Vent -- Why are passports so expensive??

[dex08]

They're good for 10 years (except the kids' passports). I don't think it's that bad.

I agree!

The fee for an adult passport is $110 + $25 execution fee for first time applications. This turns out to be only $13.50 per year (it's good for 10).

For renewals it's only $140 so $14 per year isn't bad either!

 

[BLAZEY]

I don't know about the US passport fees, but in Canada we pay $87 for an adult passport which is valid for 5yrs. I know part of that fee is to pay for Consular and Embassy Services abroad. It is part of the breakdown of the total fee.

 

[bumbershoot]

Anyone who is traveling with a child and both parents are not present should be prepared to provide documents. You might be asked, and you might not. But you sure don't want to be in the situation where you are asked and don't have the documents.

Agreed!

They cost money because of the salaries paid to the people who do the check and the work to issue it to you. They are not volunteers. I think the price is reasonable.

I agree with that as well. It's painful to put out the price for more than one at a time, but ultimately it's well worth it. We had renewed DH's b/c of a job he had taken (and got to pay to express it the entire way!), but mine was about to be unrenewable (they are good for 10 years, but you can wait another 5 to renew it, and I was within a week or so of that 15 year mark) when we found out about the price changes a year or so ago. So we bought two when we didn't even expect to get one! Ouch! But just having the passports makes me happy.

We are thinking of going out of the states in 3 years for our DD's 16th Birthday. I told my DH that starting in about a year we'll start getting our passports and that way it will stagger the expense and we won't have that expense for me, DH, DS and DD all at once.

I personally would rather just put that money into a savings account and not touch it until it's time to buy them all. Why? Because it would feel like a bigger waste to buy a passport 2 years before I even plan to travel, especially when you're talking about a kid's passport that doesn't even last the 10 years of an adult passport. And the 16 thing would make me crazy, because that's when they can get an adult passport so hers wouldn't even be good for the whole 5 years...

They are #1 because they are valid any where is the world.

Yep. ANY passport is the #1 ID, not just America's, which is what I think the pp that said it was #1 meant.

 

[ilovemk76]

Yep. ANY passport is the #1 ID, not just America's, which is what I think the pp that said it was #1 meant.

I was the PP who said they were the #1 ID. The reply of mine you quoted was in reply to anothe poster who implied they can't be #1 because other ID are more common. I tried to explain why they are #1. It was in acceptance not in volume that they are #1. I am glad you understood what I said.

 

[wvjules]

We are thinking of going out of the states in 3 years for our DD's 16th Birthday. I told my DH that starting in about a year we'll start getting our passports and that way it will stagger the expense and we won't have that expense for me, DH, DS and DD all at once.

If you get DD's passport at age 15 is is only good for 5 years. However, if you wait until she actually turns 16 it is an adult passport and will be good for 10 years. So if the trip is a couple of months after she turns 16 I would wait to get hers last so she won't have to get a new one in 5 years.

My DD turns 16 in 3 months and I'm holding out to get her an adult passport. We don't have any plans to travel abroad anytime soon I just want her to have one in case we decide to do an improptu trip somewhere sometime. Don't want her lack of a passport holding us up.

 

[4forWDW]

wvjules - Thanks for the info. We would in fact be going after she turns 16.
So, hers will be the last one to buy.
Thanks again.

 

[allison443]

Not that expensive.
It's a universal form of ID.
Last for 10 years.
allows you to travel and probably one of the cheapest parts of the trip.

Totally voluntary. don't want to pay the fee, don't leave the states. Really that simple.

It is that simple...everywhere but here on the dis!

 

[MrsPete]

Yes. It would definitely be less convenient, so you have to consider whether you are willing to take that risk.

You're absolutely right -- it would be less convenient, and it would cost money. IF you have an emergency.

So if you're going to use the passports for other travel, you really do need the passport.

But if you're just going on a closed-loop cruise, you have to ask yourself what you deem to be your personal risk. And then ask yourself whether you're willing to pay $480/family JUST IN CASE something happens, or take a risk that in the highly unlikely situation that something happens, you'd pay even more.

