St. Joseph County Clerk Pattie Bender reports that passport fees are expected to increase.
In a new release on the subject, Bender said, “We were notified on February 22, 2010 by the U.S. Passport Office that fees will be increasing. There is no firm date set yet as they have to have a 30 day comment period first. That time period began on February 9, 2010.”
According to Bender, a “Cost of Service” study was conducted in June of 2009 and the results indicated that the fees should increase. The last fee increase was four years ago.
The proposed fee increase for the regular passport book increases from $75 to $110, plus the $25 processing fee that is retained by the agent with whom you apply. And, for minors it will increase from $60 to $80 plus $25. The proposed fee increase for the passport cards increases from $20 to $30 plus $25; and for minors from $10 to $15 plus $25.
Bender said, “Please keep this in mind if you have been putting off making your application. Again, we do not have a date certain yet when they will increase, but it certainly appears that they will in the not so distant future.”
According to Bender, the notice also indicated that passport fees are used not only to cover the costs of producing a passport book or card, but they are used to cover the costs of providing emergency services for American citizens overseas in crisis situations; along with helping Americans who have been the victims of crime while traveling or living abroad; and providing support to the families of American citizens who have died overseas.
Bender said, “You may apply at the County Clerk’s Office located on the 2nd floor of the historic Courthouse in Centreville from the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except holidays. We take your passport photos for an additional $6. Other items you will need to bring are a certified copy of your birth certificate recorded within 1 year of your birth or previous passport, checkbook and driver license.”
If you have any questions, call the County Clerk’s office weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (269) 467-5603.
Source: News release from St. Joseph County Clerk Pattie Bender
