subject: Obtaining A Passport For Minors Online [print this page] Summer vacation is the time of year where families look to go somewhere special and create lasting memories. Many families will choose to vacation outside the U.S. and in order for this to happen, all family members must have a passport in hand and this includes the children. A passport for kids can be obtained but will require some forethought and planning well before the trip is scheduled to take place.
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.
The parents will need to locate an office that accepts in person passport applications locally and this can be either a Passport Acceptance Facility or a U.S. Regional Passport Office along with any U.S. Consulate or U.S. Embassy office. The minor will need to have with them a completed passport application along with proof of U. S. citizenship. Photo identification, if it is available, will have to be presented for the child and if it is not, then the parent may be required to show theirs and provide a photocopy with the application. Parental consent will either need to be stated on the application or a separate consent form filled out at this time.
There is a fee for processing the application and issuing a passport but this is substantially less than that for an adult passport. The total amount will include the actual processing charge along with an issuance fee that covers the entire cost of the passport process. The payment methods may vary from location to location and this should be researched before arriving to ensure that the proper form of payment is ready.
Expedited passports, which are returned within two to three weeks instead of the standard four to six weeks, incur an additional fee, as does an overnight delivery service. If the passport is needed within a shorter timeframe, the passport application process may be completed with the use of an independent expediting service that will hand carry the application. Independent expediting services can deliver the new passport within 24-48 hours. However, these services require that additional charges be paid in excess of the government's fees.
When applying for a American passport expedited, minor applicants must also present two identical color photos of themselves. The photos must meet specific size and quality requirements in order to be considered valid. The requirements may be found online. Some pharmacies provide passport photo services, so check in your local community before paying the extra money to have the photos taken professionally.
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.
