Beginning January 2022, Texas residents seeking to apply for or renew their passports will have to contend with increased fees. The United States Department of State recently announced a fee hike for passports which will impact Texans who are planning international travel in the coming months. The fee increase affects both the passport book and the passport card, with price adjustments for various categories of applicants.
The cost of a first-time adult passport book will increase from $145 to $165, while a renewal adult passport book will go up from $110 to $130. For minors under the age of 16, the price of a passport book will increase from $115 to $135 for first-time applicants and $80 to $100 for renewals. In addition to the passport book fees, there will also be increases for passport cards, which are a more affordable alternative for those who only plan to travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. The price of a first-time adult passport card will increase from $65 to $85, and a renewal adult passport card will go up from $30 to $50. For minors under 16, the cost of a passport card will increase from $50 to $70 for first-time applicants and $15 to $35 for renewals.
The fee hike comes as the State Department grapples with a backlog of passport applications that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of Americans are seeking to obtain or renew their passports as international travel resumes, leading to longer processing times and delays. In an effort to address the backlog and improve customer service, the State Department has increased its fees to hire more staff, improve technology, and enhance security measures for passport processing.
While the fee increase may come as a disappointment to Texans looking to travel abroad, it is important to understand the reasons behind the price adjustment. The State Department is responsible for issuing passports, which are not only a travel document but also a vital form of identification for US citizens. The fees collected from passport applications help fund the operations of the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, which oversees passport services and provides assistance to Americans traveling or living abroad.
Despite the fee hike, obtaining a passport is still relatively affordable compared to other travel expenses. The cost of a passport book or card is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors, making it a cost-effective investment for frequent travelers. In addition, the convenience and peace of mind that comes with having a passport ready for international travel are invaluable for those who wish to explore the world and experience different cultures.
For Texans who are concerned about the price increase, there are a few options available to help mitigate the impact. One option is to apply for a passport now before the fee hike takes effect in January 2022. By submitting your application early, you can lock in the current fees and avoid paying the higher prices. Another option is to consider applying for a passport card instead of a passport book if you only plan to travel to countries within the Western Hemisphere. The passport card is a more affordable alternative that can still be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.
Overall, the fee increase for passport services is a necessary step to improve the efficiency and security of the State Department’s passport processing. While it may be inconvenient for some Texans, the price adjustment is in line with the cost of providing quality and reliable passport services to US citizens. As international travel resumes and more Americans seek to explore the world, having a passport is essential for experiencing new adventures and creating lasting memories.
