Passport prices to rise, but not before 'Passport Day in the USA'

It will soon cost you a little more to get out of the country.

The cost of a U.S. passport is expected to rise about 35 percent next month -- to $135. But before then, the U.S. Department of State has declared March 27 "Passport Day in the USA," offering folks the chance to apply for a passport, without an appointment, on a Saturday.

In Charleston, Passport Day is happening at the Johns Island Post Office, which has passport offices open between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Saturday.

Acting Postmaster Dave Anderson is expecting big crowds, both because of the publicity and the expected rate hike.

"We will have more people on hand," Anderson said. "We usually have one person working on passports, but we will have three that day. And they'll stay until everyone has been helped."

Demand for passports has increased somewhat since June 1, 2009, when a new law went into effect that required citizens to present a passport book or card when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders, airports and seaports. Suddenly, everyone traveling by cruise ship needed a passport.

State Department officials say Passport Day is a way for people to beat the summer rush of families planning to travel abroad this summer.

According to Post Office officials, the total cost for a passport now is about $115, which includes postal service and picture fees. To apply, adults need a picture ID issued by the government, such as a driver's license, a birth certificate from the state (not a hospital) and a check or money order to pay the State Department.