5 Must Know Facts on How To Apply For a Passport for Your Newborn Baby

Looking to travel abroad with your newborn baby? A few years ago, newborn babies were permitted to travel on air with the passport of one of their parents, but now things have changed. All citizens, even a newborn baby, should have an individual passport to travel from one country to another. So if you're planning to travel with your newborn baby within two weeks from its birth, then you can apply for an expedited passport for your baby. Before applying for the passport you should have the following requirements:

Gather Documents: Applying for an expedited passport for infants is a little bit complicated compared to adults. You will need to provide a birth certificate for the child, proof of parental identification, and the Social Security numbers of the parents. Once you have applied for the passport, it will take approximately two weeks for processing and then the passport will be mailed directly to you.

Application form: Choose the appropriate form when you are applying for a passport for your infant. You might find various application forms for adults online but you need to choose the correct one for your baby. Application form DS-11 is the right application for infants. You can get it from the Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency. Fill it out and remember to sign it on behalf of your infant. If you run into any obstacles in applying for the expedited passport for your baby, you can get help from a reliable passport expediting service.

Standards for Photo: You need to take the photographs with your baby looking directly at the camera. Make sure there is a white or an off-white background. Their head size must be smaller than one inch and not larger than 1-0.375 inches. These are the standards required by Passport Agencies while submitting the application form.

Submission of application: Now you must decide where to submit this application. Since you're applying for a passport for your infant (or minor), you can submit the application at the closest passport office. In case of emergency, the application can be submitted at a regional passport agency.

Processing time: Once you've submitted the application, all you need to do is wait. Standard processing time to get a passport is more than 4 weeks. So you must request for an expedited passport if you need it quickly. For this, you can directly visit to the regional processing center or apply for your passport through a qualified expediting passport service provider so that you may get the passport for your infant within a week.

These are the few things you need to know before applying for a passport for your baby. Get started today and enjoy your air travel with your baby. While flying with baby, don't forget to buy or rent baby kits such as belts, flyebaby (baby bed), CARES and more to have safe and enjoyable travel.

The author has an immense knowledge on passport expediting services. Know more about visa processing service related info in his website.

By Ashlee Garza

How to Fill Out a Child's Passport Application

Your children rely on you to do many things for them, and filling out a passport application is one of them. Passport application forms are written for adult applicants, so it can be a little confusing. There are also additional documents required when applying on behalf of a child.

Here's what you need to know about filling out the application form on behalf of your child:

• Use Form DS-11 when applying on behalf of a child under the age of 16, even if he or she has a previous passport.
  
  
• Remember that the form is written for adult applicants. Answer each question as if you were your child. The form asks for the applicant's name twice- both times, you should print your child's name instead of your own.
  
  
• Sign the form on behalf of your child, but don't do so until you've arrived at the passport office and the agent helping you with your application has instructed you to do so. After you sign your name, print "Mother" or "Father" as applicable.
  

Documents Required 

The other tricky part of completing a child's passport application is gathering all of the necessary documents. The document requirements for child passports are more intensive than those for adult passports, mainly because you not only have to prove that your child is a citizen, but also that you are authorized to apply for a passport on his or her behalf. Here's what you'll need:

• Government-issued photo ID for you, such as a driver's license or a state ID card. You'll need both the original to take to the passport office and clean photocopy to send to Passport Services.
  
  
• Proof of your relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate, adoption decree or court order granting custody.
  
  
• If both parents are unable to be at the passport office with the child, you'll also need proof that the other parent consents to the child getting a passport. Have the other parent fill out a copy of Form DS-3053 and get it notarized, then bring that with you to the passport office.
  
  
• If you have sole legal custody of the child in question, you don't need the other parent's permission but you do need to bring one of the following when you go to submit the passport application: a birth certificate for the child with only your name on it, an adoption decree with only your name on it, a court order awarding sole custody of the child to you or officially permitting international travel, a copy of the other parent's death certificate or legal paperwork showing that the other parent has been declared incompetent.
  
  
• One passport photo.
  

At the passport office, you'll submit the paperwork, pay the fees, and if all goes well you'll have a passport for your child in about six weeks, or three weeks if you expedited the application.

Author,

Alison Kroulek

Child Passport Requirements: Know Before You Go

Even the youngest American children are required to have passports to travel outside of the country. The procedure for getting a child passport (for a child under 16 years of age) is different than the procedure for getting a passport for an adult, and additional documentation is required.

Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Get pictures taken. You will need two passport photos of the child's face. If your child is still an infant, it's a good idea to go to a photographer who has experience working with babies to make sure you get a good enough shot.