The important thing is that you understand the options and the risks so that you're able to make an educated decision.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Mexico does not require permission from a second parent. We travel there all the time. Not once have we been asked for anything besides our passports. In fact, my daughters have entered Mexico and reentered the US without me being in the same vehicle or on the same flight. Both as minors.

Further, we have traveled all over the world without a single instance of being asked to provide identification or notorized authorization for ANYTHING beyond our US passports, especially by airline personnel. My children have even traveled there WITHOUT A PARENT AT ALL. It is not the responsibility of airline customer service agents or the customs officers of each country to determine your familial status as you travel with documents which allow you to do so. It is the responsbility of the US department of state to determine BEFORE issuing that document.

Also understand that a notorized letter only means something in the US or within the US Consulate of any country you are visiting. If you have issues in another country, the consulate is your first resource for assistance. They are an extension of the US and the department of state and they would be able to act on the documentation you carry. Other countries don't necessarily follow the laws of the US.

Can having a notorized document help? I don't think it can hurt, but I myself have found them utterly unnecessary in 20 years of traveling abroad with minor children. Especially when one can produce ticketing for return travel to the US.

Many countries require permision from the absent parent, including Mexico and Canada. If you don't have a noterized letter, you can be denied boarding for international flight or a cruise, and you'll be stoped at land boarder crossings. This is true even if you aren't divorced. If one of the parents isn't traveling, you need this letter! Also, if you have sole custody of your child(ren) or if you are a widow(er) you will need proof of that in leu of the noterized letter.

Generally it's just a good idea to get the letter, even if a country doesn't require it, it will protect the traveling parent from any misunderstandings with the ex.

As for the OP, the passport cards are much less than the full passports, if you qualify for them I'd look into doing that instead.

 

[taitai]

Mexico does not require permission from a second parent. We travel there all the time. Not once have we been asked for anything besides our passports. In fact, my daughters have entered Mexico and reentered the US without me being in the same vehicle or on the same flight. Both as minors.

Further, we have traveled all over the world without a single instance of being asked to provide identification or notorized authorization for ANYTHING beyond our US passports, especially by airline personnel. My children have even traveled there WITHOUT A PARENT AT ALL. It is not the responsibility of airline customer service agents or the customs officers of each country to determine your familial status as you travel with documents which allow you to do so. It is the responsbility of the US department of state to determine BEFORE issuing that document.

Also understand that a notorized letter only means something in the US or within the US Consulate of any country you are visiting. If you have issues in another country, the consulate is your first resource for assistance. They are an extension of the US and the department of state and they would be able to act on the documentation you carry. Other countries don't necessarily follow the laws of the US.

Can having a notorized document help? I don't think it can hurt, but I myself have found them utterly unnecessary in 20 years of traveling abroad with minor children. Especially when one can produce ticketing for return travel to the US.

Really? My research has indicated that it does require such documentations. I thought it was Mexican law. At least all that I have read indicates that. I believe they are starting to become even more strict in looking for the documents as Mexico is the leading destination for children taken in the US in custody disputes.

I have been asked for documentation when I have travelled to other countries with my kids and without my husband. My BIL and SIL both were asked for such documentation when travelling to Asia (a week apart, each took one kid) just last month. So, it seems as if enforcement is hit or miss.

Better to be safe and have the documentation. Have a great trip.

 

[princessnoelly]

When I got one a few years ago, they were $99. Have they gone up? I think the fee is actually amazingly cheap considering it's from the government..(and if things don't change, I'll need mine to fly DOMESTICALLY since NM gives out drivers licenses to illegals they aren't an accepted form of ID to fly)

Yep!

 

[bettymae1121]

Mexico does not require permission from a second parent. We travel there all the time. Not once have we been asked for anything besides our passports. In fact, my daughters have entered Mexico and reentered the US without me being in the same vehicle or on the same flight. Both as minors.

