State Department Increases Passport Application and Renewal Fees

passport • Dec 31, 2021

12/31/2022

This week, the U.S. State Department announced a $20 increase in application and renewal fees for all U.S. passports. If you’re planning on traveling abroad anytime soon, you should check the status of your passport. If it’s time to renew, or, you’re applying for your first passport, be prepared—just like everything else these days, it will take longer—and cost more than it did before.

Here are the new fees, as well as some advice on expediting your application if you have an urgent need.

2021-2022 Passport Fee Schedule

Adult Applicants (Over 16)

First-time Passport Book: $165
First-time Passport Card: $65
First-time Book & Card: $195
Card only: $30

First time Adult passport applicant fees

Adult Renewals (Over 16)

Passport Book: $130
Passport Card: $30
Book & Card: $160

Minor Applicants (Under 16)

Passport Book: $135
Passport Card: $50
Book & Card: $150

How Long Does a Passport Renewal Take?

Typically, passport renewal can take up 8 to 12 weeks. This is why the State Department suggests renewal long before you need to travel—ideally six months or more.

In the off-season, you may have your passport in a few short weeks. Not now. Due to the dramatic increase in renewal applications, you will likely be waiting over four months for your passport.

What If You Can't Wait?

If you have plans that fall within the 18-week window, you can still expedite your passport, but it's going to cost you.

Expedite Fees

Adult Passport Book: $225
Minor Passport Book: $195
1-2 day delivery: $17.65
File search fee*: $150
*When an applicant cannot provide proof of U.S. citizenship

If you would like to expedite the processing time and pay for 1-2 day shipping, it will bring the total up to $242.56 for an adult passport book and $212.65 for minor.

If you are leaving the country within 72 hours (and have proof), or you have a life-or-death situation and need to renew your passport, you must make an appointment at a Passport Acceptance Facility.

These facilities charge additional fees which may also increase the total cost. If you need to pursue this option, understand that there are only a couple dozen facilities in the entire U.S.

What Other Options Do You Have?

Sometimes the most grueling part about renewing your passport is making your way to the post office and wait in the 3-day long line (slight exaggeration). Skip is here to help! With our door-to-door passport renewal service, you choose the date that works best for you. We will come to your door, take your picture, help you fill everything out, and renew it for you.

To be clear, we cannot jump the line nor ensure that your passport will arrive before the 18 weeks or 12 weeks for expedited renewal. What we can do is save you time and the hassle of going to the post office.

📌Pro-tips: Check every country's vaccination and testing requirements before your trip. Download the Skip app and let us assist you with your TSA PreCheck enrollment.

Ramona d'Viola

Ramona d’Viola is an award-winning journalist and photographer, avid cyclist, Marine Corps vet, and frequent contributor to business and lifestyle publications throughout North America.