Step 2: Gather your documents. In addition to passport photos, you need the following:

• Passport application form DS-11. It's okay to fill the form out ahead of time to shorten the amount of time spent in a passport office with a potentially fussy child, but don't sign it until you go in to apply and the acceptance agent tells you to.
•  
• Proof of the child's citizenship, such as a previously issued passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. 
•  
• Proof of your identity, such as a driver's license or other state-issued photo ID. Bring both the original and a clear photocopy. 
•  
• Proof of your relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate, adoption decree or court order naming you as the child's guardian.

Step 3: Go to the passport office.

You must apply for a child passport in person at a Regional Passport Agency office or a passport acceptance facility (like a post office that accepts passport applications.) To help prevent abduction, both parents are required to appear with the child for the passport to be issued.

 

If both parents can't make it, you will need a notarized statement of consent from the second parent unless you have sole legal custody of the child. If you do have sole custody, simply bring evidence of that fact. Evidence of sole custody can include a copy of the child's birth certificate or adoption decree with only your name on it; a court order granting sole custody to you, a court order specifically giving you the right to travel with the child, a court order declaring the other parent incompetent, or a copy of the other parent's death certificate if they are no longer living.

If you can't get any of the above the documents, you can submit a copy of form DS-053 stating why the other parent's consent cannot be obtained. These are examined on a case-by-case basis.

Step 4: Pay the fees and wait.

Passport fees change periodically to reflect rising costs- you can get the most current fee information at the US Department of State's web site. After that, all you have to do is wait for your child's passport to arrive in the mail. Usually, this takes about 6 weeks for regular processing and 3 weeks for expedited processing.

Author,

Alison Kroulek

Applying for a Child's Passport

Any parent or guardian can be forgiven for being a bit confused, and a bit nervous, when it comes to applying for a child's passport. So here are some of the most common questions answered.

What age can my child have a passport?

A child can have a passport from birth. If you intend to travel with your children they must have their own valid passport. So whether your child is one month old, five years or 15 they must have their own passport. Laws changed in 1998, when children under 16 were included on their parent's passport, in line with International Law and child abduction prevention.

How much is a UK child's passport?

The cost of your child's first passport is £49, this is for the standard service and takes approximately three weeks. If you want to fast-track the service, which takes a week, then it will cost £96.50.

How long will it take to get my child's passport back?

The IPS, the Government Department who issue passports, states that their standard service will take approximately three weeks – this is if the passport form and photograph are correct. The fast-track service costs more but you will get your passport back in one week, assuming your paperwork and photo are correct.

The Post Office offers a ‘Check & Send' Service which takes two weeks. There is an additional charge for this but the Post Office Clerk will check your paper work and photo is correct, thus avoiding any delays once the IPS has received it.

Tracking your child's passport progress

You can track the progress of your passport application by going online, or calling 0300 222 0000, and quoting the unique bar code number on the passport application form.

How long is a child passport valid for?

A child's passport – a child being deemed as 15 and under – will be valid for 5 years.

What documentation do I need to apply for my child's passport?

For a child born or adopted in the UK you will need to send with your child's application form their birth or adoption certificate – the original, not a photocopy. You will also need to include one of the parent's current passport numbers – there is a section for this on the form. If the parents' passports have expired then it will need to be sent with the application. Or a birth certificate for either parent.

If your child was born or adopted outside of the UK 

please see the official direct.gov.uk website – click the ‘travel and transport' section and go to the ‘Passport' link.

Who needs to sign my child's passport application form?
The parent, or guardian, will need to sign the application form.

If you are divorced and are applying for a passport for your child then either parent can sign, unless there is a court order preventing this. Other court order documentation, whereby access and such like is granted, should be sent along with the application form.

If the parents are not married the mother can sign. The father can sign if he has a parental responsibility order or agreement. This needs to be sent with the application. Or if he is named on the birth certificate.

Can I renew my child's passport early, i.e. it still has time left on it but expires whilst we are travelling?

You can renew your child's passport at any time providing it is a standard five year passport, has not been damaged and you do not need to change any information on it, for example their name or national status.

Any time left on the new passport, up to a maximum of nine months, will be added to the new passport.

My child is about to turn 16, do they need to apply for an adult passport?

If your child's passport has yet to expire but the child is due to turn 16 you do not have to apply for an adult's passport until their current child's passport expires. So, for example, if the child turns 16 and there is still 3 years left on their child's passport they do not need to renew/apply for an adult's passport until they are 19 years old, once it has expired.

Passport Renewal for Children

Child passports only last for 5 years, so if you get a passport for a young child, there is a good chance that you will have to renew it at some point. Passport renewal for children is different from passport renewal for adults.

