Both parents of the child applying for a passport must present proof of their relationship to the child. This can be a birth certificate with both parents' names or adoption or custody papers.
All first-time passport applicants, regardless of age, must apply in person at a consular office or passport acceptance facility. Children, however, must appear with both of their parents, or a notarized document from the absent parent must be submitted explaining why he cannot be present. Parents must provide written parental consent on the child's passport application in view of the acceptance agent.
A child's passport is only valid for 5 years, as opposed to the 10-year validity period of a passport for citizens age 16 and over.
