People below 16 do not qualify for adult passports with a ten-year validity. Instead, they are eligible for minor passports valid for five years. Once the passports expire, the minors must apply for a new passport, as renewal is only available for full-validity adult passports. Here is how to get a passport for a minor and a quick guide on expediting the process:
How To Get A Passport For A Minor?
Whether your child is a first-time applicant or has a previous passport, the only way to get a passport for a minor is to make a new application. Here is how to get a passport for your child:
- Complete a DS-11 form: This application form applies to new passport applicants. And since minors cannot renew their passports, they require this form which details their particulars. You can complete the form on their behalf. However, you should not sign it until an acceptance agent has verified its details.
- Attach proof of U.S. citizenship: Your minor qualifies for a U.S. passport if they are a U.S. citizen. Acceptable documents in this regard are birth certificates, certificates of citizenship, and consular reports of birth abroad. If your child previously had a passport, you can use it as proof if it is in good condition. Where such documents are not acceptable, you can submit other forms of evidence, including early public records.
- Add a copy of the U.S. citizenship document: You will present an original or certified hard copy of the minor’s evidence of citizenship. And you should also provide a copy of the document. Failure to have a copy can delay the application, forcing you to wait longer.
- Prove your relationship with the child: Only lawful guardians and parents recognized by the law can apply for a passport for a minor. You can prove your legal right to undertake this role by submitting documents like adoption decrees and custody agreements. Some documents, like birth certificates, are double-ended as they can prove your parental relationship and the child’s citizenship. All documents provided to establish parental or guardian relationships should be original or certified hard copies.
- Attach passport photos: When you apply for a passport for minor, you should include two recent passport photos. These must comply with the U.S. passport photo requirements and should not be older than three months.
- Include your ID: You must prove that you are the person documented in custody agreements, birth certificates, or any parental proof documents you submit. And the way to do this is by including your valid ID. It can be a passport book, passport card, driver’s license, or any other document accepted by state passport offices. Digital copies are not acceptable as proof of ID.
- Add Parental or Guardian Consent: State passport offices will not issue a passport for a minor if the legal parents and guardians do not consent. As such, they require the parents and guardians to be present during the passport appointment. But what if this is not possible? Below are the options to meet this consent requirement for a passport application for minors:
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- Evidence of sole custody: Where a parent has sole custody of a child, the other parent need not be part of the process. However, the custodial parent must submit evidence of the custodial agreement or ruling, e.g., a court order.
- Notarized authorization: Where both parents or guardians are in the picture and only one can show up to the appointment, the other parent or guardian must issue their consent. Submitting a notarized authorization letter by filling out form DS-3053 is the acceptable way to do this. This form also applies to cases where both parents are unavailable for the appointment and send a rep.
- Form DS-5525: What happens when one parent cannot locate the other custodial parent? In such cases, the present parent must state exceptional family circumstances by filling out this form. The evidence must be strong enough to back the passport application.
The next step in how to get a passport for a child is to submit the paperwork to a local acceptance agent. They will review the details, and if everything checks out, you can sign the DS-11 form and submit the passport application paperwork.
How to Expedite Children’s Passports?
Knowing how to apply for passport for minor is one thing. But getting the passport on time is another matter entirely. Usually, most people wait months before they can get children’s passports because of state office backlogs. And this can get in the way of even the best travel plans. So, how can you get a passport for a child within a shorter timeframe? Expediting the process!
Travel Visa Pro offers a reliable and flexible passport ordering system with timelines ranging from a few days to weeks. So, instead of waiting months, you can choose the timeframe that best matches your travel needs. Here is how it works:
- You complete the paperwork requirements for children’s passports and present the documents to a local acceptance agent for verification.
- You choose among the available timelines, which start from just a few days.
- You send your verified passport application documents to the nearest TVP office. We offer expediting services across 50 states and will guide you to the most convenient location.
See? You can get a passport for a minor in just days using this simple, convenient, and fast passport processing service.
