According to the U.S. Department of State, "all children regardless of age, including newborns and infants, must have their own passport." All applicants must submit the following documents the first time they apply: primary evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate from an appropriate state agency, a Social Security number, the DS-11 application form, all applicable fees, two passport-size photos and an 8x11 photocopy of the primary evidence of U.S. citizenship. Repeat applicants may use a previous, undamaged passport as proof of U.S. citizenship.
When an applicant is younger than 17, the permission of both parents is required. At the time of application, both parents are to be present and ready to offer photo identification. In addition to this, proof of their relationship to the minor must be established. This can be done through a birth certificate, a court decree, or a Minor's Report of Birth Abroad with both parents' names.
In certain circumstances one parent may suffice. If, for example, one parent has sole custody, that parent can appear alone, with proof of this status in the form of a court order, adoption decree, judicial declaration, or death certificate for the other parent. If one parent is simply unavailable, a notarized statement of consent can be obtained and submitted in lieu of appearing.
When all the necessary documents have been gathered and you've ensured that they are not expired, present them with the appropriate fees at your nearest Passport Acceptance Facility. Please be aware that all minors are required to apply in person, as well as people whose last passport was obtained at age 16 or younger.
In the event a minor requires expedited services for a passport, there are a few options available. All of the documents and information are still required; however, expedited processing can be had by paying an additional fee. The U.S. Department of State recommends that any applicant who needs expedited service because of a life-or-death emergency contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793.
