For those who want to see the world, it's time to apply for a passport. Fees for new passports increase April 2.

Passport execution fees will rise by $10, bringing an adult passport's grand total to $145; and that of a child under 16, to $115. The current execution fee is $25.

The good news is the fee increase only applies to passports for first-time applicants, children under 16, and those who are replacing lost or stolen passports. It also does not apply to mail renewals.

The US State Department reports the fee increase will better cover costs to process applications because of greater demand.

In 2017, the State Department issued more than 21.3 million passports, the highest number to date.  Closer to home, nearly 250,000 Connecticut residents, a 43 percent increase over 2012, received passports in 2017, according to AAA Northeast research.

Passport forms are available through ; a US Processing facility such as a US Post Office; or AAA branches. AAA will provide required passport photos to AAA Basic members for an $8 fee. Fees are waived for AAA Plus and Premier members. Nonmembers are charged $12.travel.state.gov