Looks like inflation is also hitting government fees.
This week, the U.S. State Department announced that the cost of a passport will go up by 13%.
Beginning December 27, a new passport book that previously cost $145 for adults over the age of 16 will jump $20 in price to $165.
The cost is also increasing for children under 16, going from $115 to $135.
Passport renewal rates rise from $110 to $130.
The State Department did not announce a fee increase for passport cards, which function in fewer travel situations.
In a tweet, the U.S. State Department implied that the increased charges were due to rising security costs: "The increased fee is necessary to ensure we continue to produce one of the most secure travel and identity documents in the world."
But there is a silver lining. Last week, the Biden administration announced that it will streamline a variety of government services, including passport renewals. If those promises are kept, in the not-too-distant future travelers will be allowed to renew passports online—no more having to print out forms, head to the post office, or mail checks. It's about time, don't you think?
