Expect Fee Hikes for U.S. Passports

(Dive Travel Business News - March 19, 2010) -- Give your travel clients needing a new passport a heads up - The U.S. State Department recently proposed an increase in the cost of new passports (up from $100 to $135) and passport renewals (up from $75 to $110). The U.S. Passport Book and U.S. Passport Card for adults are valid for 10 years.

The proposed schedule of fees for passport application services is as follows:

• Total Cost: $135 for a first-time U.S. Passport Book for adults (age 16 and over)
• Total Cost: $110 for U.S. Passport Book renewal (age 16 and over only)  
• Total Cost: $105 for a U.S. Passport Book for minors (under age 16)
• Total Cost: $55 for a first-time U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over)
• Total Cost: $30 for a U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over) who currently hold a fully valid U.S. Passport
• Total Cost: $40 for a U.S. Passport Card for minors (under age 16)
• Total Cost: $82 for additional visa pages
• The fee for expedited service will remain $60.

The proposed passport “Schedule of Fees” is based on a Cost of Service Study conducted in June 2009. Passport application fees are used to cover the cost to produce a document and, also cover the costs of providing emergency services for American citizens overseas in crisis situations, such as the current earthquake disaster in Haiti.

"Fees also fund the technology behind fraud prevention initiatives that protect the United States passport," the State Department says.

The public will be notified of the date the new fees will go into effect.

By Travel Agent Central

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