The U.S. State Department announced Monday (Dec. 20) that beginning Monday, Dec. 27, fees are going to go up for passports – raising the price of each $20 for its “security surcharge fee.”
Passports book prices vary by age. Travelers 16 and old applying for the first time will see the fee increase from $145 to $165. Travelers 16 and older renewing their passport book will see the fee increase from $110 to $130. Travelers under age 16 will see an increase from $115 to $135.
In a release explaining the fee change, the State Department said, “the increased fee is necessary to ensure we continue to produce one of the most secure travel and identity documents in the world.”
Processing times on passports hit an all-time high of 18 weeks during the summer as travel restrictions around the world loosened up. The processing time has dropped since, but still is eight to 11 weeks.
For those with questions about this change, contract Wright County’s Office of Finance and Taxpayer Services at (763) 682-7574.