Unlike adults, who are allowed to renew their passports by mail, children must appear in person at a passport office to renew their passports. Children must also have the consent of both parents in order to apply for a passport renewal until they turn 16. Teens ages 16 and 17 need parental consent from one parent.

Parental consent can be proven in one of the following ways:

• Both parents accompany the child to apply for his or her passport renewal.
  
  
• One parent accompanies the child and brings a notarized statement of parental consent from the other parent.
  
  
• One parent with sole legal custody can provide consent for the child as long as the parent brings proof that they have sole custody, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree with only one parents' name on it, or a court order.
  
   If neither parent is available to accompany the child, another person can bring the child in with a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents (or one parent with sole legal custody).
  

In addition, you will need the following documents:

• Proof of your identity, such as a government-issued photo ID, as well as a photocopy of this ID.
  
• Proof of your relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate, adoption decree or court order.
  
• Proof of the child's citizenship, such as the child's current passport, a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate.
  
• 2 passport photos
  

Once you have everything together, head down to your local passport acceptance facility (often a post office or library), fill out passport form DS-11 and sign it when the passport agent tells you to, pay the applicable fees, and your child's passport renewal should be processed within the next 6 weeks (if you use regular service).

Author,

Alison Kroulek

How to Renew a Passport for a Minor

Renewing a passport doesn't take a lot of time unless an agency's flooded with orders; the earlier you apply for it, the better. Let's take a look at how you can renew a minor's passport in a hassle-free manner.

A passport is an essential document for travelers who wish to temporarily leave their country on holiday or migrate elsewhere. Without one, you're restricted to travel only within the country, and not out of it. For minors, the process of renewing a passport is a tad different than if one were above the age of 16. Let's take a look at what's involved for the passport renewal process.

Eligibility to Renew Passport Through Mail

To be able to renew a passport by post, the following statements need to apply to you. If they do not, then you'll have to renew your passport in person.

The passport isn't damaged and is fit for submission through an application.

You were 16 years old or older when it was issued.

It was issued somewhere in the last 15 years.

The passport was made using the same name you hold now; legal documents will need to be submitted to prove a name change in the case of a married individual, or even if done on one's own.

You'll need to fill the DS-82 form, and mail it to the appropriate address mentioned on the form itself.

Renewal-Time Details

There are two ways through which an application can be sent―routine service and expedited service. 

 

The former kind of mail service completes processing within four weeks or less from the time of application, whereas the latter takes about 2 weeks to come through. You'll also need to pay an additional fee of $60 (subject to change) for overnight delivery charges to and from the passport agency, if you opt for the expedited service.

A parent or guardian that is handling the formalities, will need to present the child's passport along with a document containing relationship proof, photo ID, and two passport photographs of the applicant, when applying for a renewal in person. Otherwise, you can send the mail by post and track its progress online by using the option available in the 'Processing Time' section on travel.state's official website; you'll need to enter information like your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number to gain access to the data.

Baby Passport Requirements

If you are traveling to a foreign country, you are required by law to carry a passport. Parents need to ensure that they get passports made for their children, if they too are traveling abroad. This write-up provides information on what needs to be done while applying for a passport for an infant.

If you are planning to visit a foreign country, one thing that you need the most is your passport. A passport is a very important legal document that not only allows you to travel abroad, but also corroborates your identity as a citizen of a particular country. If you have planned a family vacation, then make sure that each family member has a passport and that too a valid one. Those who don't have a passport yet, will need certain documents to prove their nationality and other personal details for getting a passport for the first time. The same applies for getting a passport for a newborn as well.

 

 While applying for a passport for an infant, the parents or the legal guardians and the baby need to be physically present at the designated passport application acceptance facilities.

Getting a Passport for a Newborn

First, you need to get a passport application form from the designated passport agency. This form is referred to as Form DS-11. You will need to fill in the legal name of the child and other details. Be careful while filling up the form, if you make mistakes, the application will be rejected. Here's all you need to know while applying for a passport for a baby.

Photographs
You will need two 2x2 inches passport-sized photographs of your baby. Make sure that the photographs show the baby's full face and shoulders. It must be a front view and the background must be plain white or off-white. Make sure that your baby is not wearing any cap or headgear when the picture is clicked. Having a newborn photographed is surely not easy. So, make sure that you get it done at a photo studio. Ask them if they have prior experience in clicking pictures for passport application. Both the pictures must be identical and taken recently.

Documents Required
Besides the photographs, you also need to submit the proof of United States citizenship. This can be done by submitting the certificate of citizenship or the certified U.S. birth certificate of your baby.

