Obama Administration Increases U.S. Passport Fees by 35% for International Travel

While middle class Americans may not have experienced direct tax increases yet, they are certainly paying more government fees to travel.

Managed by the Department of State, passports are required for individuals who wish to travel to nearly any destination outside the U.S. And, effective July 13, 2010, U.S. passport book fees are increasing as follows:

• $135 for first time adult passport applications
• $105 for first time minor passport applications
• $110 for adult passport renewal applications

Previous U.S. passport rates were as follows (last increased on February 1, 2008):

• $100 for first time adult passport applications
• $85 for first time minor passport applications
• $75 for adult passport renewal applications

This isn’t the only increase in federal agency fees collected from American travelers returning to the U.S. when traveling abroad.

On June 1, 2009, all travelers returning to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda were required to have a passport book other acceptable form of I.D., such as a Passport Card – a cheaper version of the passport that is only useful for return travel from countries.

That passport card – typically used by those who live in a U.S. border state – will increase to $55 for adults and $40 for minors.

Learn more about U.S. passports and visas.