To apply for a US passport for a minor, you must provide proof of the child's US citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a previous US passport. Parents or guardians need to present valid identification, like a driver's license or passport, along with a notarized consent form if only one parent is present. Proof of parental relationship with the minor is also required, including documents like a birth certificate listing both parents or adoption records.
What Documents are Needed to Apply for a US Passport for a Minor?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Completed Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) | To apply for a US passport for a minor, submission of the completed Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) is mandatory and must be signed in the presence of a passport acceptance agent. This form requires accurate information about the child's identity, citizenship, and parental consent to comply with the Department of State's regulations. |
| 2 | Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (e.g., Birth Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Consular Report of Birth Abroad) | Acceptable evidence of U.S. citizenship for a minor's passport application includes an original or certified U.S. birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state, a Certificate of Citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. These documents must clearly establish the minor's U.S. citizenship and bear official seals or stamps to be considered valid. |
| 3 | Proof of Parental Relationship (e.g., Birth Certificate, Adoption Decree, Court Order) | To apply for a US passport for a minor, proof of parental relationship is required, such as an original or certified birth certificate listing the parents' names, a court order establishing custody or guardianship, or an adoption decree. These documents verify the minor's identity and the legal authority of the parent or guardian applying on their behalf. |
| 4 | Parents'/Guardians' Identification (e.g., Valid Driver’s License, U.S. Passport, Military ID) | Parents or guardians must present valid identification such as a current driver's license, U.S. passport, or military ID when applying for a U.S. passport for a minor. These documents verify parental authority and are essential for processing the minor's passport application. |
| 5 | Photocopy of Parents'/Guardians' Identification | A photocopy of each parent's or legal guardian's valid identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport, must be submitted alongside the minor's passport application to verify parental consent. These photocopies ensure authentication of identity and prevent unauthorized issuance, aligning with the U.S. Department of State's requirements for minors under 16. |
| 6 | Parental Consent Documentation (if applicable: notarized Form DS-3053 or court order) | Parental consent documentation for a US passport application for a minor requires both parents or legal guardians to provide evidence of consent, typically through a notarized Form DS-3053 if one parent cannot appear in person. Alternatively, a court order granting sole custody or consent may be submitted to fulfill this requirement, ensuring compliance with the US Department of State regulations for minor passport issuance. |
| 7 | One Passport Photo (meeting U.S. Department of State requirements) | A passport photo for a minor must measure 2 x 2 inches, be taken within the last six months, and display a clear view of the child's face against a plain white or off-white background. The photo must show the child facing forward with both eyes open, no shadows, hats, or glasses, strictly adhering to U.S. Department of State requirements for passport applications. |
| 8 | Proof of Parental Legal Authority (if applicable: court orders regarding custody, guardianship documents) | Proof of parental legal authority is essential when applying for a US passport for a minor and typically includes court orders regarding custody or guardianship documents. These legal papers must clearly establish the applicant's right to consent to the minor's passport application, ensuring compliance with US Department of State requirements. |
| 9 | Application Fee Payment | The application fee payment for a US passport for a minor must be submitted via check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of State, with fees varying depending on the passport type and processing speed. Guardians should include the payment along with the child's completed Form DS-11 and supporting identification documents to ensure successful application processing. |
Overview of US Minor Passport Application
Applying for a US passport for a minor requires specific documents to verify identity and citizenship. This process ensures the minor's eligibility for travel and legal recognition as a US citizen.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - Provide an original or certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or naturalization certificate.
- Parental Identification - Submit valid identification for both parents or guardians, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Parental Consent - Both parents must authorize the passport application using Form DS-3053 if one parent cannot be present.
Your application should include a completed Form DS-11, a recent passport photo, and applicable fees to complete the submission.
Importance of Proper Identification Documents
Proper identification documents are crucial when applying for a US passport for a minor to ensure the child's identity and citizenship are accurately verified. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to application delays or denial, emphasizing the importance of preparation.
- Proof of Citizenship - Submit an original or certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or a naturalization certificate as legal evidence of the minor's US citizenship.
- Parental Identification - Provide valid government-issued identification from both parents or guardians to confirm their relationship and consent for the passport application.
- Parental Relationship Documentation - Include documents such as a birth certificate with parental names, adoption decree, or court orders to establish legal guardianship and parental authority.
Proof of US Citizenship for Minors
Proof of US citizenship is a crucial requirement when applying for a US passport for a minor. Providing the correct documents ensures the application process proceeds smoothly without delays.
- Certified Birth Certificate - An original or certified copy issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office showing the child's full name, date and place of birth, and parent(s) names.
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) - A document issued by the US Department of State confirming the child was born abroad to US citizen parents.
- Previous US Passport - A valid, undamaged US passport issued to the minor that serves as proof of citizenship and identity.
Acceptable Forms of Parental Identification
What are the acceptable forms of parental identification when applying for a US passport for a minor? Parents must present valid identification to establish their relationship to the child. Common acceptable documents include a valid driver's license, government-issued ID card, or a US passport.
Evidence of Parental Relationship
Evidence of parental relationship is a crucial requirement when applying for a US passport for a minor. Acceptable documents include the minor's birth certificate, a court order establishing custody, or an adoption decree.
The original or certified copies of these documents must be submitted to prove the legal relationship between the parent or guardian and the child. These documents help ensure the protection of the minor's identity and prevent unauthorized passport issuance.
Consent Requirements for Both Parents
When applying for a US passport for a minor, both parents or legal guardians must provide consent to ensure the application is valid. The primary documents include the child's birth certificate and valid identification for both parents.
Consent requirements mandate that both parents sign the Form DS-11 in the minor's presence, or provide notarized consent if one parent cannot attend. Proof of sole custody or a court order waiving the second parent's consent is necessary if only one parent is applying.
Social Security Number Documentation
| Document Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Number (SSN) Documentation | Proof of the minor's Social Security Number is required when applying for a US passport. The SSN must be valid and issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). |
|
| Requirement Details | The Social Security Number must exactly match the minor's full legal name as presented on their birth certificate or proof of citizenship documents. If the minor does not have an SSN, a statement of ineligibility from the SSA can be submitted instead. | Statement of Ineligibility letter from SSA if no SSN is assigned |
Photocopy Guidelines for Identification Documents
When applying for a US passport for a minor, photocopies of identification documents must be clear and legible. Each photocopy should show the front and back of the ID on white, 8.5x11 inch standard paper. Your copies must be in black and white or color, free from shadows, smudges, or any alterations to meet the State Department's requirements.
Address Verification for Passport Application
To apply for a US passport for a minor, proof of the minor's identity and citizenship is required. One crucial aspect is address verification, which confirms the minor's place of residence.
Documents accepted for address verification include utility bills, bank statements, or school records displaying the minor's name and address. A parent or guardian can provide these documents if the minor does not have any under their own name. Ensuring accurate address verification helps prevent delays in processing the passport application.
What Documents are Needed to Apply for a US Passport for a Minor? Infographic