 

 You should also take the baby's social security card. Besides these documents, you also need to submit proofs for your identity as well. You can use your valid passport, driver's license, or any identity proof that has been issued by the government. Evidence must be given to establish the relationship of the parents with the baby. The birth certificate bearing the names of the parents can be used for this purpose. Court orders bearing the name of parents can also be submitted for establishing the relationship between you and your child. If you have adopted the child, you can submit the adoption decree bearing the name of the adoptive parents.

Single parents must submit court orders or any proof that establishes their sole custody. If any of the parents changed their name after these documents were issued, make sure that you submit a legal document stating that name change. The parents also need to provide their consent for authorizing passport issuance. For this, they must sign on Form DS-11 in the presence of the U.S. passport agent.

 

 Sign only when the agent tells you to do so. In case, only one parent would be appearing with the baby, getting a notarized Statement of Consent Form DS-3053 from the other parent will suffice. Besides submitting these photographs and documents along with the accurately-filled application form, you will also need to pay the passport processing fees. For children under the age of 16 years, you will need to pay USD 80 as passport processing fee.

If you are planning to apply for a passport for your baby, make sure that you fill up the form correctly and fulfill the aforementioned requirements. If everything is in order, you can get your baby's passport in 4-6 weeks. So, avoid processing delays or rejection of the form by taking care of the minutest details. While traveling abroad, make sure that your passport is still valid. If it's not, then you can renew the passport at post office or other authorized passport agencies. Since a minor's passport is valid for only five years from the date of issue, make sure that you renew the passport on time.

Passport Requirements for Children

You are planning a family trip abroad but your newborn still does not have a passport. You need to be aware of the requirements that you need to meet in order to make a passport for your child. In this article, we tell you everything that you need to know.

The first vacation outside one's own country can be exciting, not just for children, but also for adults.

 

 But there are some documents integral to any trip abroad, like a passport. How do you apply for a passport for a child? Is the procedure for applying the same for kids and adults? Do they need to apply for the document in person? These are just some of the questions that you need the answer to and these are some of the queries that we give you answers to, in this article.

How to Apply for a Passport for a Child

If your kid is under the age of sixteen, then it is important that they apply for the passport in person. Even if your child is a newborn or an infant, he or she needs to have a passport in order to travel internationally by air. The requirements that you need to meet in order to get the document are listed out below.

The first and foremost thing that you need to do is completely fill up the DS-11 form for your child.

 

This form needs to be signed only in presence of an acceptance agent and only when instructed to do so. It is also important that you submit your child's social security number, as failure to provide any kind of information will cause a substantial delay in your application. While submitting the form it is also important that the kid is accompanied by both his parents (or guardians).

The next step would be to submit proof that the minor is a US citizen. This needs to be submitted with DS-11 form. These documents need to be submitted in the original and will be returned to you along with the passport. The documents that are admissible as proof of citizenship include certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state, consular report of birth abroad, naturalization of certificate, certificate of citizenship, or even a US passport (if you are reapplying).

Next you will need to submit proof of how the minor is related to his guardians or proof that the adults accompanying him are his parents. Admissible proof as evidence of relationship include birth certificate with the names of both parents, foreign birth certificate with names of both parents, report of birth abroad, adoption decree (if the child is adopted), court order giving custody, or court order as proof of guardianship.

It is also important to submit an identification proof for the parents or guardians. The admissible evidence include US passports, naturalization certificates, driver's license (if valid), employee id (if government employee), or military id (for military personnel and dependents). The identification proof for the parents can be submitted in duplicate on plain white paper. It needs to show both the front and the back of the identification document.

For a child under the age of 16, it is important that you provide a form of consent that states that you allow the issuance of passport to the child. You will also need to pay the fees as applicable at the time of issuance. It is advisable to consult the passport agency to confirm the cost for first time issuance. Along with these documents and the prescribed fees, you will also need to submit one passport-sized photograph.

If you are applying for a passport for a minor, then these are the simple steps that you need to follow.

 

 Contact the passport office located nearest to you for any more details that you need. If all your documents are correct and you meet all the specified requirements, you should experience no delays in receiving the document just in time for your vacation

Get A Usa Passport For Your Baby

A common question asked by families with babies is how do I get a USA passport for my baby. Here are the steps...

It is recommended that anyone traveling outside of the United States have a valid passport, and this is even true for your baby. A passport is required in many countries and you should check with your travel destinations if you do not plan on having a passport for your baby.

