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.
Online 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.
Details
The name of your child, his or her date of birth, Social Security number, address and information about the parents are some of the facts you have to indicate in the form. After you supply all the necessary info on the form, place it in an envelope but do not seal it. Put the old and expired passport in the same envelope, too.
Guardianship
You will also have to include proof of your relationship to the child in the envelope such as a copy of your ID and the child’s birth certificate. The form must indicate both parents names like a US or foreign birth certificate or adoption decree. If these documents are not available, you have to get a court order that you have legal custody of the child.
Adequate Documents
If your papers are in a foreign language, you will need to have them translated into English. Some identification cards you can supply are state IDs for both parents, U. S. Drivers licenses or U. S. Passport of both parents. If you are an immigrant, you will need to give a copy of your naturalization papers. Military identification cards and employee IDs are also suitable.
Passport Renewal
Your renewal application should also include 2 photos of your child. Let the photographer know it is for a passport so you can provide pictures in the appropriate size. You also have to provide current pictures less than 6 months old. Put all of these documents including the photographs in the envelope and visit the passport renewal agency. Bring original copies too in case the agent wishes to see them.
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.
Once you locate a nearby office, both parents can take the child with the accompanying documents for an interview. If one parent cannot go with the child, the missing parent must fill out and submit a DS 3033 form that states your consent for your child’s passport renewal. So, renewing expired kids pasports will take several weeks to process. Expect the new pasport in the mailbox.