All U.S. children under age 16 must apply for a U.S. passport in person. Kids under 16 years old must use a U.S. passport for international air travel, but may use a birth certificate when traveling by land or sea to contiguous territory.
Children ages 16 and 17 may apply for their own U.S. passport, but must apply for the first time in person. They must also use their U.S. passports for international air travel and may present a birth certificate for travel by land or sea to and from contiguous territory.
All U.S. children under the age of 16 may apply for a U.S. passport only with the consent of both parents. Divorced parents must both provide consent, and are asked to both be present upon application for minor children under age 16. However, a parent with sole custody may apply with official proof of such. Minors aged 16 and 17 may apply on their own, often with the consent of one parent; procedures may vary between issuing facilities.
The application process for a U.S. passport contains several good safeguards against child abduction. However, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children informs that the U.S. Department of State maintains a passport alert system, whereby a parent can be notified if their child has applied for or received a U.S. passport. If a child's name appears in the system, the U.S. Department of State may be able to refuse the issuance of a passport to him.
