All passport applicants under 16 must apply in person using Form DS-11. While adult passport is valid for 10 years, passports for children are valid just for 5 years. Application from a child can be accepted in person only, with a legal guardian.
Before any trip one should always check expiration date of his and child’s passport not to face problems in the airport, or a country you are planning to visit, as some countries require that passports be valid for 6 months beyond the date of travel.
To apply for a child’s passport, the following steps are required:
When filling the form, you must provide your child’s Social Security number, if they have been issued you one.
- Provide U.S. Citizenship Evidence
Proof of the minor’s citizenship is first. An original or certified birth certificate works, a photocopy does not. A Certificate of Citizenship should be also presented. An expired U.S. passport is permitted as proof of citizenship.
- Bring a Photocopy of U.S. Citizenship Evidence
Serve a photocopy of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re submitting.
- Show Parental Relationship
You must submit a package of documents that states the parents’ or legal guardians of the child applying for a passport.
- Present ID
Parents are required to show proof of identification, it is necessary to have a driver’s license, domestic or foreign passport, certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
- Bring a Photocopy of ID
Submit a photocopy of the front and back of each ID that you apply to the acceptance agent.
- Show Parental Consent
Both parents must consent for a child to obtain a passport. In case one of them can’t be present, they must submit evidence, with filling Form DS-3053 Statement of Consent.
- Provide a Photo
- To prevent processing delays, be sure the photo meets all photo requirements.
- Calculate Fees
- Submit Your Completed Application
The passport will be ready in about 6-8 weeks since the moment of application.