In order to get a valid American passport for your child you must:

Fill out and print an on-line form at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html

Do not sign the form until you are at the passport application office

Submit proof of U.S. citizenship for the baby (e.g. Certified U.S. birth certificate)

Submit evidence of child's relationship to parents/guardians (e.g. Certified U.S. birth certificate)
Provide Parental Identification (e.g. Valid driver's license)

Present Parental application permission document-both parents must appear together at the passport office, or one parent appears and submits a notarized statement of consent authorizing passport issuance for the child.

Have 2 identical passport photos of the child

It is often difficult to have passport photos taken of children under 1 year old. A full front view of the babies head and shoulders is required and parent's hands or arms may not be seen in the picture.

I would call ahead to the photo studio where you are planning on having your child's photo taken and ask if they routinely take baby passport photos. If they do not you should not go there, as you do not want to go through the work of having the picture taken, standing in line at the passport office to be told that the picture is not acceptable.

If you have a low chair that helps your child to sit up (e.g. Bumbo chair) this may help at the photo studio. The chair cannot be visible in the picture

Submit the form, ID, photos and payments at one of over 9000 passport acceptance facilities http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

The fee for a US passport for children under the age of sixteen is $82.

Article use requires an active link to Baby Travel Articles and Useful Baby Gear.

By: Joe Peterson

Learn Where to Go For Minor Passport Applications

Unlike adult passport applicants, children have special passport requirements that will have to be accomplished on top of the regular passport application process. According to the United States Department of State, children are those who are under the age of 18. Meanwhile, children 16 to -17 years old have different special requirements from those required of those under 16.

In this article, we will be talking about the special passport application requirements of children under age 16. Included in these requirements are newborns or infants. There are several of these requirements that we'll discuss further below.

The first and the most basic requirement would be the completed DS-11 form. This is the form filled in by all first-time passport applicants, whether children or adults. You can download this form online and fill it on your computer, but you will have to submit this form along with the other requirements in person.

Aside from the DS-11, applicants will also be required to submit a proof of their citizenship. To accomplish this, you must present any of the following as proof of US citizenship: a previously issued passport that's in good condition, a certified birth certificate, a consular report in case the child was born in another country, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. Any of these documents will prove the child's citizenship.

The parents or guardians of the child also must present required documents in this type of passport application. For one, you should present a proof of your relationship with the child. Aside from that, you will also need to provide an identification document, as well as a photocopy of this document.

And since we're talking about minors applying for a passport here, a written parental consent will also be required to be submitted to the passport office. There are different procedures for this for parents, a single parent, and a guardian who stands in place of the parents. Check out which category you fall under so you'll know the type of procedure you'll have to follow.

The applicant will also have to submit two copies of color photographs. Photographs submitted for passport applications have stringent guidelines; so make sure that you are familiar with these guidelines even before having your photograph taken. Once you have accomplished all of these requirements, you can now submit your passport and pay the applicable fees. Check with your local passport office in order to see what fees you may be required to pay.

If it's about knowing where to go for child passport applications that you want to know about, all you need to do is visit your local passport office. They will assist you with your application, from providing you with information on how to get started, to making sure that you have accomplished all the special requirements that are need for child passport applications. With their help, applying for a passport for minors will be a lot easier and free from stress.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3399268

Infants Need a Passport For International Travel

Any parent that is going on an international trip and that plans on taking their child should get familiar with infant passport laws immediately. If you think that just because the child is a newborn or a minor that they can freely pass between borders, you are sadly mistaken. The process itself is almost identical to what an adult has to do, with provisions in place because of the age of the young international traveler.

For a parent to raise their arms and question the fact that they have to have an infant passport is not uncommon. However, many people forget that it is still about people leaving and coming back to a country. To allow random children to enter or leave the country without accountability could lead to some very serious issues.

Something else to consider are such horrible things as human trafficking and kidnapping. Believe it or not, this happens with parents of children who are trying to get away from another parent. The angry mother who has just lost her child custody case or perhaps the father that has disappeared to another country and suddenly shows up and wants his child back.

The infant or child will get their passport in much the same way that an adult does. It goes without saying that the child will not be able to do this on their own, so mom and or dad are going to have to do all of the work in order for a valid passport to be obtained. In addition to the forms, do not forget to get the passport photos of the child.

Since an infant cannot sign their own name, mom and or dad are going to have to handle the task for them. It is actually a co-signature that goes on the passport until the child can sign the passport by themselves. When the child is able to sign their own name, the passport can be renewed with their actual signature on the passport.

For the parent signature to be valid on the passport, it has to be done in a very specific way. The parent will have to sign the child's name and then sign their name right next to it. After that, they need to put their relationship next both signatures in parenthesis stating their relationship to the child. 

If only one parent will be going on the trip with the infant, it is best if that parent is the one that signs the passport for the baby.

