The US Department of State recently increased fees for passports, according to Vanna Byrd, Clerk of District Court in Broadus. The District Court is a passport acceptance facility, which those seeking a passport for the first time much utilize to complete their application. Those with a previous passport may apply through the mail.

For those age 16 and up, prices to apply for a passport book are now $130, plus a $35 acceptance fee, while a passport card is $30 to apply, and $35 for the acceptance fee. A passport book and card are available for $160, plus the $35 fee.

Passport cards may be used to travel to travel by land to Canada or Mexico, and by sea to Bermuda and the islands of the Caribbean, but a passport card cannot be used for any international air travel or for visas. A passport book may be used for other international travel.