Further, we have traveled all over the world without a single instance of being asked to provide identification or notorized authorization for ANYTHING beyond our US passports, especially by airline personnel. My children have even traveled there WITHOUT A PARENT AT ALL. It is not the responsibility of airline customer service agents or the customs officers of each country to determine your familial status as you travel with documents which allow you to do so. It is the responsbility of the US department of state to determine BEFORE issuing that document.

Also understand that a notorized letter only means something in the US or within the US Consulate of any country you are visiting. If you have issues in another country, the consulate is your first resource for assistance. They are an extension of the US and the department of state and they would be able to act on the documentation you carry. Other countries don't necessarily follow the laws of the US.

Can having a notorized document help? I don't think it can hurt, but I myself have found them utterly unnecessary in 20 years of traveling abroad with minor children. Especially when one can produce ticketing for return travel to the US.

http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/eng/eacs_sheet.html

Unaccompanied Minors Departing Mexico

In order to combat international child abduction or the exploitation of minors, Article 215 of Mexico’s Ley General de Población requires that minor non-Mexican children leaving Mexico must be accompanied by both parents or guardians or be prepared to present written authorization to travel from the absent parent or parents.

This document must include:
the name(s) of the authorizing parent(s),
the name of the child,
the name(s) of the adult(s) accompanying the child, and
the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s)

The child must be carrying the original letter – not a faxed or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate) – and an original custody decree, if applicable.

If there is only one custodial parent, the accompanying adult should be prepared to present documentation to that effect (e.g, a court order granting sole custody to one parent, a death certificate for the absent parent, etc.).

 

[01spirit750]

Off topic a bit but here are some passport suggestions:

1. Make 3 photo copies of your passport (just the main page with all your info):
Leave one copy at home or with a relative
Put one copy in your wallet
Put one copy in your luggage
If you lose your passport getting a replacement can be a real problem while in another country. If you have a photo copy, I have been told that the local US Embassy can get a new (temp) passport in a day or so.

2. Passports are the only globally accepted form of identification.

3. If you choose not to renew your passport, that is when you will need it the most.
A few years ago I decided not to renew my passport due to the expense. I then changed jobs that required international travel and had to go thru the ordeal of getting a new passport (renewals are easier and quicker).

4. Make sure you check the countries VISA (entry permit) requirements. Most countries allow a 30 day stay without a VISA, but mainland China requires a VISA for all entries.

 

[buckirj1]

For what you get, I don't think a passport is at all expensive. I would hesitate to pay out for a child's passport, though. YMMV.

 

[disneymarie]

I started looking into ideas for a summer vacation and was checking out cruises, until I realized all four of us would need passports and how expensive that would be. Why on Earth do they cost so much money? It's just another one of those government fees that hits the wallet of the average person too hard. because I want to be ----->

We got pass cards instead of passports,
I did the the pictures for .49 cents, the fees to file were around $30, kids were cheaper. They are good for driving across or ships, just not flights. I filled in the paperwork online and printed it, took it to the post office with our photo's.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

http://www.epassportphoto.com/

this is the wizard to upload your photo save to the computer; then send it to Walgreens or save on a card for Sam's CVS, whatever their fee is for a 4 x 6 you get about 5 photos and only need 2 or 3.

It did not take long, less then 3 weeks for our family.

http://www.epassportphoto.com/Wizard.aspx?country=US&photo=0

 

[Mickeyluver37]

Not every divorce situation requires the consent of BOTH parents to travel abroad if a child has a passport. By the same token, consent may be needed just to take a child out of state from the non custodial parent. Because laws and divorce agreements can vary so greatly, please don't offer generalized information.

There has to be some type of consent. DH and I are MARRIED and I can't apply for DD's passport or take her on her school field trip to Canada without DH being present when she applies for her passport, or getting a notarized statement saying he's ok with it.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Someone clearly forgot to relay that information to Airline personnel and US Immigration and border protection agents....

