Minors must fill out Form DS-11, the passport application form provided by the U.S. Department of State, and submit the application in person at any passport acceptance facility in the U.S. along with the presence of his parents or legal guardians. Forms are available at all passport acceptance facilities and on the U.S. Department of State's website. Children and parents should not sign any passport application form until in the presence of a passport acceptance facility agent.
Children and parents are both required to present certain documentation when applying for a minor's passport. Children must present proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of a certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, certificate of citizenship or naturalization certificate. Parents or guardians must present proof of their relationship to the child; birth certificates, adoption decrees and court orders establishing custody or guardianship are acceptable as long as the names of both parents or guardians -- or single name of sole custodial parents or guardians -- are located on the form along with the child's name. Parents or guardians are required to present proof of identity in the form of photo ID, such as driver's license, military or government ID, state ID, passport or naturalization certificate.
Parental consent is required for a minor to obtain a passport. Both parents or guardians need not appear in person to provide parental consent, but the parent or guardian that does appear must provide a signed and notarized consent form (Form DS-3053) for the absent parent or guardian. In the presence of the passport acceptance facility agent, the parent or guardian must sign the minor's passport application once identity and proof of identity and relationship are established.
Minor children must provide two passport photos when applying for a passport. Requirements for a passport photo are strict and those that do not meet all guidelines are not accepted by the U.S. Department of State. Passport acceptance facilities provide the option to have your minor child's passport photo taken during the time of application. Applicants are free to provide passport photos taken elsewhere so long as they are 2 by 2 inches in size, in color, of only the face of the child on a white background with between 1 inch and 1 3/8 of an inch from the bottom of the child's chin to the top of the child's forehead, wearing regular clothes without headgear or glasses without a prescription.
As of 2011, the application fee for a minor's passport is $105. Your child's passport is mailed to you four to six weeks after the application is submitted. For an additional $60, your child's passport is expedited, arriving on your doorstep two to three weeks after the application is submitted. Acceptable methods of payment differ at each acceptance facility.
