If any American citizen has plans to travel outside the U.S., either a passport or a passport card is a necessity, according to the WHTI laws enacted in 2009.
As of July 13, 2010, the fees for these pieces of travel identification will change. These increased fees cover both regular passports and the passport cards.
New Fees for U.S. Passports
The cost of obtaining a new regular passport will jump from the current rate of $100 to $135 for adults. Those 15 and under obtaining a new passport will pay $105 instead of the current rate of $85.
Those renewing a passport will find rates increased from $75 to $110.
Travelers wishing to add pages to an existing passport that has two to four pages remaining blank will pay $82 under the new rates. This had been a free service.
All of the new prices include a $25 execution fee. The fee to expedite services remains an additional $60.
New Fees for U.S. Passport Cards
Passport cards are different from regular passports in that they only allow Americans to travel by land or sea to the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico. They do not allow full international travel or any travel outside of the U.S. by air.
Under the new fee requirements, a newly issued passport card will now cost $55 for adults, instead of $45. For children 15 and younger, passport cards will cost $40 instead of $35.
What This Means for Budget Travelers
The new fees represent an increase in price of 35% for a first-time adult passport and a 46.6% increase on a renewal. That's not to mention that the newly instituted fee for additional pages almost penalizes frequent travelers.
However, looking at the big picture, a passport still remains one of the best investments in a travel budget. Not only does it allow you to explore beyond U.S. borders, but having one on hand allows a traveler the freedom to take advantage of last minute international sales and travel deals.
How to Apply for a U.S. Passport
Applications for a U.S. passport must be done in person if:
- You are applying for your first U.S. passport or
- You are under age 16 or
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16 or
- Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged or
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago or
- Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change.
Proof of U.S. citizenship and two passport-quality photos must be provided with the application. These photographs can be taken at places like the photo departments of most major discount pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, etc,), for a fee. Some motor clubs like AAA/CAA also offer passport photos for free to their members.
For complete details about passport applications, including instructions, rules, restrictions and places to apply, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
Join the Conversation