Renewing a child’s passport can be a daunting task for many parents, but it is necessary in order for them to travel internationally. With the requirements and procedures constantly changing, it can be challenging to keep up with the renewal process. However, there are a few simple steps parents can take to ensure their child’s passport is renewed in a timely manner.
The first step in renewing a child’s passport is to determine whether the child is eligible for renewal. In general, children under the age of 16 are eligible for passport renewal if their previous passport was issued when they were under the age of 16 and if it is still valid or has expired within the last five years. If the child meets these criteria, then they are eligible to renew their passport.
Once eligibility has been confirmed, parents can begin the renewal process by completing Form DS-11, which is the application for a US passport. This form can be found on the US Department of State’s website or at a local passport acceptance facility. Parents will need to fill out the form with their child’s information, including their full name, date of birth, and social security number.
In addition to the application form, parents will need to provide proof of the child’s US citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a previously issued passport. They will also need to provide proof of the child’s identity, such as a driver’s license or a school ID card. If the child has had a name change since their last passport was issued, parents will need to provide documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or a court order.
Once all of the required documentation has been gathered, parents will need to take their child to a passport acceptance facility to submit the application. These facilities can be found at post offices, libraries, and municipal offices across the country. Parents will need to bring the completed application form, the necessary documentation, and a recent passport photo of the child.
It is important to note that both parents or guardians must be present when submitting the application for a child’s passport renewal. If one parent is unable to be present, they must provide a notarized consent form allowing the other parent to apply for the child’s passport.
After the application has been submitted, parents can expect to receive the child’s new passport in the mail within 4-6 weeks. If they need the passport sooner, they can expedite the process for an additional fee. Expedited passports can be processed in 2-3 weeks, but parents must provide proof of travel plans in order to qualify for expedited processing.
Renewing a child’s passport may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and preparation, parents can ensure their child’s passport is renewed in a timely manner. By following these simple steps, parents can make the renewal process as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing their child to travel internationally with ease.
