Obtaining A American Childrens Passport

Posted by on February 16, 2012

Over the years, various requirements have been added in an effort to combat children abduction and trafficking. These new requirements prove to be a bit complicated for parents to acquire passports for their children. While it is definitely vital to ensure children’s safety and it is a way of protecting them, these procedures are often considered to be too stringent. To make it through the process without a hitch, start early and pay attention to the details when applying for a American childrens pasport.

Application Process

The first thing you need to know is that your child must apply in person with both parents or guardians. Renewal of passport is not allowed by mail for minors. So children below the age of 16 whose passports have expired or are about to expire must apply for a new one by having a special form filled in.

Form DS-11

The form can be completed ahead of time but do not sign it until in the presence of a passport agent. Otherwise, it will be invalid. You and your child can bring the unsigned Form DS-11 to a facility that processes such applications. Parental or guardianship consent is necessary for a minor to get a passport. There is a different form for expedited child pass ports.

Documentation

Both proof of U. S. Citizenship and proof of relationship with the parent or legal guardian must be presented in the form of primary or secondary documentation. A certified copy of the child’s birth or adoption certificate will do for proof of citizenship. This can be acquired from your State’s Department of Vital Records.

Proof of Relationship

To present a proof of your relationship with the child, you have to provide a birth certificate that clearly states the parent’s name or an adoption decree that has the adopting parents’ names on it. In other situations a court order authorizing you to have the custody or guardianship of the child can also be presented.

Foreign Birth

For children born overseas or anywhere outside of U. S. territories, a certified foreign birth certificate along with translation if needed is required. Again, the parents’ signatures need to be on it. In addition to all of the above requirements, children under sixteen also must have copies of their parents’ documentation, such as identification and proof of citizenship.

Parental Consent

Parental consent must also be provided. Providing consent means the parents must appear with the child in front of the passport agent. If only one parent can appear, there must be a notarized statement from the other. If one parent has sole legal custody this, too, must be proved either with court order documents, or a death certificate of the other parent.

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