Want to Quit America? Uncle Sam Just Slashed the Exit Fee!
Published Date: 3/13/2026
Rule
Summary
Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
CLN fee slashed from $2,350 to $450
If you are a U.S. national who requests a Certificate of Loss of Nationality (CLN), the Department of State lowered the fee from $2,350 to $450, a $1,900 decrease, effective April 13, 2026. The rule explicitly applies to requests for CLNs under 8 U.S.C. 1481(a)(5) and other applicable law administered by the Department.
No refunds for prior $2,350 payments
The Department will not refund the $1,900 difference to people who already paid the $2,350 fee before the change, and declined to make the fee reduction retroactive. The Department states the prior $2,350 fee "was properly charged" and refunds are not warranted under 22 CFR 22.6(2).
In-person renunciation requirement stays
The Department continues to require in-person interviews and oath-taking for CLN services and generally does not permit renunciation by videoconference, except limited pilot programs; it relies on Immigration and Nationality Act section 104(a) to preserve the in-person appearance requirement. This means applicants generally must travel to a U.S. embassy or consulate for the two required interviews and the oath.
Projected $8.86M annual Treasury revenue drop
Using FY2024 demand estimates, the Department projects the fee cut will reduce annual remittances to the U.S. Treasury by $8,855,900. The rule states the CLN fee is remitted entirely to the Department of the Treasury under 31 U.S.C. 3302(b).
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Key Dates
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