All minors must appear in person when submitting a passport application. Minors under the age of 16 must appear with both parents; minors who are 16 or 17 may appear with one parent. An application processing facility can be found by using the online tool (see resources) or calling 1-877-4-USA-PPT.
The application form DS-11 must be filled out but not signed until instructed to do so by the passport agent. The application must include proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization document, or a previous passport, plus a photocopy of the front and back of this identification. Finally, two 2-inch by 2-inch passport photos of the minor must be included with the application.
For all minors, parental consent to obtain a passport must be established. This can be accomplished in several ways. The easiest is to have both parents appear at the passport appointment with the minor to sign form DS-11 in person.
If only one parent may appear, he or she will be able to sign the application in person. A notarized copy of form DS-3053, the Statement of Consent, may be submitted as proof of the second parent's consent.
When one parent has sole custody of a child, he or she can appear in person to sign the passport application form. The parent will need to submit original evidence of the sole custody, such as a court order, birth certificate, adoption decree, or death certificate for the other parent. If none of these is available, the parent can submit a notarized consent form (DS-3053) explaining why the second parent's consent cannot be obtained.
Any parents appearing in person with the minor must submit identification such as a driver's license, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, government employee ID, or military ID. The parents must also provide a photocopy of the front and back of this identification on plain, white paper measuring 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
Parents of minors under the age of 16 must submit evidence of their relationship to the minor. This includes U.S. and foreign birth certificates, certificates of births abroad, adoption decrees, or court orders establishing custody or guardianship.
