Passport fees hiked

(NBCNC) — If you are planning an overseas trip and need a new passport, it’s going to cost you just a bit more.

The fees for a new passport went up by $20 starting Monday, Dec. 27, according to the United States Department of State.

The price of a first-time or replacement adult passport is now $165 and renewal will cost you $130.

The fee for expedited delivery remains at $60.

The State Department said the increase was, "necessary to ensure we continue to produce one of the most secure travel and identity documents in the world."

Don’t forget to plan ahead: The passport system is still working through a backlog due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In October, wait times were between eight and 11 weeks or five to seven weeks for expedited services.