Children's Passport Applications

First off, let's begin with the most basic requirements. As such, they are also the requirements that adult applicants need to fulfill when applying for a passport for the first time. Ready? Read on.

What Forms Do You Need?
You need to fill in the Form DS-11 if you are applying for a passport for the first time. This is the same form filled in by applicants whose latest passport was issued when they were under 16, or when their last passport was issued more than 15 years ago. Take note too that this is the type of form you will need to submit in person, unlike other forms that you can simply send through the mail. So to save time, ensure that you have fulfilled every requirement down to the letter before submitting them.

Proof Of Citizenship
Aside from the DS-11, the applicant should also submit a proof of his/her citizenship. There are documents that can be submitted to do this. They are as follows: the birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or certificate of naturalization. If, however, the applicant was born abroad, the consular report on that birth may be submitted.

Proof Of Identity
Establishment of your identity is also a requirement. For this, you need to present an ID card at the time of your application. You also have to have a photocopy of that ID, as well as two recent passport photos. Keep in mind that there are very specific requirements for the photocopy and two photos, so make sure you know what they are before proceeding with this step. And when you have fulfilled all these requirements, you can then pay the applicable fees for your application.

Now we move onto the special requirements for applicants ages 16-17. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you need to make a personal appearance at the passport office. You will need to do this when submitting all the requirements for your passport.

Parental Consent
There's also the requirement to establish parental consent. Parental consent is needed if it wasn't implied in the application. While the minor is required to submit an ID, he/she can present that of his/her parent. At the same time, a photocopy of that ID is also required.

All in all, that's what you need for kids U.S. passport applications if you're 16-17 years old. Most of the passport requirements are the basic ones, plus a few special requirements that you actually just need in case you don't have an ID of your own, and the parental consent was not implied. These steps are easy and straightforward, so you'll have no problems following them.