Passport Fees in Washington State Set to Increase
Washington state residents looking to renew or apply for a new passport will soon have to dig a little deeper into their wallets as passport fees are set to increase in the coming months. The U.S. Department of State recently announced the fee increase, citing the need to cover the rising costs of processing passport applications and maintaining the security of the passport issuance process.
The current passport fee for a standard adult passport book is $110, with an additional $35 processing fee. The total cost for a standard adult passport book is currently $145. However, starting on April 2, 2022, the passport fee will increase to $165, with the processing fee remaining at $35, making the total cost for a standard adult passport book $200.
The fee increase will also apply to other types of passports, including passport cards, which are used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The fee for a passport card will increase from $30 to $45, while the fee for both a passport book and card will increase from $140 to $175.
The fee increase comes as no surprise to many Washington residents, as passport fees have steadily increased over the years. In 2010, the fee for a standard adult passport book was $75, and it has since more than doubled to its current cost of $145. The last fee increase occurred in 2018 when the fee for a standard adult passport book increased from $135 to $145.
The U.S. Department of State defends the fee increase by pointing out that the cost of processing passport applications has risen due to inflation and increased security measures. The State Department also notes that the fee increase will bring passport fees in line with the actual cost of issuing a passport.
However, many Washington residents are not pleased with the fee increase, arguing that it places an unfair burden on individuals and families who need passports for travel. With travel restrictions easing and more people eager to explore the world after the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing of the fee increase has also been criticized.
“I understand that there are costs associated with processing passports, but increasing the fee to $200 is excessive, especially for families who need multiple passports,” says Seattle resident Sarah Thompson. “It feels like just another way for the government to squeeze money out of us.”
The fee increase has also sparked debate among lawmakers in Washington state, with some calling for more transparency in how passport fees are set and whether there are alternative ways to cover the costs of passport processing. State Senator Mark Johnson has proposed legislation that would require the U.S. Department of State to justify any future fee increases and provide a breakdown of how the fees are used.
“We need to ensure that the passport fee increases are reasonable and necessary, and that they are not creating an unnecessary financial burden on Washington residents,” says Senator Johnson. “We also need to explore other options for funding passport processing to lessen the impact on individuals and families.”
In the meantime, Washington residents are advised to plan ahead if they need to renew or apply for a new passport in the coming months. With the fee increase set to take effect on April 2, 2022, obtaining a passport sooner rather than later can help save money for those who are able to do so.
It is important to note that the fee increase only applies to passport fees and does not affect other travel-related expenses, such as airline tickets, accommodations, and other travel essentials. However, for many Washington residents, the increased cost of obtaining a passport may impact their travel plans and budgets.
As the deadline for the fee increase approaches, Washington residents are encouraged to stay informed about any updates or changes to the passport application process. Whether traveling for leisure or business, having a valid passport is essential for international travel, and ensuring that all necessary fees are paid on time can help avoid delays or complications in obtaining a passport.
Ultimately, the fee increase for passport fees in Washington state highlights the ongoing challenges and considerations that come with international travel. While the cost of obtaining a passport may be increasing, the value of being able to explore the world and experience new cultures remains priceless for many Washington residents.
