Starting July 13, 2021, the U.S. Department of State has increased the execution fee for passport applications from $35 to $40. This fee is charged to applicants who are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time, including children and individuals who are replacing a lost or stolen passport.
The execution fee covers the cost of verifying and authenticating the applicant’s identity, as well as processing and submitting the application to the U.S. government. It is separate from the application fee, which varies depending on the type of passport being applied for and the applicant’s age.
The increase in the execution fee comes as part of the State Department’s effort to cover the costs associated with issuing passports. According to the State Department, the previous fee of $35 was not sufficient to cover the cost of processing passport applications, leading to a deficit in the passport operations fund.
The State Department has stated that the increase in the execution fee will allow the agency to continue providing efficient and secure passport services to U.S. citizens. Passport applicants are encouraged to be aware of the new fee and make the necessary adjustments when applying for a passport.
In addition to the execution fee increase, the State Department has also introduced a new option for passport applicants to purchase a wallet-sized passport card in addition to the traditional passport book. The passport card is a convenient and portable form of identification that can be used for domestic travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
The passport card is available for an additional fee and can be purchased at the same time as the passport book or at a later date. It is a cost-effective option for individuals who do not anticipate traveling internationally but still want a form of identification that is recognized by U.S. customs and border protection.
Overall, the changes to the execution fee and the introduction of the passport card reflect the State Department’s commitment to providing efficient and secure passport services to U.S. citizens. Applicants are encouraged to stay informed about the latest updates and fees associated with passport applications to avoid any delays or misunderstandings in the process.
As the demand for passports continues to increase, it is important for individuals to be prepared and informed about the fees and requirements involved in obtaining a U.S. passport. By staying up to date on the latest changes and options available, applicants can ensure a smooth and successful application process.
