Part of the travel process with clients is ensuring that passports are current or renewed in ample time before traveling due to processing delays. The US Department of State has experienced months of backlog in which passport applications were taking up to 18 weeks to process and mail out (12 weeks for processing and up to six weeks for mailing). Currently, the routine processing time is 8 to 11 weeks, and expedited processing (for an additional $60) is 5 to 7 weeks.
In an effort to ensure secure travel and identity documents and hopefully better processing times, the State Department today has increased the cost of passport documents by $20.
Fees are now:
Adult – $165
Children under 16 – $135
Expedited service is $60 and a 1-2 days delivery is an additional $17.56.
Currently, the most convenient way to renew a passport is by mail, which can be used by travelers who were at least 16 years old when they got their last passport. To renew by mail, the passport must be undamaged and have been issued in the last 15 years.
Remember that some countries require travelers to have passports with at least six months of remaining validity as an entry requirement. Before booking a trip check the countries requirements and your passport expiration date.
Interestingly, travelers may be able to renew their passports entirely online after an executive was signed requiring the government to design a new digital system. The new order is expected to take six to 12 months to implement.
Interestingly, travelers may be able to renew their passports entirely online after an executive was signed requiring the government to design a new digital system. The new order is expected to take six to 12 months to implement.
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