If a child is not yet 16 the passport can only be obtained if consent is given by the parents. The obvious reason for this is so that one parent does not get the passport and take the child out of the country without the knowledge of the other parent. This will not be a problem for parents that are still together, but if there has been a divorce or separation, make sure time is allotted to get everything together so there is not a problem in securing tickets or making the trip.

It may have seemed a little silly before reading all of this as to why an infant passport is required, but it should be clear now. Unfortunately, international travel is not always about business or fun. There are a lot of people with ulterior motives that would love to be able to get children in and out of countries with no records being kept. While it can take some time, infant passports are a necessity and always will be.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3828297

Passport Renewal Can Be Completed by Different Methods

A passport renewal may be accomplished by any U.S. citizen by either mail or in person. Renewal by mail is only an option if the passport holder meets all the requirements. By visiting a local passport office, process will still take some time but it can be moved along a bit smoother by being on hand to provide any documentation that may be needed. There are services available online that can help to expedite this or the government offers their own version of expedited service.

There are certain criteria that must be met in order to renew by mail. The old passport must be available to be returned with the application and must be in the holder's original name. The passport cannot be more than 15 years old from date of issue and must have been issued after the holder was older than 16 years of age.

As with anything else when it comes to the government, there are forms that need to be completed. 

The renewal form must be printed out or filled out online and submitted along with the old passport. 

The form is easily located by going on the Internet and simply searching it out. This will need to be accompanied by two new color photos along with any applicable fees and if there is a name change since the issue date, supporting paperwork to that effect.

The passport renewal normally takes four to six weeks when done through the standard channels. The Department of State also offers an expediting service than can shorten the time to two to three weeks. 

If the need should arise that necessitates receiving the passport faster than this, there are private services that can expedite the process in as little as one to two business days. These services are perfect for emergency situations but do come with an additional fee.

Should the passport holder not meet all the requirements to renew by mail, a trip to a local Passport Acceptance Facility or Regional Passport Agency will be necessary. An applicant will then need to present a properly filled out DS-11 form along with proper identification. There will also be the need to have new passport photos on hand when applying for the renewal. The private service providers can still help these applicants but there will still be a necessity to appear at a facility of this type.

The above guidelines are strictly for adults applying for a renewal, minors on the other hand have a few more guidelines that must be followed. They must apply in person no matter what, if they are still under the age of 16 or if the passport was issued while they were under that age. They then must follow the same guidelines as an adult and submit the renewal form along with pictures, ID and the processing fee, if any. The same rules for expediting apply for minors as they do adults in that they may choose either the governments offering or to go with one of the private service providers for a passport renewal.

Any U.S. citizen residing out of the country in Canada can also renew by mail if needed. Those that reside in other countries will however need to visit either the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate office to renew the passport in person. There is a complete listing of these locations that may be found online.

The passport renewal is probably most easily completed by going through the mail. If the proper criteria cannot be met by the holder, then it will be necessary to complete the process in person. It has been shown that the private expediting services can help an applicant receive their USA passport back much quicker than the stander government expediting service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4001757

An Expedited Child Passport Can Save the Day

Parents can sometimes get caught in the trap of thinking that their small child is immune to the law and that they do not have to worry about silly things like passports. If there is an international family trip planned in the near future, that philosophy is going to have to be rethought. However, there is no need to hit the panic button, because an expedited child passport is all that is needed.

Just because they are a child, does not mean that there are not travel laws that pertain to them. Any family that is getting ready to travel aboard would do well to get on the Internet and do some research on passport rules and regulations. For the record, anyone traveling abroad needs to have a passport.

While there is one set of rules as they pertain to adults and there are specialty laws that pertain to children. One of the concerns of authorities is that a parent will unknowingly flee the country with a child. This is why both parents must sign a consent in order for the child to be able to get their passport. Doing this gives a little more reassurance that both parents know about the travel, even if the child is only traveling with one parent.

This special passport law means that an additional step has been added to the process, but other than that, the process is pretty similar to adults. Once the consent forms have been signed, the application process will go as a new passport application would. Just make sure that the consent form is properly done so that there will be no snags as the process moves forward.

The first step for a child at that point, just as it would be for an adult, is to get a valid passport photo taken. Because of the rush, it is probably best to utilize the one-hour photo shops that do passport photos. Let them know specifically that the photo is for an express passport and they make it the proper size.

Before the application can be submitted, the dual consent form has to be properly filled out and signed by both parents. If the parents are divorced or living in separate cities, this can sometimes cause a problem, especially if expedited service is needed. This is actually the cause at times for the expedited service as it takes both parents so long to get the forms signed.

