Parents must accompany children younger than 16 years old as passport applications must be completed in person. Application requirements include a completed Form DS-11, along with the infant's Social Security number and proof of citizenship.
Parent-child relationships have to be established. Most parents use the infant's certified birth certificate. Adoptive parents should bring a final adoption decree, with an English translation if the decree if it's in another language.
If one parent has sole custody, then additional evidence is required, such as a certified birth certificate that lists only one parent. Other examples of acceptable evidence include death certificates and court orders that establish custody or guardianship.
Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, can be used to explain special circumstances. If a parent is unable to appear in person, then he can complete a notarized Form DS-3053 and give it to the other parent. Otherwise, the parent applying with the infant must complete a Form DS-3053 and state why written consent from the other parent is unattainable.
Instead of applying for a traditional passport booklet, parents can apply for the U.S. passport card. The card is similar to a driver's license in size and appearance. But U.S. passport card holders can only travel by sea or land to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico.
