Applying for a Child Passport: A Guide for Parents
In today’s interconnected world, travel has become more accessible and essential than ever before. Whether it’s for a family vacation, a study abroad program, or visiting relatives overseas, having a passport is a crucial part of ensuring your child can travel internationally. However, obtaining a passport for a child can be a bit more complicated than for an adult. From gathering the necessary documents to going through the application process, here’s everything you need to know about applying for a child passport.
First things first, it’s important to understand that children under the age of 16 require a child passport. Once a child turns 16, they will need to apply for an adult passport. For children under 16, both parents or legal guardians must provide consent for the child to get a passport. If one parent has sole custody of the child, they will need to provide legal documentation, such as a court order or a birth certificate with the parent’s name on it.
To apply for a child passport, you will need to complete Form DS-11, which can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website. The form must be filled out in black ink and signed by both parents or legal guardians in the presence of a passport acceptance agent. Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of the child’s U.S. citizenship. This can be in the form of a certified birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship, or a report of birth abroad.
In addition to proof of citizenship, you will also need to provide proof of the child’s relationship to the parents or legal guardians. This can be in the form of a birth certificate with both parents’ names on it, an adoption decree, or a court order establishing custody. If the child has a valid passport, you will need to include it with the application, as it will be cancelled and returned.
One of the most important aspects of the application process is providing proof of parental consent. Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child at a passport acceptance facility. If one parent cannot be present, they can fill out Form DS-3053, which is a statement of consent. This form must be notarized and submitted along with the child’s application.
Once all the necessary documents have been gathered, you will need to submit the application in person at a passport acceptance facility. These facilities can be found at post offices, public libraries, and other government buildings. It’s important to check the facility’s hours of operation and whether an appointment is required, as some locations may have limited availability.
When submitting the application, you will need to pay the applicable fees. The fee for a child passport is $80 for the application fee and $35 for the execution fee. The passport will be valid for five years, after which it will need to be renewed.
After submitting the application, it can take 4-6 weeks for the passport to be processed and delivered. If you need the passport sooner, you can expedite the process for an additional fee. Expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks, but it’s important to note that not all passport acceptance facilities offer this service.
In conclusion, applying for a child passport can be a straightforward process if you have all the necessary documents and information. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your child is ready to travel internationally and explore the world. So don’t let the paperwork deter you from planning your next family adventure – start the application process today and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.
