Quigley Urges Constituents to Get New Passports Before July 13th Fee Increases
WASHINGTON -- Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) urged 5th District residents to renew expiring passports before fee increases go into effect July 13, 2010.
"As families across my district have had to tighten their belts over the past months, this is an opportunity for some real savings," Quigley said. "A family of four can save $140 on new passports by applying now instead of waiting until after the increase, so it is important to act now."
The new fees for passports are as follows:
- $135 for a first-time U.S. passport book for adults (ages 16 and older). The present fee is $100.
- $110 for U.S. passport book renewal for adults. The present fee is $75.
- $105 for a U.S. passport book for minors (under age 16). The present fee is $85.
Fees for U.S. Passport cards will also increase. Passport cards can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry, but cannot be used for international air travel. Increases are as follows:
- $55 for first-time U.S. passport card for adults (ages 16 and older). The present fee is $45.
- $30 for a U.S. passport card for adults who have a fully valid U.S. passport issued within the last 15 years. The present fee is $20.
- $40 for a U.S. passport card for minors (under age 16). The present fee is $35.
Quigley's District Office is available to answer further questions and can be reached at 773/267-5926. You may also visit his Web site at www.quigley.house.gov for help with passport renewal as well as any other issue with a federal agency.
The State Department has announced that the cost increase for passports will cover operating expenses of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which provides services at 301 overseas consular posts, 23 domestic passport agencies and other centers. To download a passport application, visit https://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.