Processing a child’s passport is like processing an adult passport in many ways. However, some nuances separate these processes. And knowing the right documents needed for children’s passport can save you a lot of time. So, what do you need?
Documents Needed For Children’s Passport
Given the sensitive nature of children’s passports, you must meet all the passport requirements. Below are all the documents needed for children’s passport to help you get the passport processed on time:
- A complete DS-11 form: This passport application form, which is available online, gives details about the minor. The parent, guardian, or any other qualified person should complete it. However, you cannot sign the form until a local acceptance agent has verified the application documents.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship: Only U.S. citizens can get a U.S. passport. Thus, you must present documents that can establish the minor’s citizenship. The standard citizenship requirements for minor passport are birth certificates and consular reports of birth abroad. But where these are unavailable, you can use other documents, such as early public records. Note that any such documents should be originals or certified hard copies. Digital copies are not acceptable.
- Evidence of parental or guardian relationship: State passport offices pay a lot of attention to minor passport applications. Thus, you must present proof of your relationship with the minor. Acceptable documents include birth certificates, adoption decrees, and custody agreements.
- Parental or Guardian ID: The parent or guardian whose relationship with the minor has been established should present a valid ID. Acceptable documents include valid passport books, valid passport cards, and driver’s licenses. While some states issue digital IDs, these are not acceptable as proof of ID, and you must have a hard copy of your ID.
- Passport Photos: The minor must have two recent passport photos taken in the last three months. They must adhere to the U.S. passport photo requirements.
- Parental or Guardian Consent: Parents or guardians show consent by presenting the passport application documents to an acceptance agent with the minor in tow. However, this is not always possible. If a parent or guardian cannot make it, they should submit notarized authorization, enabling the minor passport processing to continue. Where one parent is unavailable due to a custody agreement, the present parent must present the custody agreement. Or they must have proof that they have tried locating the other parent unsuccessfully.
You should submit all these documents required for minor passport to a local acceptance agent. They will verify that they meet the set requirements for children’s passport, after which you can sign the DS-11 form. You can then submit the passport documents for minor to the state passport offices via the acceptance agency.
Expediting Children’s Passports
After you have met the passport requirements for children and submitted your application, you will likely wait months before getting a response. But what if you would rather get the passport almost as soon as you apply for it? The answer lies in expediting the process.
Passport expediting enables you to skip the long processing times and avoid the queues at the state passport offices. Here is how it works:
- You prepare the passport application documents and present them to a local acceptance agent for verification.
- You submit the verified documents to the nearest TVP office for processing. We have offices nationwide and will direct you to the most convenient option.
- You choose a timeline that best suits your travel needs – the options vary from a few days to weeks.
In just a few days, you will receive a new passport at your preferred address!
