Passports For Minors

Every child will need to possess their very own passport, whether they are 6 months old or 16 years. The application for these passports must be presented in person by the minor along with either their parents or guardians in attendance. Both of the parents will need to provide identification proving that they are related to the child and proof of U.S. citizenship for the child. A parental consent form will also be necessary at this point along with photocopies of all identification documentation.

Minors age 16 and 17 also must appear in person with a parent/guardian present in order to apply for a U.S. Passport. The offices accepting in-person applications are a U.S. Regional Passport Agency, Passport Acceptance Facility, or a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The minor must present the passport application and evidence of U.S. citizenship. The minor must also present his/her photo identification or a parent may present his/her own photo identification if the minor does not have photo identification. A photocopy of the identification document being used must also be presented. If the parent's consent is not stated on the minor's application, the parent may be asked to provide separate written consent.

All passports require that the minor applicant pay a fee in order to obtain a passport book and/or card. The fee, comprised of a passport charge and an execution charge, is less for minors than for adults. The acceptable methods of payment vary depending on where the minor will be submitting the passport application.

Occasionally, the need arises for an expedited passport and there are several ways to make this happen. The standard government time frame for expediting is 2 to 3 weeks for an additional charge, whereas the private services providers can make this happen in one to two business days if needed. This comes with an additional fee above what the government charges for the passport to be issued.

Two photographs will be needed in order to complete the passport application process and these should be in color and identical. These really should be done by a photographer that understands the exact requirements from the government for these types of pictures. There are normally local options such as some smaller photographers and even nearby pharmacies that can make this happen for a nominal fee.

When renewing a passport, minors whose initial passport was issued when they were under age 16 must renew in person. Minors whose initial passport was issued when they were at least age 16 may renew their passports via mail. The minor must complete a passport renewal application, return the expired passport, provide two identical passport photos, and pay a fee. If the minor wishes to have the passport expedited, the options of the government expediting and independent expediting services are available for additional fees.

To recap, a passports for minors must be applied for in person, no matter what age they are. If the minor is over the age of 16 and the passport was issued earlier in their life, then they have the option to renew either by mail or online. The American passport expedited services, if necessary, can be accessed via the Internet and are considered to be the fastest method for getting a renewed passports returned to the individual.