Passport Prices Going Up

[fdlacey]

I don't know if this is the right board to post this on, but I was at the post office today and found out that prices on passports were going up on March 8th. Actually, it seems that they are going to start charging a new $12 security fee starting on March 8. While it isn't a lot more, it prompts me to get my passport early. I also had a question. I have a passport that was issued for me to live abroad as a military dependant. Upon our return to the states it was canceled. I was wondering if I could use that to do a mail renewal. I called the passport office and they said it would be okay. Then, I talked to our local passport office and they said that I couldn't do that. Has anyone else dealt with this situation? I would hate to mail off all of the required paperwork just to be told that I couldn't do it by mail. Thanks in advance for your help!:)

[Golfgrl1911]

My next door neighbor's husband won a trip to Ireland in 4 weeks. They decided to get the expedited (or quickie) passports. $172.00 Per Person!! Yikes!!:eek:

[CDRMark]

Renewal of a U.S. Passport
You can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

Cheers
MarkB

[JDee]

Our passports expire in a few months, and when picking up recent cruise tickets, TA was kind enough to download the required renewal apps. Here's some info from the forms:

FOR INFORMATION, QUESTIONS, AND INQUIRIES:

Please visit our website at www.travel.state.gov (http://www.travel.state.gov/) In addition, contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) toll-free at 1-877-487-2779 (TDD: 1-888-874-7793) or by e-mail at NPIC@state.gov Customer Service Representatives are available M-F 8AM-8PM EST (excluding federal holidays).
Automated information is available 24/7.

====================================

Per the form, will need (1) Your most recent U.S.Passport; (2) A marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed; (3) Passport processing fee of $55; (4) Two recent, color, identical photographs.

Will have to check out that site myself before mailing re the posting of additional $12.00 security fee.

Hope this helps.....

Happy cruising......

[jhannah]

Will have to check out that site myself before mailing re the posting of additional $12.00 security fee.
I didn't see this fee mentioned.

[JDee]

My next door neighbor's husband won a trip to Ireland in 4 weeks. They decided to get the expedited (or quickie) passports. $172.00 Per Person!! Yikes!!:eek:

They must have used some 3rd party to obtain those passports. Regular fee of $55.00, add'l expited of $60.00, only total $115.00. That service says requests will be processed in 3 workdays.

However, if you desire Special Postage Service, such as overnight, special delivery, etc., have to include the appropriate fees. Guess it all adds up when you also have to add the cost of the photos....

Happy cruising....

[MizzCard]

I have a passport that was issued for me to live abroad as a military dependant. Upon our return to the states it was canceled. I was wondering if I could use that to do a mail renewal.

My passport was military dependent issued, and only valid for 5 years. Mine was never cancelled upon return to CONUS, but I did just use it for a renewal. As long as the old passport isn't older than 15 years, you can renew by mail (the post office has the form) Was only $55 for the renewed passport and $10 for the local photo shop to do the pics. Took only two weeks to recieve the new passport and they returned my old one, stamped "cancelled " and holes punched in it.

[ekerr19]

The time is quickly approaching when a passport will be required for all travel. To me, it makes no sense not to have a current passport - having one and keeping it up to date prevents having to pay expedited fees and such when one is needed.

I think people should have them for their kids as well. I can't imagine carrying around birth certificates etc. JMHO.

Also, an additinal $15 security fee does not bother me - I just haven't been able to find it on the website...

[fdlacey]

Thanks for your help! I went ahead and mailed out my renewal form today. Thankfully, I have plenty of time before my cruise so I'm not too worried about them taking a long time. I checked out the Department of State web site and didn't see anything about the security fee being added on March 8th, either. Maybe it is just a Utah thing? That would seem odd because they are federal, not state documents. I apologize if it isn't the new policy nationwide. I just know our local post office is making a big deal about it. Thanks again for all of your replies and help!

[Himself]

My passport goes out in one month. I think I will renew today!!!!!

[richnorto]

I hate that!!! I just got my renewal because I couldn't find my Birth Certificate. It only took 18 days out of LA, but I told my husband and 3 kids to hold off because they would have to send off the only BC they own and we cruise in March. I would hate for them to sit home while I cruise SOLO! My darn BC replacement out of CA took over 3 weeks! I was going to have my family do passports the end of march when we return. If this is the case, it will cost a fortune to get 4 passports! More so than it has in the past!!! Dumb commentary - and from a Republican besides, but I hardly think the Government should charge sooo much for us to prove we are citizens. It's all computerized and to pay USPS $45 or so to local office $65 (+15?) to US Gov. I'm sorry, ...ripoff!!!:(

[MizzCard]

I hate that!!! I just got my renewal because I couldn't find my Birth Certificate. It only took 18 days out of LA, but I told my husband and 3 kids to hold off because they would have to send off the only BC they own and we cruise in March. I would hate for them to sit home while I cruise SOLO! My darn BC replacement out of CA took over 3 weeks! I was going to have my family do passports the end of march when we return. If this is the case, it will cost a fortune to get 4 passports! More so than it has in the past!!! Dumb commentary - and from a Republican besides, but I hardly think the Government should charge sooo much for us to prove we are citizens. It's all computerized and to pay USPS $45 or so to local office $65 (+15?) to US Gov. I'm sorry, ...ripoff!!!:(

What in the world are you talking about? Your fee doesn't go to the USPS for a passport. If you're not new to these boards, you knew when you booked your cruise that most folks here recommends a passport, could've saved yourself a lot of $$ at one time....since kids passports for those under 16 are good for only 5 years, the price is less....and what's with the Republican remark?

[fdlacey]

I just called the passport office because I had a question about the processing of my passport. While I was talking to them I asked about the $12 security fee. He said that it was truly going to be added starting on March 8, but anytime before that it was still the same $55. The new fee is to cover the new way that they are processing the passports. I guess one of the new features is that they will no longer mail your passport in regular mail, but will use a safer alternative. So, it seems that the new fee will be $55 plus the $12 for a renewal. Or, it will be $55 plus the $30 execution fee plus the $12 for a new passport. Hopefully, this will help to clear things up!

[richnorto]

I did have write a check to USPS for $45.00 and another seperate check to US Gov. for the actual passport.:( I guess I didn't realize there was a way to bypass USPS. I will research this for the rest of the family. The reason we didn't have passports before was - just simply- procrastination. Booked cruise only a month ago. Going to have a great time though!!!:)

[Sierrachik]

I did have write a check to USPS for $45.00 and another seperate check to US Gov. for the actual passport.:( I guess I didn't realize there was a way to bypass USPS. I will research this for the rest of the family. The reason we didn't have passports before was - just simply- procrastination. Booked cruise only a month ago. Going to have a great time though!!!:)

What you paid was an "agent" fee of sorts. Unless you go directly to the few passport offices you generally will pay a fee. We did ours at our town office, they took the picture and processed the application. Their fee was $10 for the pic and $30 for processing the application.

Have a lovely cruise! :):)