On June 28, 2010, the U.S. Department of State issued its interim final rule for increasing fees for U.S. passports and fees. These increases are scheduled to take effect on July 13, 2010.
Passport fee increases are as follows:
— Passport book for adult, increases from $75 to $110.
— Passport book for a minor (under 16) , increases from $60 to $80.
— Passport card, only used for crossing the U.S. border over land, for an adult, increases from $20 to $30.
— Passport card for a minor, increases from $10 to $15.
A new fee of $82 for adding more visa pages to a valid passport book is being imposed. Currently there has been no fee. Such pages are added by frequent travelers who obtain the standard 28-page passport book and need additional pages added to their valid passport for future trips requiring visas. However, when renewing or getting a new passport, applicants can request the larger book with 52 pages at no extra cost.
People with passport books expected to expire soon can renew at the lower rates by submitting their application by July 12th. NAPVS members are available to help citizens submit their renewal or new passport applications before the new fee increases take effect.
While the new fees will go into effect July 13th, the State Department has issued an interim final rule that allows for further comments to be submitted on or before August 27th.
Full details on all fee increases can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/news/news_5078.html.
Click on our site’s Get a Passport & Visa for a list of companies who can help secure an expedited passport.