The Office of the Lieutenant Governor announces that fees for new passport applications and renewals will increase on Friday, February 1, 2008.  The U.S. State Department mandated rise in fees will support that agency’s ongoing effort to provide efficient and secure passport services.

Passport fees will increase from $97 to $100 for adults - classified as persons age 16 and older - and from $82 to $85 for children younger than 16.  Passport renewals, now $67, would cost $75.   Fees for expedited applications would increase as well, to $160 for adults, and $145 for children younger than 16.

Travelers may also apply for the passport card beginning on Friday.  The passport card cannot be used for air travel, and is only for use for travel by land and sea from the United States to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.   The passport card could be beneficial to regular ferry travelers between the territory and the British Virgin Islands.   Persons may apply for both the passport book and card, although card production is not expected to begin until Spring 2008.  

Another change taking effect Friday would require both parents to appear in person – or one parent in person with required documentation- when applying for a passport for a child under 16.  The current cutoff is age 14. 

Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis says changes to passport regulations are intended to create a safer travel environment for everyone. “Our changing world requires a greater effort on our parts to make sure that we all have proper documentation and identification, particularly when we travel,” Francis states.  He urges residents to begin the passport application process early and beat the rush that usually occurs in preparation for summer travel.