Before traveling oversees with your kids, you will need to get
applications rolling for childrens passports for each child. Every
member of your family will need their own passport. It is not a
difficult process but there are certain steps you need to follow to help
make the application process flow smoothly.
Form DS-11
You will need to complete a Form DS-11 for each of your children.
Applications need to be submitted to an authorized location such as a
post office. Check with your local postal office to see if they process
passport applications. If they do not, they can most likely direct you
to a government office that can help you. Once completed, both parents
and the children must submit the application in person.
Citizenship
Documentation showing proof of citizenship will need to accompany the
application. The easiest document to use for this purpose is a birth
certificate. An original certified certificate that includes the
signature of the birth registrar is required. Photocopies will not be
accepted as a legal document but the original will be returned to you
along with the passport. Another acceptable document would be a 'Report
of Birth Abroad'.
Proof of Relationship
Evidence of your relationship to the child must also be provided. If
both parents are listed on the birth certificate, this will be
sufficient proof. However single parents will need to provide a Court
Order that states they have custody of the minor they are applying for.
For parents who have adopted, an adoption degree must be presented.
Parental Identification
As the parents, you will also need to provide a photocopy of your identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a previously issued passport, a naturalization certificate or a valid drivers license. City, state or federal employees may use their employee ID or military ID, which are also acceptable. If you are applying for multiple children, a copy of your ID must be submitted with each application.
As the parents, you will also need to provide a photocopy of your identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a previously issued passport, a naturalization certificate or a valid drivers license. City, state or federal employees may use their employee ID or military ID, which are also acceptable. If you are applying for multiple children, a copy of your ID must be submitted with each application.
Payment
There are two fees involved and they must be paid separately. The
total cost for a child's passport is one hundred and twenty dollars. The
application fee is ninety-five dollars while the execution fee is
another twenty-five dollars. You may be able to pay in cash if you have
the exact amount or you can pay by personal check, money order or credit
card. Not all acceptance facilities accept cash so you may want to
check with the post office you plan to use.
Photos
The final step is to provide two passport photos. The passport photo
must be 2 x 2 inches in size and printed on quality paper. The
background must be white or off white and the picture needs to be a
full-face view with dimensions of the face no smaller than 1 inch from
the chin to the top of the head. Most post offices will also offer
passport photo services.
Stop! Don't Sign It Yet
Post Office facilities that accept American passport renewal
applications and offer passport photos have limited hours in which these
services are offered. Be sure to check their passport processing hours
and make an appointment if possible. Gather all your documents and
photocopies together and submit your application. Your application
should not be signed until you are with the acceptance agent, as your
signature must be witnessed.
