Those under the age of 16 --- including newborns and infants --- are eligible to receive a United States passport. These passports, however, are not valid for as long as an adult applicant's passport. Passports issued to minors under 16 years of age are only valid for five years. Any minor traveling across international borders must have their own passport, and both parents must be present to complete the application process.
Every U.S. citizen has the right to apply for a passport, and there are several requirements to obtain a passport if an adult over the age 16 is applying for a passport for the first time. All applicants must fill out a passport application, as well as submit evidence that they are, in fact, a U.S. citizen. A second form of identification must be submitted as well as two passport photos. There also are fees that must be paid before a passport will be issued. A passport issued to an adult is valid for 10 years.
U.S. citizens holding passports have the right to then renew their passport when it expires. Passport renewal can often be done by mail, provided the applicant meets certain conditions. These conditions include that the current passport is undamaged and can be submitted via mail, the current passport was issued to an adult applicant and was issued in the last 15 years and the applicant's name has not changed, or a name change can be proven through legal documentation.
In addition to holding a passport, U.S. citizens also have the right to apply for a passport card. A passport card is less expensive than a passport booklet, and allows the holder to travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda from the United States at either land border crossings or sea ports of entries. However, it is not valid for air travel. For adults, this passport card is valid for 10 years. For minors under the age of 16, it is valid for five years.
