Applying for a passport for your child can be an overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be. As a parent or guardian, you want to ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for you and your child. In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips on applying for a passport for minors.
Starting the Passport Application Process
To apply for a child’s passport, the parent or guardian must submit the following documents:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: The child’s birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship.
- Proof of Identity: The parent or guardian must provide a government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
- Parental Consent: Both parents or legal guardians must provide written consent for the child to receive a passport unless one parent has sole custody.
- Passport Application Form: The parent or guardian must fill out Form DS-11, the application for a U.S. passport.
- Passport Photos: Two identical passport photos of the child must be submitted with the application.
Remember, you cannot renew a passport for minors, so they will need to apply using a new passport application.
Why Can’t You Renew a Child’s Passport?
Unlike adult passports, which can be renewed by mail if certain conditions are met, child passports cannot be renewed. This is because a child’s physical appearance changes significantly over five years, the maximum validity period for a child’s passport. As a result, it’s important to submit a new passport application and provide updated photos to ensure that the child’s passport accurately reflects their current appearance.
Filling out the Passport Application Form
The next step in the passport application process is to fill out the DS-11 form, which is the official passport application form. This form can be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State’s website or obtained in person at a passport acceptance facility. Only fill the form out in black ink. Please, do not sign your application until a passport acceptance facility agent has verified your application.
Make sure to double-check all the information on the form before submitting it. Any mistakes or missing information can cause a delay in the application process.
Applying for a Passport for Minors at a Passport Acceptance Facility
Once you complete the application and have all the necessary documents, you must visit a passport acceptance facility. You can find a facility at post offices, courthouses, and other government buildings. At the facility, a passport acceptance agent will review your application and documents and administer an oath of truthfulness.
Both parents or guardians must be present with the child when applying for the passport. A notarized consent form must be provided if one parent is absent. This is to ensure that both parents or guardians have given consent for the child to have a passport.
However, alternative options are available if one of the parents cannot be present or located. These include:
Consent Form
If one parent cannot be present, the other parent can provide a notarized consent form authorizing the issuance of the passport.
Court Order
If one parent cannot be located or refuses to consent, the other parent can obtain a court order granting permission to issue the passport.
Sole Custody
If one parent has sole custody of the child, they can provide legal documentation to support this, and the other parent’s consent may not be required.
Death Certificate
If one parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate can be provided to support the application.
In the case of a single-parent home, the parent present can provide legal documentation, such as a birth certificate or court order granting custody, along with their identification, to apply for the passport.
If both parents cannot show up, one parent can provide a notarized consent form authorizing the issuance of the passport, or the parent present can provide legal documentation such as a birth certificate or court order granting custody, along with their identification, to apply for the passport. If neither parent can be located or gives consent, a court order granting permission to issue the passport can be obtained.
Traveling with a Passport for Minors
Once you have received your child’s passport, it’s important to keep it in a safe place. When traveling with your child, bring the passport and always keep it on your person.
It’s also a good idea to make a copy of the passport and keep it in a separate location while traveling.
Processing Time and Expedited Services
The processing time for a passport application for minors can vary. Because of a resurgence in travel, a standard application currently takes 8-11 weeks. If you need the passport sooner, you can pay for expedited services, which will shorten the processing time to about 4-6 weeks.
Want a child’s Passport in 3-5 Days? Check Out, The Passport Office
Are you planning a trip abroad with your family and worried about obtaining passports for your minors? Look no further than The Passport Office! Our expedited services make the process of obtaining passports for minors a breeze.We understand the importance of efficient and reliable service, so we offer a fast turnaround time of 3-5 days for passport applications. Our team of experts will ensure that your child’s passport application is processed quickly and efficiently, so you can focus on planning your trip and making memories with your loved ones.
Don’t let the stress of passport applications ruin your travel plans. Contact The Passport Office today and take advantage of our expedited services for passports for minors. With our fast turnaround time and expert assistance, you can rest assured that your child’s passport will be ready quickly, freeing you to enjoy your family vacation without any worries.
