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[gayce]

Can anybody please tell me why it costs so freakin much to apply for a U.S. Passport?!?!?!? I just printed out the forms and it's going to cost $97 for a passport. WTF? I thought that shit was free. Why do they gotta charge money for everything?? I already pay 41 cents a stamp. Gosh. Can you cut me a break here United States of America

Comments

[magicekim]

Although the Passport is expensive now, it is good for 10 years. And for anyone reading this who doesn't have a passport: Why wait until you need it and having to pay a possibly higher fee (especially if you need a rush one) instead of getting one now? You do not have to have a destination in mind in order to get one: I got mine over a year before I actually used it -- making impulse international travel more of a possibility.

If you can't find photos and you don't have a camera handy, you can go to places like Walgreen's or AAA to get photos done (for a fee, of course).

[magicekim]

Especially since the expediting process is probably still backlogged from 1) The New Orleans office still affected by Katrina, and 2) The new guidelines requiring a passport for re-entry into the United States. Although, that status was from about 6 months ago so it might not be sooo bad, but the office was really swamped for a while, so get cracking ;-)

[skyinhereyes]

yes, it's true, passports have always cost something, but well worth it. I do agree, start getting it now, and you should have plenty of time and no reason to stress out. Most people get their photos taken at a Walgreen's or CVS, they take specific passport sized photos and they cost around $5.

[stevenparker]

lol!!