Passport For Kids: Sign Up For One Before You Require It

It is smart to know the regulations surrounding a child’s passport if you need to apply for one for your child. Even newborns are required to have one when traveling abroad. There are also some special rules for children between 16 and 18 years of age.

Passports for children under 16 must be applied for in person with both parents or guardians present. You must supply proof of American citizenship, which will be returned to you. Acceptable types of proof include a U. S. Or foreign birth certificate, a prior U. S. Passport which is undamaged, or proof of citizenship or naturalization. You must also provide a social security number.

It will be necessary to prove the relationship of the parents or guardians to the minor. Acceptable proof is a birth certificate, either U.S. or foreign, which has both parents’ names, an adoption decree listing the adopting parents, or a court order which establishes guardianship or custody.

If any furnished documents are in another language, they must be translated. It can be formally or informally translated. Both original and English translation must be submitted with the passport application.

You cannot use previously issued passports to prove your relationship with the child. If a name has been changed since the issuing of the original documents, you need to submit proof of that legal change. For example, you can submit a copy of your marriage certificate. Also, current identification must be shown by the parents or guardians, like a driver’s license, an undamaged US Passport, a naturalization certificate, or a military/government ID.

Both parents need to consent for a child below 16 years of age to get a passport. They must appear with the child when making the application. If they are not both able to appear, at least one must go as the form needs to be signed in front of the passport agent. Meanwhile, a Statement of Consent for the other parent must be turned in. This form needs to be notarized within the last three months.

If custody is held by one parent, the application needs to be signed by that parent in front of a passport agent. The parent must appear with the minor and prove that he or she has sole authority. Some documents that can establish proof are certificates of birth (U.S. or foreign) or consular reports of birth abroad which list just the one parent’s name. Other types of proof can be an adoption decree, a declaration of incompetence, a court order, or death certificate of the absent parent.

If necessary, a third party may apply for the minor’s passport. This person must appear with a notarized statement from both parents or guardians. If there is only one parent or guardian, proof of sole custody must also be furnished.

Besides the application and evidence for identification, custody, and relationship, you must supply two photos and pay a fee. If the child is between 16 and 18, he or she will also need to show a photo id. If none is available, the photo identification of the parents or guardians can be substituted. Whichever is used, a copy must also be submitted with the application. As with any US passport, a passport for a child should be applied for before it is a necessity.