All children who travel abroad are required to have their own
passport. This includes newborns and infants. There are 8 steps to
obtain a child's passport for minor under age 16.
Complete Passport Application Form DS-11
This
is the form used when applying for a new passport. You can download an
application form online or pick one up at a nearby passport acceptance
facility. Many travel agencies also have copies.
It is important
that the form not be signed until you are in the presence of an passport
acceptance agent. If your child is unable to sign for himself or
herself, you can sign your child's name on the line for the passport
owners signature and sign your own name above it.
Show Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Children
under the age of 16 must show proof of U.S. citizenship. There are
numerous documents that can be used to prove citizenship but the most
common are a previous fully valid U.S. passport or a certified U.S.
birth certificate.
Show Proof of Relationship
While a
previous passport may be used for proof of citizenship, it cannot be
presented as proof of relationship. Most frequently used documents
include a certified U.S. birth certificate, a certified foreign birth
certificate or a report of birth abroad.
Show Your Identification
For
minors under age 16, both parents must appear with the child and
present proof of identity. A valid drivers license is presented by the
majority of parents who apply for their children. However, other
documents that can be used include an official U.S. military ID, a U.S.
government ID, a foreign passport with recognizable photo, a
naturalization certificate or alien resident card from USCIS. The
document you use needs to be valid and have a photo.
Provide Documentation of Parental Consent
This
can be done by both parents appearing at the passport acceptance
facility and signing or one parent appears, signs and submits a
notarized statement of consent for the second parent. If consent cannot
be obtained from the second parent, the first parent should provide
evidence that he or she has sole authority to apply.
Provide Two Passport Photos of Your Child
There
are many different locations where you can get passport pictures made.
Most of the time it is fairly quick. Locations that offer this service
usually understand the requirements for passport photos but it is good
to verify to make sure. I have had to refuse pictures before because
they were not the right size which is 2x2 inches.
Pay the Proper Fees
Fees
include an application fee and an execution fee. If you need to obtain
your child's passport quickly, you can request that the application be
expedited. The expediting fee is $60.
Present Your Social Security Number
The
passport agent will ask you to provide your social security number. A
$500 penalty can be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service on those who
do not do this.
Once you gather the appropriate documents and
present them to the passport agent, you can expect to receive your
child's passport within a few weeks if you request regular service and
within two weeks if you request expedited service.
Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for answers to frequently asked questions about applying for a child's passport and find bargains on popular and name brand luggage for kids.
