Renewing Kids Passports: A Guide for Parents
In today’s fast-paced world, travel has become increasingly more accessible and common for families. Whether it’s a vacation to a tropical paradise or a visit to see relatives in another country, many parents are taking their children on international trips. And with this increase in travel comes the need to ensure that children have up-to-date passports.
Passports are essential documents for traveling internationally. They serve as proof of identity and citizenship and are required for entry into most countries. For children under the age of 16, passports are only valid for five years, compared to the standard 10 years for adults. This means that parents must be diligent about renewing their children’s passports to avoid any travel disruptions.
So, how exactly can parents go about renewing their kids’ passports? Here is a step-by-step guide to help make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Step 1: Check the Passport Expiration Date
The first step in renewing a child’s passport is to check the expiration date of their current passport. It’s recommended to start the renewal process about six months before the expiration date to ensure that there is no disruption in travel plans. If the passport is still valid for more than six months, parents can wait until closer to the expiration date to renew.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
When renewing a child’s passport, parents will need to gather several documents to submit with the application. These include:
– The child’s current passport
– A completed passport application form (Form DS-11)
– Evidence of the child’s U.S. citizenship
– Evidence of the child’s relationship to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
– Parental/guardian consent
– Passport photo of the child
Step 3: Submit the Renewal Application
Once all the required documents have been gathered, parents can submit the renewal application to the nearest passport acceptance facility. This can be done by mail or in person, depending on the child’s age. For children under the age of 16, both parents or legal guardians must be present when submitting the application.
Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee
There is a fee associated with renewing a child’s passport, which must be paid at the time of application submission. The current fee for renewing a child’s passport is $80 for the passport book and $15 for the passport card, in addition to a $35 execution fee.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After the renewal application has been submitted, parents will need to wait for the passport to be processed. The processing time for a child’s passport renewal is typically four to six weeks, so it’s important to plan ahead and allow for enough time before any upcoming travel.
Step 6: Receive the New Passport
Once the passport has been processed, parents will receive the new passport in the mail. It’s important to check the information on the passport for accuracy and sign it before traveling. The passport should be kept in a safe place when not in use.
In conclusion, renewing a child’s passport is an important task for parents who plan to travel internationally with their children. By following these steps and being proactive about renewing passports before they expire, parents can ensure that their children are ready for any travel adventures that come their way. So, don’t wait until the last minute – start the renewal process today and prepare for a stress-free travel experience with your kids.