A normal passport will take about 6-8 weeks to get back. If the time frame that is left in inside of that window, the parents are going to get stuck paying a fee of $60 to have the passport back within three weeks. There are other services that can be provided at a higher cost if that time frame is still not quick enough.

Most people have a fairly large warning of when they are going to be traveling internationally. It is always recommended that passport acquisition get started the moment that plans are even being made. Otherwise, the fees of getting an expedited child passport are surely in your future. If it is an an emergency, there are express passport services available to help.

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Obtaining a Passport For Infants Or Children

To obtain a passport for infants or young children requires some actions that are unnecessary for adults. It is important that each step in the process of application be completed accurately or passports won't be provided. Missing or inaccurate application information and documentation can delay approval of a passport for your infant. The necessary steps for issuance of a passport include preparation of the application, collecting documentation to provide proof of the citizenship of the baby and that the child belongs to you, the parent. You must provide proof of your identity. 

Photographs of the child, formal consent of the parents to issue a passport, and submission of the needed fees are the final requirements.

You need to be organized to make your passport application process go smoothly. Collect your documents and arrange for an appointment at the passport agent's office if necessary. You are not to sign the application until you are asked to do so. You will need to have a social security number for the infant. You must go in person to the office of a passport agent.

You will need proof that the child is a U.S. Citizen and that you are the infant's parent(s). A birth or adoption certificate, an earlier passport, citizenship certificate or naturalization certificate are suitable. If there are custody issues, a custodial decree will be required.

Where possible, each parent must submit identification documents. These ID forms could include government or military ID, a passport or driver's license. With an infant application, it is important for both parents to be present to submit documentation and sign the application form.

The forms submitted by the parents have to follow a specific format and size. You can't send copies that are smaller than actual size. Copies have to be presented on 8/5" by 11" white paper. Two-sided documents must have copies of each side. Both parents must provide documentation and both must sign.

When you consent to the passport application, it is the easiest method for both signers to appear at the office. When there are custody problems, you will need to do the research about alternate approval methods. This should be done before the actual application process and appointment.

You must make provision for the proper fees and charges. Some passport offices won't accept personal checks, but will accept credit cards or money orders. Charges for additional services such as overnight delivery or expedited service may be required. Exact money order amounts are important if you have elected to pay by this method. The passport office may not accept cash in payment for passport fees either.

Format for passports pictures also are thoroughly defined too, They must measure two inches by two inches and be recently taken. They must be color pictures and must be the same photograph. These two photographs will be submitted along with the application. The image will appear on baby's passport. The photo background must be off-white or white. The picture for the kid's passport must show the full face of the baby.

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6 Steps to Obtaining a Passport For Your Child

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 just follow step-by-step what is expected of you. Susan has been writing articles online for nearly a year now. Not only does this author specialize in dogs, travel, and eating well, you can also check out her latest website on air mattress pumps [http://www.airmattresspumpshop.com/] which reviews and lists the different variety of Coleman models of air mattress pumps [http://www.airmattresspumpshop.com/] available to make inflating all of your summer toys and air mattresses efficient and easy.

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How to Obtain a Rush Passport Quick

Occasionally someone finds they need a quick passport. While these occurrences are rare, it is possible to get a passport in a few days instead of weeks. Naturally, the cost of getting a rush passport is much higher than applying for one and waiting a few weeks. However, if you are in a hurry, the cost will be worth it.

Rush Service: The State Department provides the option for faster service when applying for your passport. Using two way overnight delivery services, with expedite written on the outside of the envelope is one way to speed up the arrival of your passport. A fee of $60 will be required above the standard passport fee. Traceable overnight delivery service costs $14.85 and is highly recommended by the State Department.

Application Form: It is necessary to have completed the application form and appear in person at a Passport Agency or Passport Facility in order to have rush service. You can print out copies of the application form from the Department of State's website. Be sure to make or keep a copy for your records.

Documents: Take all documents with you to your appointment. When you make your appointment ask what documentation is required. You may be asked to provide copies of these documents in order to process your application. Even minor children need to accompany you to this appointment.

Photographs: Some passport agencies provide passport photo service. Two, two inch by two inch photographs will be required for each passport application. These photos need to be of your head and shoulders only.

Expedition Agencies: There are many agencies that offer expedition services for passports. These companies can reduce you wait from weeks to days. Their services come at a cost so be prepared to pay double or triple what rush service from the State Department charges.

Emergency Situations: In the event that you need a quick passport due to a medical emergency or life and death situation in another country the U.S. State Department can help. Log onto their website for passport applications and look for the section regarding life or death emergencies.

