# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

Instructions for Passport Guardianship for Minors

With increasing security regarding international travel, the United States has tightened requirements for issuing passports to minors. No longer can a child accompany a passport-holding parent on trips. Regardless of age, all minors must have their own passport when traveling abroad by air. Applying for a passport for a minor is a process performed locally. Submit your application nine months before you will need it, if possible, to allow for sometimes lengthy processing times.

DS-11 form
Proof of citizenship
Proof of relationship
DS-3053 form
Identification
Payment
Passport photo

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the designated passport acceptance facility, which is often a post office, public library or municipal office, or the regional passport agency in your area. Input your zip code on the Passport Acceptance Facility Search page to find the facility nearest to you, or call the regional agency to set up an appointment (See Resources.)
- 2
  Fill out form DS-11, the application for a U.S. Passport, and sign it only when directed to by the acceptance agent. Avoid passport processing delays by including your social security number on the application. Submit the form to the acceptance agent for processing.
- 3
  Present the minor's proof of citizenship, which can include a certified birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship. All documents will be returned by mail.
- 4
  Provide the acceptance agency with a photocopy of the proof of parental or guardian relationship to the child. Show a certified U.S. birth certificate that includes both parents' names, the report of the child's birth abroad with both parents' names, an adoption decree with both names, or a copy of a court order that establishes custody or guardianship. Translate all foreign documents if necessary.
- 5
  Provide the acceptance agency with a photocopy of the parents' identification, including previous U.S. passports, naturalization certificates, driver's license, or current military or government identification.
- 6
  Authorize the issue of the minor's passport with both parents' signatures, signing form DS-11 in front of the acceptance agent. If only one parent can accompany the child, submit a notarized Statement of Consent, form DS-3053, giving the other parents' authorization. Submit proof of sole authority if there is only one custodial parent, such as a court order granting custody or the death certificate of a deceased parent.
- 7
  Pay the current passport fee using a check, money order or credit card. Submit a 2-by-2-inch passport photo taken by a professional passport photo service, such as a pharmacy photo lab or camera shop, or take your own photo and adjust it on the Department of State's free photo tool (See Resources.)