Planning a vacation outside the United States this summer? You may want to apply for your U.S. Passport before April 2, when the U.S. State Department will increase new passport processing fees by $10.
Online appointments are now available at many Post Office locations around Arizona, making it convenient to set up a time to submit a passport application before next month’s price change.
Finding the nearest USPS passport acceptance location and making an appointment online is as easy as going to www.usps.com/passport, clicking on “Find a Post Office,” searching by city name or ZIP Code, then clicking on the “Schedule an Appointment” button on the facility of your choice.
The cost for a passport book is currently $135 for adults (16 years and older), with separate payments of $110 paid to the State Department for the passport application fee and $25 to the Postal Service for its processing fee. Set by the Department of State, the $25 fee will increase to $35, effective April 2. For persons under 16, the current cost is $105, with separate payments of $80 and $25 respectively.
The cost of passport cards for adults (16 years and older) is currently $55: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for the processing fee; and a $30 separate payment to the State Department for the passport application fee. The current passport card cost for those under 16 is $40: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $15 separate payment to the State Department for the passport application fee. Children under 16 must be accompanied by both parents when applying for a passport or passport card.
The Postal Service recommends travelers apply for a passport or passport card at least two months prior to trip departure and bring all required documentation for their appointment at the Post Office:
Identification (original and a copy), is required to prove U.S. citizenship, such as:
- Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state (Hospital-issued birth certificates are not acceptable)
- Consular report of birth abroad or birth certificate
- Naturalization certificate
- Certificate of citizenship
In addition, one current ID is required, such as:
- Naturalization certificate
- Valid driver's license
- Current government ID (city, state or federal)
- Current military ID (military and dependents)
The passport application also requires a recent passport photograph (2” x2”). Postal clerks also offer passport photo services for $15 per photo.
To make the process as quick as possible, applicants are strongly encouraged to print and complete their applications ahead of time by going online at usps.com/passport. Do not sign the application form in advance, as the passport acceptance clerk must witness the signing. All applications are sent to the U.S. State Department for final processing and approval.
In most cases, passport renewals do not require an in-person application process; full information is available at travel.state.gov.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
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