Adult passports have a validity of ten years, after which they become invalid. But children’s passports have limited validity. So, how long is a minor passport good for, and how can you renew an expired minor passport?
How Long Is A Minor Passport Good For?
A minor’s passport remains valid if it meets all the following conditions:
- The passport should not have expired. But how long does a minor passport last? The validity of minor passports is five years. So, if this period has lapsed since the issue date, the passport is no longer valid.
- The passport should be in good condition. Even if a passport has not expired, any wear or tear beyond the normal will invalidate it. So, significant damage and alterations are signs that the minor needs a new passport.
- The passport should have enough blank pages. A passport is no longer valid if it has run out of blank pages.
So, how long is a child’s passport good for? Often, people pay attention to the expiry date on the passport. But passport validity hinges on many other factors, including the availability of blank pages and the condition of the passport. Thus, if your minor’s passport fails any of the checks above, they need a new one.
How to Get a New Minor’s Passport
Adult passports are eligible for renewal via mail. But can you do the same for minors’ passports? Not at all. All minor passport applications require the child to be at the passport acceptance agency. Moreover, the parent must accompany the minor or sign an authorization letter allowing the minor to get a passport. Below is the correct process for new minor passport applications and renewing any passports that are no longer valid:
- Complete form DS-11: You must fill out this application form on behalf of the minor. You should only sign it once a local acceptance agent has verified it.
- Attach their proof of U.S. citizenship: You can prove this using a birth certificate or any other document establishing their citizenship. It can be an original or certified hard copy.
- Include their proof of identification: You should also include documents that can identify the minor, e.g., a valid passport card.
- Include proof of identification: Parents and guardians should include their IDs and copies to identify themselves. You can use documents like a driver’s license, passport book, or other valid ID.
- Add two passport photos: You should include two recent passport pictures of the minor that meet the U.S. passport photo requirements.
Once you have compiled these documents, show up to the local acceptance agency, where you can sign the DS-11 form after document verification. You can then submit the documents to the state passport offices. Your minor should get a new passport with a 5-year validity.
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