Get your passport before the rate increase!
Back in February 2010, the US Department of State proposed a rate increase for U.S. passport application services. Now, it looks like the passport rate hike is inevitable. For a first-time U.S. passport book for adults (age 16 and over) the rate will increase over 20%, from $110 to $135. For adult passport renewal (age 16 and over) the rates will increase 40%, up from $75 to $110. For a passport for minors (under age 16) the increase will go up more than 20%, from $85 to $105. The US Department of State has acknowledged that over the past five years, the demand for passports has increased. In the United States, there are an average of 15 million passport applications per year.
In addition to a rise in passport fees, the US Department of State has also proposed changes and increases to the fee schedule for consular services. The proposal includes an increase to the current $355 fee for all immigrant visas. The Department also plans to increase the immigrant visa security surcharge almost 70%, from $45 to $74.
And just in case you want to add more visa pages to your passport book, do it now while it’s still free. Under the proposed rate hike, it is going to cost $82.
Thinking about renouncing your U.S. citizenship? Do it soon as it costs nothing now, but the price tag is expected to go up to a hefty $450 if the proposal goes through.
With all of these increases to the cost of obtaining a passport, it is suggested that applicants take advantage of the rates as soon as possible to avoid the passport fee hike. If you do choose to submit your passport applications soon, an adult passport does not have to be renewed for another 10 years and the child passport is up for renewal after 5 years. Happy trails!
