Over the years, various requirements have been added in an effort to combat children abduction and trafficking. These new requirements prove to be a bit complicated for parents to acquire passports for their children. While it is definitely vital to ensure children’s safety and it is a way of protecting them, these procedures are often considered to be too stringent. To make it through the process without a hitch, start early and pay attention to the details when applying for a American childrens pasport.
Application Process
The first thing you need to know is that your child must apply in person with both parents or guardians. Renewal of passport is not allowed by mail for minors. So children below the age of 16 whose passports have expired or are about to expire must apply for a new one by having a special form filled in.
Form DS-11
Take note not to put your signature on the form without the approval of the agent in charge. Form DS-11 is the required application form for such a procedure. The unsigned form must be submitted to an agent at a certified passport accepting facility or at the state department. For those who are not yet 16 years old, a parental consent I. D. is needed. There is a different form for expedited American child pasports.
Documentation
A proof of citizenship and a proof of relationship both are necessary if you are going to apply for your minor child. Provide an original or a verified copy of the child’s birth certificate as an evidence of citizenship. These copies can be acquired from the registrar’s office of the state where your child was born.
Proof of Relationship
To present a proof of your relationship with the child, you have to provide a birth certificate that clearly states the parent’s name or an adoption decree that has the adopting parents’ names on it. In other situations a court order authorizing you to have the custody or guardianship of the child can also be presented.
Foreign Birth
For children born overseas or anywhere outside of U. S. territories, a certified foreign birth certificate along with translation if needed is required. Again, the parents’ signatures need to be on it. In addition to all of the above requirements, children under sixteen also must have copies of their parents’ documentation, such as identification and proof of citizenship.
Parental Consent
Providing parental consent is also required. This means that the parents must show up with the child upon submission of the form to an agent. If one of the parents cannot come, there must be a statement from a notary presented to explain such absence. In case only one parent has been given custody of the child, he/she must provide the court order documents or a death certificate of the other parent.