What To Know
- To ensure you have your passport in time for your trip, it’s recommended to start the passport renewal process at least 6 months before your departure date.
- The fees for a replacement passport are the same as for a renewal.
Planning an international trip? Don’t forget to check your passport’s validity. If your passport is expiring soon, you need to renew it to avoid any last-minute hassles. But how much will it cost you? In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about passport renewal prices, including when they go up and how to save money on the process.
Passport Renewal Fees
The cost of renewing a passport varies depending on the type of passport you have and the method of application. Here’s a breakdown of the current fees:
Book Passport:
- Regular processing (6-9 weeks): $130
- Expedited processing (2-3 weeks): $160
Card Passport:
- Regular processing (6-9 weeks): $60
- Expedited processing (2-3 weeks): $90
Fees for Additional Services:
- Rush processing (1-2 days): $60
- Passport photos: $15 per set
When Do Passport Renewal Prices Go Up?
Passport renewal prices are typically adjusted every 5 years. The last price increase was in December 2020. Based on this pattern, we can expect the next price increase to occur in late 2025 or early 2026.
Factors That Affect Passport Renewal Prices
Several factors can affect the cost of passport renewal, including:
- Type of passport: Book passports are more expensive than card passports.
- Processing time: Expedited processing costs more than regular processing.
- Additional services: Rush processing and passport photos are additional costs.
- Government fees: The government charges a fee for processing passport applications.
How to Save Money on Passport Renewal
Here are some tips to help you save money on passport renewal:
- Apply early: Avoid last-minute fees by applying for passport renewal well in advance of your trip.
- Consider a card passport: Card passports are less expensive than book passports.
- Use expedited processing only if necessary: Expedited processing costs more, so only use it if you need your passport quickly.
- Take your own passport photos: You can save money by taking your own passport photos instead of using a professional photographer.
- Check for discounts: Some government agencies and travel organizations offer discounts on passport renewal fees.
When to Start the Passport Renewal Process
To ensure you have your passport in time for your trip, it’s recommended to start the passport renewal process at least 6 months before your departure date. This will give you enough time to apply, receive your passport, and resolve any potential issues.
Other Important Considerations
In addition to the cost, there are other important considerations when renewing your passport:
- Validity: Passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16.
- Lost or stolen passports: If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement passport. The fees for a replacement passport are the same as for a renewal.
- Name changes: If you have changed your name since your last passport was issued, you will need to provide documentation of your name change when you apply for renewal.
Wrapping Up
Passport renewal is an essential step in preparing for international travel. By understanding the costs and factors that affect passport renewal prices, you can plan accordingly and save money on the process. Remember to start the renewal process early and consider the other important considerations outlined in this blog post.
Answers to Your Questions
1. How much does it cost to renew a passport?
The cost of renewing a passport varies depending on the type of passport and the processing time. See the “Passport Renewal Fees” section for a breakdown of the current fees.
2. When do passport renewal prices go up?
Passport renewal prices are typically adjusted every 5 years. The last price increase was in December 2020. Based on this pattern, we can expect the next price increase to occur in late 2025 or early 2026.
3. How can I save money on passport renewal?
You can save money on passport renewal by applying early, considering a card passport, using expedited processing only if necessary, taking your own passport photos, and checking for discounts.
4. When should I start the passport renewal process?
To ensure you have your passport in time for your trip, it’s recommended to start the passport renewal process at least 6 months before your departure date.
5. What happens if my passport is lost or stolen?
If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement passport. The fees for a replacement passport are the same as for a renewal.
