Children and adults have the same basic requirements when it comes to applying for a US passport. However, there are also special requirements that need to be met by those applying for a child’s passport. These requirements are simply designed to show proof of a minor’s relationship with the parents or guardians, as well as to establish the identity of those representing the applicant.
When talking about special requirements for minors, there are different requirements for those under 16 than for those who are 16-17 years old. In this article, we’ll be dealing with the special requirements of those who are under 16. This category includes newborns and infants.
The DS-11 is the most basic requirement that applicants need to accomplish. This is the form that is required to be filled in by everyone applying for a passport for the first time. When filling in this application form, the parents or guardians of the applicant should assist the applicant to ensure everything is filled in correctly.
There’s also the need to establish the citizenship of a passport applicant. To do this, the applicant should submit any of the types of documents accepted by the passport office for the purpose. These documents include: the birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, or a consular report of the applicant’s birth if born abroad. The documents submitted will be returned along with the new passport. Sometimes, however, they may be mailed separately.
Then the applicant will also have to submit two recent color photographs along with the previously mentioned documents. The US Department of State has very specific requirements regarding passport photos so if you are a parent or guardian, and unsure what the exact requirements are, then inquire at your nearest passport office before applying. This will help you save a lot of time.
Those three - the DS-11, the proof of citizenship, as well as the color photographs - are the basic requirements when applying for passports. And, since we’re discussing passport application for minors, there are special requirements on top of these already mentioned. Once again, they are required to establish the identity of the parents or guardians, as well as prove the relationship between the parent/guardian and the applicant.
A written parental consent is needed from the parents/guardians of the applicant. There are specific guidelines for this, so it’s best that you inquire at the nearest passport office before proceeding. Also, the parent/guardian should present their ID when submitting all the required documents in person. This ID should be photocopied first and attached to the other requirements. Then, the parent/guardian must show proof of their relationship with the applicant. Finally, after all the requirements are done, they can be submitted to the passport office and person and the fees have to be made.
There are very specific requirements when it comes to Child Passport applications. Because of this, they are easy enough to follow, so long as you know what these requirements are. Otherwise, get more information from your nearest U.S. Passport office. They will then provide you with the information you need about the passport application. Alternatively, you could also visit the US Department of State’s website.