how to get a passport for a minor is a common stumbling before any citizen in the US. Obtaining or renewing a minor’s passport is a tough task these days due to the changing rules and regulations. Keeping an eye on the safety of the child the Government has increased the requirement of the documents to such an extend that, parents will have to work really hard to obtain a passport for their child. In order to avoid hurdles on the way, it is better you start at an early stage, paying attentions to all the details involved in the process
To get a passport for the minor, the concerned child should apply in person with both the parents. Even in the case of renewing the passport of a minor the concerned child should make his physical presence as there is no provision of renewal by mail. A few days prior to the date of expiry, the child should apply for a new passport using passport renewal form DS-11. You can sign the form only when the passport agent gives you the green signal to go ahead. Parental consent is needed for the minor to apply for a new passport and some documents are also needed when you forward the application.
Documents
If the child is below 16 years of age, a proof of citizenship and relationship are essential. Confirmation of US citizenship can be substantiated by means of a certified copy of the birth certificate; this can be obtained from the Registrar’s office at the State where the child was born. Make sure that you use the long form. Other than the birth certificate, a certification of a birth abroad, certificate of citizenship or naturalization or the previous valid passport are all valid and convincing documents to prove the citizenship of the child.
Evidence of Relationship
The proof of citizenship such as a valid passport will not be taken as a proof of relationship. To prove the relationship, you will have to submit
a) Certified U.S birth certificate with the name of parents
B) certified foreign birth certificate (again with parents’ names and translation, if needed)
c) Report of birth abroad (form FS-240) with the name of parents
d) A valid court order ascertaining the custody of the child or else an adoption decree with the adopting parents names
Other Relevant Documents
The parents, while applying for the passport of a minor should produce ID proof, a valid driver’s license or a passport will be adequate. A copy of each identification documents has to be attached along with the
passport application form of the minor. You will have to note something at this juncture, if the parents’ names have changed since the issuance of any of the documents, authenticating proof of the legal name change has to be presented along with the passport application form.
The copies of identification should be on a white paper and images should be confined to one side of the paper. A recently taken photograph measuring 2 inch by 2 inch must be submitted for the minor. You can wear prescribed glasses while taking the snap .Wear a normal dress and uniforms should be avoided. There is an execution fee and an application fee, the application fee goes to the Department of State and the fee for execution is for the attending agent. The time frame to get a new passport is approximately six weeks, if you put up a request, then, the duration will come down, considering the mode of request. If you need the passport without much delay you can apply with a US passport agency or you can approach an express’ passport service’.