Most people will not find themselves in a position to need a quick passport but should you fine that you need one, there are ways to get a passport safely and quickly.

C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She has also traveled extensively and now writes about travel destinations around the world for How to Get a Passport [http://www.how-to-get-a-passport.com] and other travel sites as Web Content Provider.

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Steps To Getting A Child Passport

Every US citizen must have a US passport for international air travel and now that law includes children as well. Formerly, children could, in certain circumstances, travel under their parent's passport but new laws to help prevent international child abduction require a child passport for every minor. The procedures to obtain a minor's under the age of 16 passport is relatively similar to that of an adult except for some minor but very important differences.

The child must appear in person at the office at the time of the application for the passport. A form DS-11 should be filled out but not yet signed by both parents. The child must be accompanied by both parents in order to apply for a passport.

Getting the passport for any child requires submitting proof of citizenship in the form of a certified birth certificate, a birth abroad record, naturalization certification or citizenship certificate. If none of these documents are available, a combination of secondary documents might be presented but one secondary document alone is not sufficient in most instances.

Both of the child's parents must submit their proof of identity such as a government issued ID or their own passports. In addition, the parents must also submit proof of their relationship to the child. When a birth certificate is used as proof of citizenship both parents names will appear on the document.

Minors aged sixteen or seventeen have slightly different requirements than younger children applying for passports. They too must apply for their passport in person and submit an ID or have their parents submit their identification if they have not yet gotten one. They however do not require their parents to be present to apply for the passport unlike children younger than sixteen.

Some children may be able to travel without a passport but the circumstances where this applies are limited. A cruise ship which is considered to be on a closed circuit trip and leaves from a US port with a destination in the Western Hemisphere may not require the child to have a valid passport.

 However it should be remembered that the port of call in another country may require passengers to have a passport to disembark.

In addition, some changes were made as of June 2009 and groups of children from the US and Canada who are traveling with a school, religious or sports organization may not require a passport for travel to countries adjacent to their own. For sea or land travel they may require only a birth certificate or other documentation. International air travel though will still require the passport.

When applying for a child's passport, the wait times are similar to that of an adult's. Usually it requires four to six weeks for a passport submitted through regular channels to arrive. Expedited passports require a more substantial fee and will usually arrive in two to four weeks. To receive a child passport sooner for more urgent travel plans, a US passport agency office or website will be able to issue the passport within 24 hours or if this is not possible, an expediting service can be used.

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Children's Passports - Exploring the Globe With Your Little One

There is no better way to show your children the world than by traveling. In order to go on these international trips, your child will need a passport. Some questions concerning children's passports are frequent, and armed with some answers, you can be comfortable and confident when traveling abroad with your children.

Everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest grandmother, needs a passport. If the child is under 16, he or she will need to replace their passport every five years. Once they get beyond this age, they won't need to replace their passport for ten years. Damaged passports are also required to be replaced. 

If the only thing you need is additional passport pages, a passport agency can do this, and you won't need to get an entirely new passport.

In February 2008, the rules changed a little bit. Now a passport application requires the consent of both parents or legal guardians. While this consent isn't required for applications for children between the ages of 16 and 18, it may be requested by the passport agent. Also, if your child is under the age of 18, he or she is required to be present in front of the AA, or the acceptance agent. Both parents will need to show valid identification when applying for the child.

You will need proof of US citizen ship if you applying for a passport for your minor. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can either use an undamaged, previously-issued passport, a certified birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship, a naturalization certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth. Next, you will be required to prove your relationship to the child. In order to do this, you will need a certified birth certificate featuring both parents' names, a court order directing guardianship or custody, or an adoption decree. This birth certificate can be of a foreign country, you will just need another form of identification. After this, the parents or guardians will then have to prove their own identity. This requirement can be met with valid driver's licenses, previously issued passports, government IDs, military IDs, or naturalization certificates. Photocopies will then be made, and the process concluded with the consent of both parents, payment for the passports, and submission of passport photos.

If you and your spouse happen to give birth to a child while overseas, and you both are American citizens, you will need to report the birth to the local US embassy or consulate. The Consular Report of Birth of a Citizen of the United States of America, simply a basic citizenship document, will be issued, meaning your child will be a valid United States citizen.

Tons of revolutionary new internet services make applying for new passports and replacing old passports much more convenient. With the ease of these services, you and your children can discover the world together. The world becomes more open, and opportunities present themselves in ways that are truly unique. Simply knowing how to get a children's passport saves you time and trouble when you're trying to prepare for a trip. Allowing your children to see the cultures and sites of the world first-hand is the sort of experience that isn't easily forgotten. And all you need is a passport.

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