As you have probably heard in the news, the U.S. Department of State is proposing an increase in passport fees. The proposed schedule is as follows:

$135 for a first-time U.S. Passport Book for adults (age 16 and over)
$110 for U.S. Passport Book renewal (age 16 and over only)
$105 for a U.S. Passport Book for minors (under age 16)
$55 for a first-time U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over)
$30 for a U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over) who currently hold a fully valid U.S. Passport
$40 for a U.S. Passport Card for minors (under age 16)
$82 for additional visa pages

*The fee for expedited passport service will remain $60.

The State Department has stated in press releases and on their website that the fees are not just used to process passports but also to assist American citizens in emergency situations overseas. The money is also allocated to invest in fraud protection and expand passport infrastructure and services.

These fees are a significant increase from the present. (A current new adult passport is $100; Renewal is $75; Additional visa pages are free.) If you have been considering obtaining or renewing your passport, it is recommended to do so as soon as possible. No formal date has been released by the State Department on when these changes will be implemented.