults.
The decision to raise passport fees comes after the Department of State conducted a review of the cost of passport services and found that the current fees do not cover the full cost of processing and issuing passports. The department estimates that the fee increase will generate an additional $302 million in revenue in 2022, which will help to offset the costs of providing passport services.
Many travelers in Maryland are already feeling the impact of the fee increase, with some expressing frustration at the additional cost. “I understand that the government needs to cover its expenses, but it’s tough for people like me who travel frequently and rely on having a valid passport,” said John, a frequent traveler from Baltimore. “The fee increase will definitely make me think twice about planning my next trip.”
In addition to the fee increase, the Department of State is also implementing a new fee structure for expedited passport processing. Currently, travelers can pay an additional $60 to expedite their passport application and receive it within 4-6 weeks. Under the new fee structure, expedited processing will cost $100 and applicants will receive their passport within 2-3 weeks.
For those who need their passport in a hurry, the expedited processing option may still be worth it despite the higher cost. However, some travelers worry that the increased fees will make it more difficult for low-income individuals and families to afford travel. “Passport fees are already a significant expense for many people, especially families with multiple members,” said Sarah, a mother of three from Annapolis. “The fee increase will make it even harder for us to plan trips and see the world.”
Despite the fee increase, there are some options available for travelers in Maryland to save money on passport services. One option is to apply for a passport card instead of a traditional passport book if you only plan to travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda by land or sea. Passport cards are cheaper than passport books and may be a good option for budget-conscious travelers.
Another option is to plan ahead and apply for or renew your passport before the fee increase goes into effect in January. As long as your current passport is set to expire within the next year, you can apply for a new one before the fee increase and still keep your existing expiration date. This can help you save money on passport fees in the long run.
Overall, the fee increase for passport services in Maryland and across the country is expected to have a significant impact on travelers. While the higher fees may make it more expensive to obtain a passport, many travelers will continue to prioritize travel and exploration. As the world opens up again and travel becomes easier, the cost of a passport may be a small price to pay for the opportunity to see new places and meet new people.
