When it comes to passport applications, adults and minors (children below 18 years old) need to submit the same basic requirements. In the case of minors, however, there are special requirements they will also need to fulfill. These special requirements mostly deal with establishing the minors’ relationship with their parents or guardians. Let us tell you more about everything you need to know about getting a passport for children applications in this article.
We mentioned earlier that adults and minors need to fulfill the same basic requirements. These requirements include the Form DS-11. This is a form that first time passport applicants need to complete. This would, of course, apply to minors who haven’t had a passport before. They will also need to fill out the DS-11. It is also worth noting that this form shouldn’t be signed until the applicant or the guardian is told to do so at the passport office.
Along with the DS-11, you will also be required to submit proof of your citizenship. You can do this by submitting the necessary documents that will establish that you are a legal US citizen. You can submit any of the following documents to establish this: your birth certificate, your certificate of citizenship, your certificate of naturalization, or a consular report on your birth if you were born abroad. Any of these documents that you submit will be returned to you along with your new passport, or sent in a separate mailing.
You will also need to submit two color passport-size photos. The US Department of State has very specific instructions regarding these photos. It’s therefore important that you check these specifications before having your passport photo taken.
From those basic requirements, we move on to the special requirements for passports for children. Along with the documents previously mentioned, minors should also submit a written parental consent. If you are a parent or a guardian of an applicant, you must first know under which category you fall under. You should know that there are different procedures undertaken by parents/guardians of different statuses (e.g. single parent, both parents, guardian, etc.), so check with the passport office first for the guidelines.
Another requirement is the proof of relationship between the parent/guardian and the applicant. In addition to those already mentioned, the parent or guardian should also submit a photocopy of their ID. This should be the same ID that they will present when submitting the passport application requirements in person.
If you are the parent or a guardian of a child passport applicant, make sure that you are aware of the guidelines, and know the requirements needed to apply for one. Doing this will help you save a lot of time. This is especially important if you are going to submit the documents in person. You’ll save time as you’ll do everything right the first time. If, however, you are unsure about the requirements, give the passport office a call to confirm or inquire.
There you have it, everything you need to know about child us passport applications. Simply put, it just combines special passport requirements on top of the basic requirements. Once you have figured that out, then you’ll realize how easy and straightforward it is to apply for a US passport.
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