When a US citizen departs Mexico to re-enter the US they are NOT typically asked for documentation beyond the US passport to establish citizenship. We have flown in and out of SJD and PVR more times than I can count on my hand without once providing (or being asked for) ANY documentation beyond a passport. The same goes for the MX/US border at San Ysidro and Otay. We do volunteer work through a non-profit all throughout the Baja peninsula and mainland MX and we cross the border so frequently we have SENTRI passes. My daughter (only one is still a minor) doesn't even have to be in MY presence to reenter the US.

Perhaps they are targeting very young children who cannot yet speak for themselves or teen/pre-teen girls traveling with single males who don't appear to be related.

http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/eng/eacs_sheet.html

Unaccompanied Minors Departing Mexico

In order to combat international child abduction or the exploitation of minors, Article 215 of Mexico’s Ley General de Población requires that minor non-Mexican children leaving Mexico must be accompanied by both parents or guardians or be prepared to present written authorization to travel from the absent parent or parents.

This document must include:
the name(s) of the authorizing parent(s),
the name of the child,
the name(s) of the adult(s) accompanying the child, and
the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s)

The child must be carrying the original letter – not a faxed or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate) – and an original custody decree, if applicable.

If there is only one custodial parent, the accompanying adult should be prepared to present documentation to that effect (e.g, a court order granting sole custody to one parent, a death certificate for the absent parent, etc.).

 

[MrsPete]

They are #1 because they are valid any where is the world. A NC DL may not be valid ID for a NC resident in India but a US passport it. That is why it is #1. It is the only single form of ID that proves you are who you are - birth information, photo and fingerprint.

Ah, then you meant it's #1 in that it allows you freedom to go more places. #1 is a vague term that could've meant any number of things.

I would want a PP on a closed loop cruise just in case you need to be air lifted back home due to a medical problem. I know a person who this happened to and the DH was in his 30s.

Sure, it could happen. Is it worth $480 just in case it does? That's up to each cruiser to decide.

The fee for an adult passport is $110 + $25 execution fee for first time applications. This turns out to be only $13.50 per year (it's good for 10).

For renewals it's only $140 so $14 per year isn't bad either!

Depends upon how you do the math. You've done it one way, here's the other: You pay $135 for a passport, and you use it twice in the ten years. That's $67.50 per use, which isn't much of a value IF a free option exists. Both are valid ways of looking at the cost.

Now, if you're going to Europe, no free option exists. If you're going on a cruise, the free option is available.

Because it would feel like a bigger waste to buy a passport 2 years before I even plan to travel, especially when you're talking about a kid's passport that doesn't even last the 10 years of an adult passport. And the 16 thing would make me crazy, because that's when they can get an adult passport so hers wouldn't even be good for the whole 5 years...

Absolutely! If you determine that you want/need to get passports, don't get them 'til the last minute! (Well, not literally the last minute, but certainly not two years in advance.) It makes no sense to buy a passport for a trip that's two years away -- it'll just sit there drawing closer and closer to its expiration date.

 

[eliza61]

It is that simple...everywhere but here on the dis!

I seriously don't sweat the small stuff. I figure if I'm dropping 1-2k on a cruise, the $139 bucks for a passport is not a deal breaker and hopefully I will travel a couple of more times in the next 10 years (that's a long time in my life).

I do break it down to the lowest common denominator and for me that's a love of travelling. I love to travel, if spending a couple of hundred one time allows me to do that easily. No worries.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I seriously don't sweat the small stuff. I figure if I'm dropping 1-2k on a cruise, the $139 bucks for a passport is not a deal breaker and hopefully I will travel a couple of more times in the next 10 years (that's a long time in my life).

I do break it down to the lowest common denominator and for me that's a love of travelling. I love to travel, if spending a couple of hundred one time allows me to do that easily. No worries.

I don't even have a trip planned. My old passport expired so many years ago, I didn't qualify for a renewal (i.e. the pricing). I got a new passport last July. Why? Well, the price was going up - this is the Bargain Board, after all - and now, even when you get hired for a job you need to provide identification. There are lists of choices - either one from column B and one from column C, or one from column A. A U.S. Passport is at the top of column A. It's a no-brainer, and I have the bonus of being able to travel internationally on a whim