Renewing expired kids passports can be a hassle but is necessary if your kids travel a lot. It is more difficult to renew a passport for a child than doing it for an adult. The US government requires the parents to show proof of custody and to present the child to an agent. To prepare for this procedure,parents must fill out a DS 11 form.
Forms
The DS 11 form is a US passport application form that you can get at the proper agency or print it out from the Internet. Fill in the form from your computer print out or complete the form directly on the website and then print it out afterwards. Parents or a guardian will need to supply information about their child on the form.
Child’s Information
Some details to be included in the form are the name of your child or children if more than one is renewing their passport, birthday, SS number, address and other details the form asks for. Place the form in an envelope but do not seal it yet. You have to place additional supporting documents inside such as the expired passport of your child.
Guardianship
You also have to provide proof of your relation to the child. Include copies of your identification and the child’s birth record. Write down both parent’s names on the form. You can also supply adoption papers if your child is adopted. If you do not have supporting documents like these, you may need to get a court decree or document that show you are the kids legal guardian.
English
If you are showing documents in a foreign language, you need to have the documents translated into English. You will also have to present a photocopy of each parents ID which could be a US drivers license or US passport. You can also use a naturalization certificate if you are an immigrant. A military or government employee ID is also acceptable.
Passport Renewal
Place copies of the original in the envelope. You also need to supply the passport agency with two pictures of your child. Make sure you have the appropriate size and tell the person taking the picture that they are for a passport renewal. Take your envelope to a passport renewal agency together with your child. Bring original documents so you can show them if an agent asks for them.
Appropriate Fees
Before visiting the agency, you have to find out how much you need to pay for the renewal and processing fees. You will be able to find that info online. Bring the cash with you when you submit the documents and renewal application. You should be able to find an agency or satellite office near your location. Look for a nearby office on the net.
When you get to the pasport office near your home, be sure both parents and the child are present. If a parent cannot make it to the office, you will need to provide a DS-3033 consent form that permits the child’s guardian to renew the passport. You should get the new passport in your mail at home. So, renewing expired kids U.S. passports can take a few weeks.