The U.S. Department of State has announced that it will increase passport fees effective July 13, 2010. In order to avoid the fee increase, a passport application must be accepted by Monday, July 12. The Las Vegas City Clerk is ready to assist citizens with their passport application before or after the fee increase, including photo services. Services are offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday on the first floor of City Hall, located at 400 Stewart Ave.
The fee for a passport book will increase from $75 to $110 for adults (over age 16) and from $60 to $80 for minors. The fee for a passport card will increase from $20 to $30 for adults (over age 16) and from $10 to $15 for minors. The processing fee payable to the accepting facility remains $25.
A U.S. passport is not just used for travel anymore. It serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identification for important purposes, such as work authorization and many federal benefits. In addition to passport books, the City Clerk’s office also is accepting applications for U.S. Passport Cards. These wallet-sized cards can be used for land and sea travel entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The Passport Card is a convenient option for those who travel frequently to places such as Mexico and Canada. Effective June 2009, individuals planning to travel to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean from the United States must have a U.S. Passport or Passport Card for travel.
Please be sure to bring either a check or money order for payment to the U.S. Department of State for the passport book and/or card as well as a separate payment to the city of Las Vegas for the processing fee, along with an original certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate and valid Nevada photo identification. Identification from other states will require a secondary photo identification card. Minors must be accompanied by both parents. For more information regarding required documentation, fees and accepted method of payment, residents can visit the city’s website at www.lasvegasnevada.gov/passports or call the City Clerk’s Office at 229-6311.
