Adults and minors applying for a passport for the first time have
to fulfill the same basic requirements. They both accomplish the same
forms, as well as submit the same basic documents. However, there are
additional special requirements for minors who are applying for a
passport. These requirements are mainly geared towards establishing
their relationship with their parents or guardians. So if you want to
learn what the requirements are for children's passport applications,
then read this article.
Let us begin with the most basic
requirements starting with Form DS-11. This is the form that is
completed by anyone who is applying for a passport for the first time.
So if the minor applying for a passport never had a passport before,
this is the form they need to fill out. Just make sure the form remains
unsigned until instructed to do so at the passport office.
Another
requirement for passport applicants is the establishment of their
citizenship. Passport applicants need to provide documents that will
prove this. If you are applying for a US passport, you can use any of
the following documents: your birth certificate, your certificate of
citizenship, your naturalization certificate, or if you were born
abroad, a consular report about it. The document you submit will be
returned to you by mail, along with your US passport. It may be mailed
separately as well.
Two color passport photos should also be
submitted along with the DS-11 and the document that establishes your
citizenship. Be careful, though, when submitting a passport photo, as
the US Department of State has specific requirements for this. Check out
what these requirements are before having your photo taken.
Now
let's talk about the special requirements for minors. First of these
requirements is the written parental consent. There are different
procedures need to be followed by different individuals (e.g. single
parent, guardian, etc.), so be sure you know what procedure you need to
follow. If you're unsure about the procedure that fits your status, then
you have to consult the passport office regarding that.
The
relationship between the parent/guardian and the applicant should also
be established. Also, the parent/guardian has to submit a photocopy of
their ID. This should be a copy of the same ID that they will eventually
present when submitting the requirements in person.
If you are
applying for a passport in behalf of a minor, it pays to know what the
particular requirements are for this type of passport applicant. Learn
as much as you can as this will help you save time, as compared to
fumbling for answers when you are already at the passport office. But if
some details are unclear to you, contact your nearest passport office
or visit the US Department of State's website.
When it comes to dealing with children's passport
applications, what's important is that you know what the particular
requirements are. Armed with this knowledge, applying for a USA passport will be a breeze. Starting with the basic steps, you'll then be able to know what to do next.
