Passport booklet news
Here are some recent news and updates related to passport booklets:
New Passport Booklet Design
In October 2022, the U.S. Department of State introduced a new design for U.S. passport booklets. The updated design features a more secure and modern look, with enhanced security features to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. The new design also includes a new biographic data page and a new machine-readable zone (MRZ) that contains the same information as the biographic data page.
Passport Booklet Production Delays
In recent months, there have been reports of delays in the production of U.S. passport booklets. The Department of State has attributed the delays to a combination of factors, including increased demand for passports, supply chain issues, and the need to implement new security features. The delays have resulted in longer processing times for passport applications, with some applicants waiting up to 12 weeks or more for their passports to be processed.
New Passport Booklet Fees
In October 2022, the Department of State increased the fee for a U.S. passport booklet from $110 to $130 for adults (16 and older) and from $80 to $90 for children (15 and younger). The fee increase is intended to help cover the costs of producing the new, more secure passport booklets.
Passport Booklet Security Features
The new passport booklet design includes several security features to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. These features include:
- A holographic foil strip that changes color when tilted
- A laser-engraved image of the American flag
- A microprint of the words "United States of America" and "Department of State"
- A UV-visible image that appears only under ultraviolet light
- A foil strip with a repeating pattern of the words "USA" and "Passport"
Passport Booklet Expiration Dates
U.S. passport booklets are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children. The expiration date is printed on the biographic data page of the passport booklet. It's important to ensure that your passport booklet is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from your destination country.
I hope this information is helpful!