How Do Minors Get New Passports?
Obtaining a passport is a critical step for anyone traveling abroad. However, it is more than just a travel document; it is proof of citizenship, and every citizen has the right to hold one. Even minors are entitled to a passport, and they can receive one under certain conditions.
In this article, we will be discussing how minors can get new passports, the requirements for getting a passport, and the steps involved in obtaining a passport for a minor.
What is a Passport?
A passport is a document that identifies and confirms the identity of a citizen. It facilitates international travel and serves as a tool to establish legal citizenship and identity. It’s produced with advanced security features to make it difficult to fake.
Your passport also contains information about your identity, such as:
– Your name
– Photos
– Address
– Date of birth
– Nationality
– Signature
Types of Passports
There are five types of passports issued by the United States Department of State, which include regular passports, official passports, diplomatic passports, emergency passports, and limited passports.
Regular passports are the most common type of passport issued to citizens and are valid for ten years. Official and diplomatic passports are issued to government employees who travel for official purposes and are valid for five years.
Emergency passports are temporary passports issued to U.S citizens who need to travel urgently for medical or other legitimate reasons. Finally, limited passports are used when U.S citizens cannot get a regular passport due to some legal reasons.
Passports for Minors
Minors are eligible to apply for a passport as long as they are U.S citizens. For those under 16, both parents or the legal guardians must sign the application for the minor to get a passport. Each parent or guardian must also consent to the issuance of a passport and provide evidence of their relationship.
If one of the parents can not be present at the time of application, they can provide their consent either through a notarized statement or certain special circumstances, such as evidence of sole custody.
Once a minor turns 16, they can apply for a passport on their own without parental consent, as long as they can provide evidence of their citizenship and identity.
Requirements for Getting a Passport
To apply for a passport, you must meet certain requirements. It is important to ensure that all requirements are met so that the application process goes smoothly. The requirements for getting a passport include:
1. Proof of Citizenship
To apply for a passport, you need to provide proof of your citizenship. You can provide a certified copy of your birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
2. Proof of Identity
You must also provide proof of your identity. This can be your driver’s license or state-issued identification card.
For minors, acceptable identification includes a previous passport, an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of citizenship, or a certificate of naturalization.
3. Passport Photos
You must provide two identical passport photos of yourself, taken within the last six months. The photos must adhere to specific requirements, such as the size and quality of the print.
4. Passport Fees
Passport fees are charged for processing your application. The fees vary depending on the type of passport you are applying for, the age of the applicant, and the type of service requested.
5. Parental Consent
If the applicant is under the age of 16, both parents or guardians must provide written consent for the issuance of the passport.
Steps to Follow To Get a Passport for a Minor
The process of obtaining a passport for a minor differs from that of an adult. Following the steps below can ensure that the application process goes smoothly and without any issues.
1. Gather Required Documents
You will need to provide proof of citizenship, identity, and parental consent (if applicable) in order to apply for a passport. Make sure all the necessary documents are available and in good condition before starting the application process.
2. Fill Out Forms
You must fill out the DS-11 form. The form can be obtained from the U.S Department of State’s website or at any Passport Acceptance Facility.
In filling out the form, be sure to do so accurately and include all the necessary information. Remember, errors in the application can lead to the rejection and delay of the application.
3. Provide Photos
Submit two identical passport-sized photos with the application. The photos must meet specific requirements to be accepted. It is recommended to have the photos taken by a professional photographer.
4. Pay Fees
Pay the appropriate passport fees for the application. The fees vary depending on the type of passport and services required.
5. Submit Application
Submit the completed form, required documents, passport photos, and fees at a passport acceptance facility. The applicant must be present during the submission of the application, and both parents or guardians (if applicable) should sign the application. A parent or legal guardian must also submit a valid identification document.
6. Track Application Status
Track the status of the application through the U.S Department of State’s website using the application’s tracking number. Processing time usually takes four to six weeks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, every U.S citizen, including minors, has the right to hold a passport. The process of obtaining a passport for minors differs from that for adults, and the application must be completed with the required documents, identification, and passport photos. Additionally, both parents or guardians must give consent to the issuance of the passport if the applicant is under the age of 16.
Young people with passports gain the opportunity to explore the world, experience new cultures, and learn about the world’s diverse peoples. Therefore, it is essential to obtain a passport for minors who wish to travel overseas with their families. Fortunately, the steps outlined above make the process of getting a passport a straightforward and simple one for minors.
How Do Minors Get New Passports? A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re planning to take a trip overseas with your minor child, ensuring they have a passport is essential. However, if your child has never had a passport before, the process can be confusing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how minors can get new passports.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Documentation
Before applying for a passport for your minor child, it’s crucial to ensure all necessary documents are in order. You’ll need to gather proof of your child’s U.S. citizenship, like their birth certificate or certificate of citizenship, proof of your own identity, and two passport photos of your child.
Step 2: Fill Out the Passport Application Form
Once you have all necessary documentation, the next step is to fill out the passport application form. If your child is under 16, they must appear in person, with both parents or guardians. If only one parent or guardian can be there, then a notarized consent form signed by the other parent or guardian will be needed.
Step 3: Provide Two Passport Photos of the Child
In order to process the passport application, two passport photos of the child must be provided. Many pharmacies, grocery stores and other businesses offer passport photo services.
Step 4: Pay the Passport Fees
The fees for a minor’s passport are different from that of adults. Standard passport processing for minors costs $80, and expedited service is available for an additional $60 fee. Other fees like execution fees may apply depending on the specific passport acceptance facility where you applied.
Step 5: Submit the Passport Application
The next step is to submit the passport application in person at a passport acceptance facility near you. You can find one by going to the U.S. Department of State’s website or by visiting your local post office. Make sure to have the necessary documentation, application form, and passport photos of your child.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Once the passport application is submitted, it will take up to four to six weeks for standard processing and two to three weeks for expedited processing. Processing times may vary due to demand or other factors.
In conclusion, minors can get new passports easily by following the above step-by-step guide. Remember to gather necessary documentation, fill out the passport application form, provide two passport photos of the child, pay the passport fees and submit the application in person. Get everything done ahead and allow enough time for processing to ensure a stress-free travel experience for you and your family.
Getting a new passport
Once parents have obtained the necessary documentation, they should also consider issues of custody of the child. A custodial parent, or legal guardian, must be present when the child applies for their new passport. In fact, both parents, or guardians, must sign the documentation in order for the child to be granted a new passport. New regulations require that anyone that is entitled to custodial rights for the minor, must consent to the new passport being granted.
New passports require a legal signature by the owner of the new passport. Since minors cannot sign for themselves, a parent or legal guardian must sign for them. The parent should first print the child’s name and then sign their own name beside it. After the signature, the parent should put their relationship to the child in parenthesizes. For example, the child’s name would be printed, followed by the parents signature, with father or mother in parenthesises. New passports must be signed before anyone attempts to travel with the minor child. Taking children outside of the United States is a serious matter and every precaution will be taken against a non custodial parent taking the child out of the country. In fact, it is necessary for parents to be sure that they follow all rules and restrictions when getting and utilizing new passports for children.
New passports should be treated with care. Parents should do their best to avoid losing the documentation. In fact, it is not advised to allow children to carry their new passports. However, children should have identification, including emergency phone numbers on their person, whenever they are traveling.
