Congressman Gerry Connolly recommends that Northern Virginia residents planning to apply for first-time passports or renew expiring passports before the State Department increases fees on July 13. 

“Passport fees will increase substantially on July 13,” Connolly said.  “A family of four can save $140 on new passports by applying now instead of waiting until after the increase goes into effect.”

The new fees for U.S. passports are:

• $135 for a first-time U.S. passport for adults (ages 16 and older). The current fee is $100.
• $110 for U.S. passport renewal for adults. The current fee is $75.
• $105 for a U.S. passport for minors (under age 16). The current 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. 

The new fees for U.S. passport cards are:

• $55 for first-time U.S. passport card for adults (ages 16 and older). The current fee is $45.
• $30 for a U.S. passport card for adults who have a valid U.S. passport issued within the last 15 years. The current fee is $20.
• $40 for a U.S. passport card for minors (under age 16). The current fee is $35.

Residents of Virginia’s 11th Congressional District can call Connolly’s District Offices in Annandale (703-256-3071) or Woodbridge (703-670-4989) with any questions.

The State Department administratively implemented the cost increase for U.S. passports to cover operating expenses of its 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 http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.