Determine the role you will play as a parent during the application process. For obvious reasons, adults must apply for passports on behalf of newborns, toddlers, children and tweens. Parents will likely be involved in all steps of the application process for youngsters, from obtaining passport photographs to writing checks for the fees. All minors aged 15 and younger also need parents or guardians present when they submit the application form at a passport acceptance facility. Minors aged 16 and 17 years old do not need a parent to be present when applying. However, since even the smallest mistake may prevent the minor from receiving the passport in time for his or her trip abroad, it's a good idea for parents to at least play a supervisory role in the application process for 16 and 17 year olds.
Set a personal deadline to submit the minor's passport application. As of October 2009, passport applications are typically processed and returned between four and six weeks after they are submitted, according to the U.S. Department of State. Use the link in the Resources section to find current passport processing times and submit the minor's application in time. If the foreign trip is unexpected or you simply applied too late, you can purchase expedited service from the U.S. Department of State. Expedited applications are returned to the applicant using overnight delivery service between two and three weeks after submission.
Set a personal deadline to submit the minor's passport application. As of October 2009, passport applications are typically processed and returned between four and six weeks after they are submitted, according to the U.S. Department of State. Use the link in the Resources section to find current passport processing times and submit the minor's application in time. If the foreign trip is unexpected or you simply applied too late, you can purchase expedited service from the U.S. Department of State. Expedited applications are returned to the applicant using overnight delivery service between two and three weeks after submission.
Two identical passport photographs must be submitted with the application. To ensure that the photographs are compliant with U.S. Department of State regulations, its best to purchase them at a convenience store of pharmacy that has the proper equipment. If you belong to AAA, you may also obtain them from your local AAA agency. When you take the child for the photographs, dress them in their normal attire. If they wear glasses or a hearing aid normally, make sure they are visible in the photographs. Not all passport photograph vendors have the proper facilities and equipment for photographing newborns. It's a good idea to call ahead and check in advance.
Locate and make a photocopy of evidence of the minor's U.S. citizenship. The following documents will be accepted as proper evidence of citizenship: a certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. While the original document must be submitted with the application, it's a good idea to make a copy of the document on the off chance that it gets lost or misplaced during processing.
Gather evidence of your relationship to the minor applicant. The child's certified U.S. birth certificate, foreign birth certificate or report of birth abroad with both parent's names will be accepted as proper evidence of your relationship to the child. An adoption decree with the adopting parents' names or a court order establishing custody or guardianship will also be accepted. Like the evidence of citizenship, it's a good idea to photocopy the document for safekeeping. Children aged 16 or 17 are not required to submit this document.
Gather evidence of your relationship to the minor applicant. The child's certified U.S. birth certificate, foreign birth certificate or report of birth abroad with both parent's names will be accepted as proper evidence of your relationship to the child. An adoption decree with the adopting parents' names or a court order establishing custody or guardianship will also be accepted. Like the evidence of citizenship, it's a good idea to photocopy the document for safekeeping. Children aged 16 or 17 are not required to submit this document.
Write a check for the application and execution fees required to process the minor's passport application. Fees change often, and will also depend on whether the child needs a passport card or passport book. A passport book allows the minor to travel anywhere in the world on any means of transportation. A passport card can be used only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Current fees are listed on the U.S. Department of State website.
Submit the application at your nearest passport acceptance facility, which can be located using the link in the Resources section. Remember, if the minor is aged 15 or younger, both parents must be present. If one cannot be present, a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) must be filled out and signed by the absent parent. The form is available on the U.S. Department of State website.
When the passport arrives in the mail, instruct the child to sign the first page. If the minor is too young or incapable of signing his or her name, print the child's full first and last name and write "mother" or "father" in parentheses next to the name.
