Everyone is talking about inflation these days, from gas to food to housing, and guess what, here is something else to add to the list. The State Department has announced that U.S. citizens should expect to pay $20 more for a US passport book. Why the increase in price you may ask? The increased fee is necessary to ensure that the State Department can continue to produce what is seen as one of the most secure travel documents in the world. The increased cost of border security, providing secure book and card materials, and enhanced passport printers, including fraud prevention.
The “Next Generation Passport” (NGP) will contain new security features such as a polycarbonate data page, new artwork, and ink colors, as well as perforated alphanumeric passport numbers printed throughout the book. Several factors go into the cost calculation, including the type of passport you need, whether you are renewing or getting your first one, and how fast you need it. The fee increase does not impact passport cards. Passport cards are not valid for international air travel but allows individuals to travel by land and by sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
With the new fee, a first-time adult passport book comes out to $165, comprising of a $130 application fee and a $35 acceptance fee. The price for renewing an adult passport is now $135. A minor under age 16 will now pay $135. Children under the age of 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or guardians. Remember passports are required for Cruise vacations and Europe Tours.
The State Department currently states routine processing of passport applications takes 8 to 11 weeks, and expedited processing is taking about 5 to 7 weeks with an additional fee of $60. Processing times begin when a passport agency has received an application, not the date on which an application is shipped. Therefore, if requesting an expedited processing time, the date is when the application was shipped, not when received by the processing center.
Mail is the standard way to get a passport, but President Joe Bidden signed an executive order instructing government agencies to develop systems that provide more efficient customer service. So eventually, current passport holders will be able to renew their passports online.
Make sure to check if there are any Covid vaccine mandates or requirements for the country that you are visiting. There are easy ways to turn your Covid Card into a vaccine passport which will make traveling easier.
