The Cost of Renewing Your US Passport Has Increased
If you are a US citizen looking to renew your passport, you may be surprised to find that the price has increased. In recent years, the cost of renewing a US passport has gone up, leaving many people wondering why and how they can save money on this essential travel document.
The US passport renewal price has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with the most recent increase occurring in 2021. The price for renewing a passport now stands at $130 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. This price includes both the application fee and the execution fee, which covers the cost of processing and mailing the passport.
The price increase can be attributed to a number of factors, including inflation, rising costs of passport production, and increased security measures. The State Department, which oversees passport services, has stated that the price increase is necessary to cover the cost of providing high-quality passport services to US citizens.
While the price of renewing a US passport may seem steep to some, there are ways to save money on this essential document. One option is to apply for a passport renewal by mail, which can save you the $35 execution fee that is charged for in-person applications at passport acceptance facilities. By applying by mail, you can renew your passport for just $130, saving yourself some money in the process.
Another way to save money on renewing your US passport is to take advantage of passport renewal services offered by third-party companies. These companies can help you navigate the passport renewal process and may even be able to offer discounted rates on passport renewal fees. However, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable company to ensure that your passport renewal is processed in a timely and secure manner.
In addition to saving money on the renewal process itself, there are other ways to cut costs when it comes to your US passport. For example, you can opt for a passport card instead of a passport book, which is cheaper and can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. This can be a cost-effective option for travelers who do not plan on flying internationally.
Overall, while the cost of renewing a US passport has increased in recent years, there are ways to save money on this essential travel document. By applying for a passport renewal by mail, using third-party passport renewal services, or opting for a passport card instead of a passport book, you can renew your passport without breaking the bank. Make sure to plan ahead and renew your passport before it expires to avoid any last-minute rushes and additional fees.
