As of yesterday, December 27, the costs for United States passports have increased $20. On Twitter, the State Department announced that "The increased fee is necessary to ensure we continue to produce one of the most secure travel and identity documents in the world." The fee applies to both new passports and renewals.
A first-time adult passport now costs $165, which includes a $130 application fee and a $35 acceptance fee. Adult passport book renewals are $130, and a minor passport book for children under age 16 is $135 ($100 application fee and a $35 acceptance fee). The U.S. Department of State’s website provides a complete listing of all the new passport prices and fees.
If you’re planning to travel, applying early is recommended. According to the Department of State’s website, routine passport processing is eight to eleven weeks and expedited processing (for an additional $60) is five to seven weeks. Processing times begin the day your application is received at a passport agency or center, not the day you mail your application or apply for a passport at a local acceptance facility. Adults with 10-year passports can renew them by mail instead of appearing in person. The latest passport information and updates can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.