Passport application fees to increase next week

WASHINGTON - Passport fees will increase beginning Tuesday.

The fee for first-time adult passport applications is going up $35, from $100 to $135, according to the U.S. Department of State. For minors under age 16, fees will increase from $85 to $105.

For passport cards - which can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or seaports, but cannot be used for international travel by air - fees will increase from $45 to $55 for adults and from $35 to $40 for children.

Passport renewals for adults will go up from $75 to $110.

The new prices include the $25 execution fee charged by facilities that accept passport applications, such as post offices.

Why the increase? According to a State Department statement, demand for passports has risen over the past few years, with an expected 15 million to be issued in 2010. The agency needs more funds to churn out the books and assist Americans overseas, including those who lose their passports.

The passport book and passport card for adults are valid for 10 years. Passports for minors under age 16 are valid for five years.

- Combined news services