1. The first step in applying is to determine whether or not you
just need to show proof of identification for yourself and your child
and or if you also need to fill out the form DS-11: Application for a
U.S. Passport.
A child must submit form DS -11 if they fall into any of the below categories:
o They have never been issued a U.S. passport or
o They are under age 16 or
o They were under age 16 when their previous passport was issued or
o Their most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago or
o Their most recent passport was lost or stolen or
o Their name has changed since their previous U.S. passport was issued and
they are unable to legally document the name change
The
form DS-11 can be filled out online or by hand. The form and any
additional required documentation must be presented in person. The form
cannot be mailed in.
2. The second step in applying :
Along
with submitting the form DS-11 your child must submit proof of U.S.
citizenship. The documents are left with the office along with your
application, to be returned to you in the mail with your new passport.
A child must submit one of the following as proof of their U.S. citizenship:
o A previously issued U.S. passport (undamaged)
o A Certified Birth Certificate issued by the city, county, or state
o Certification of Birth if born abroad or a Consular Report of Birth
o A Naturalization certificate
o A Certificate of Citizenship
3. The third step to applying is for your child to actually identify themselves.
These are the forms accepted as identification:
o A valid driver's license
o A previously issued passport (undamaged)
o A Naturalization Certificate
o A current military ID (military and dependents)
o A current Govt. ID (city, state, or federal)
Now
when you look at the prior list this isn't going to work for a minor or
someone under driving age. So there are secondary means by which your
child can be identified and you can find those options out by contacting
your local passport agency.
4. The fourth step is to submit a photocopy of the identification presented:
Whatever
form of ID is used to identify your child, you must also submit a
photocopy of the this ID on a plain white 81/2 x11 piece of paper.
(There are very precise stipulations about how this is done, so be sure
to check with your local office)
5. Pay the Applicable Fee associated with obtaining your passport.
The fee structure for children is based on a being either:
A Minor - Under the Age of 16
An Adult- Age 16 Years and Older
You can find a chart with passport fees through your local office or online.
6. Last but not least, you will need to supply two passport photos of your child.
Here are the requirements for the photographs:
They must be identical
They must be 2 x2 inches in size
The photos must have a plain white or off-white background and show full face.
The photos must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
They must be in color
They must show your current appearance and taken in the last 6 months.
No uniforms (except religious attire worn daily) . Wear regular street clothes.
Anything like a hat cannot block the hair or hairline.
Wear anything you normally wear like glasses , etc..
Sunglasses or any glasses with tinted lenses are not allowed unless needed for medical reasons (proof can be required)
Keep
in mind, your child must accompany you to the passport office. You can
not apply for your child's passport without them. You will also need
to prove that you are in fact the parent or legal guardian of your
child. The U.S. Dept. of State will provide you with these forms.
Allow
at least eight weeks to receive your passports. There are faster ways
to receive a passport and will just require some research online or a
phone call and typically paying more money to expedite the process. You
can check the status of your passport via a website once you have
applied.
Getting a passport for your child is not difficult as long as you
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