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March 15, 2010 (San Diego) -- If you're planning to travel abroad or cross the Mexican border, you may want to apply now for your passport--since fees may go up substantially soon. Public comment on the fee increases ended March 9, and the County is awaiting the U.S. State Department’s decision to see if the increases will be implemented.
If approved, the adult passport book fee would increase from $100 to $135. The adult passport card fee would increase from $45 to $55. The minor passport book fee would increase from $85 to $105. The minor passport card fee would increase from $35 to $40.
“It’s a good time to apply for your passport now to get the lower rate. It can take a few weeks to get your passport, which is why you need to apply for your passport as soon as possible before traveling,” said Thomas Pastuszka, County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.
With the implementation of the second phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), travelers must have a passport to re-enter the U.S. when returning from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea ports-of-entry. The first phase of this initiative, which went into effect in 2007, required passports for re-entering the U.S. by air in those locations. The passport card is different from a passport book because it was designed to meet the requirements of the land and sea phase of the WHTI.
The passport card is valid in border communities where crossing the border is a daily occurrence. The passport card is not valid for international air travel. The passport card may only be used at U.S. and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. You will need a passport book for international air travel.
To apply for a passport book or passport card, visit the County Administration Center at 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402 in San Diego. Normally, it can take up to six weeks to receive your passport; however for an additional fee you can receive it within two to three weeks if you need to travel.
At the County, no appointment is necessary and parking is free for two hours. Passport photos are also available. Service is offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
For more information, visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov/cob/passport/index.html.
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