State Department increases US passport “book” by $20 for all customers

Erie County, NY- As the Erie County Clerk’s Office is an approved official Passport Application Acceptance Agent of the United States Passport Service I want to make the traveling public aware that the U.S. State Department has increased first-time or replacement adult passport fees by $20. The increased fee is necessary to ensure that the Passport Agency continues to produce one of the most secure travel and identity documents in the world. 

So how much will a passport cost you in total? There are a number of factors that go into the cost calculation, including the type of passport you want, whether you're renewing or getting your first one, and how fast you need to obtain your travel document. With the new fee, the cost of a first-time adult passport book comes out to $165, comprising of a $130 application fee and a $35 acceptance fee. The price for renewing an adult passport book now totals $130. The price for a minor passport book for those under age 16 is now $135, consisting of a $100 application fee and a $35 acceptance fee. Passport photos can be taken on-site and are available for $10. 

According to the State Department, the turnaround time for a standard passport renewal currently can take up to 11 weeks. For $60 more, an expedited renewal application can take up to 6 weeks. As processing times can change at any time so it is important that you check the status of your passport application online at travel.state.gov.  

That said, there are numerous reasons for processing delays such as unprecedented mail volume and agency application centers throughout the country are limiting in-person services due to COVID-19 cases. Additionally, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Both a valid U.S. passport book and the passport card meet the new security standard that goes into effect May 3, 2023. 

The Erie County Clerk’s Office is now open to the public and applicants can apply for a passport card, passport book or both at Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo or the County Clerk’s Outreach Center, 1088 Union Road, West Seneca next to the Auto Bureau in the Southgate Plaza Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm.

Payment must be in the form of check or money order. No cash or credit cards can be accepted.  A certified copy of birth certificate and proof of identity such as a valid New York State driver’s license or non-driver identification card is required in order for any application to be accepted.

Current passport holders with less than 6 months validity remaining on their travel document(s) must follow the instructions on how to renew their passport by mail at travel.state.gov/passports. Renewal applications must be done by mail and cannot be completed through the County Clerk’s Office. Passport Renewal Applications are to be submitted by the individual applicant and mailed to the address on the Renewal Application Form. 

Passport applications, a list of all required documents, and detailed breakdown of the new fee schedule are available by visiting erie.gov/passports or by contacting the Erie County Clerk’s Outreach Center at (716) 858-8864.