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. Both parents or guardians need to present valid identification and evidence of parental relationship, along with a completed DS-11 application form. A passport photo meeting official requirements and applicable fees are also required to complete the application process.
What Documents are Required to Apply for a US Passport for a Minor?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parental Consent DS-3053 | Parental consent for a US passport application for a minor under 16 is typically demonstrated using Form DS-3053, a notarized Statement of Consent from the non-applying parent or guardian. This document must be submitted along with the minor's application to ensure compliance with US Department of State regulations protecting child welfare. |
| 2 | Certified Birth Certificate | A certified birth certificate is a primary document required to apply for a US passport for a minor, providing proof of the child's citizenship and identity. This document must be an original or certified copy issued by the city, county, or state vital records office, containing the full name, date of birth, and parent(s) names. |
| 3 | Child’s Evidence of Citizenship | To apply for a US passport for a minor, the child's evidence of citizenship must include an original or certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state with both parent(s)' names. Alternative documents accepted as proof include a consular report of birth abroad, a previous unexpired US passport, a certificate of citizenship, or a naturalization certificate. |
| 4 | Parental Identification Copy | A clear, valid copy of the parental identification, such as a government-issued photo ID, is mandatory when applying for a US passport for a minor. This identification confirms parental consent and supports the child's application under US passport regulations. |
| 5 | Passport Photo Requirements | Passport photo requirements for a minor's US passport application include a recent, color photo measuring 2x2 inches with a plain white or off-white background. The photo must clearly show the child's full face, eyes open, and a neutral expression, without hats or glasses, adhering to State Department guidelines for optimal identification. |
| 6 | Minor’s Social Security Number | Applicants must provide the minor's Social Security number when applying for a US passport as it is required for identity verification and eligibility confirmation. If the minor does not have a Social Security number, a signed statement declaring this fact is necessary to proceed with the application. |
| 7 | Evidence of Parental Relationship | Evidence of parental relationship is required when applying for a US passport for a minor, typically demonstrated through the child's original or certified birth certificate listing both parents. Other acceptable documents include adoption decrees, court orders establishing custody, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad indicating the parental connection. |
| 8 | In-Person Submission Mandate | Applying for a US passport for a minor requires both parents or legal guardians to appear in person with the child and submit the completed Form DS-11, proof of U.S. citizenship, parental relationship evidence, and valid identification. The in-person submission mandate ensures the child's identity and parental consent are verified to prevent fraud and unauthorized issuance. |
| 9 | Digital Documentation Acceptance | Digital documentation acceptance for a US passport application for a minor includes scanned copies of the minor's proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and parental identification like driver's licenses or passports submitted through the official government portal. The Department of State requires these digital files to be clear, legible, and in specified formats (PDF, JPEG) to ensure application processing efficiency and security compliance. |
| 10 | Enhanced Identity Verification | To apply for a US passport for a minor, documents required include the child's proof of US citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, and parental identification with enhanced identity verification, like a valid government-issued photo ID. Parents or guardians must also provide evidence of their relationship to the minor, typically through the birth certificate, and submit a completed DS-11 application form in person. |
Introduction to US Passport Application for Minors
Applying for a US passport for a minor requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with government regulations. Key documents include proof of the child's US citizenship, evidence of parental relationship, and valid identification for parents or guardians. Understanding these requirements streamlines the application process and helps avoid delays in obtaining your child's passport.
Eligibility Requirements for Minor Applicants
| Eligibility Requirements for Minor Applicants |
|---|
| You must prove the minor's U.S. citizenship. This requires submitting a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a previous U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Citizenship. |
| Both parents or legal guardians must provide consent for the passport application. This ensures agreement on the minor's travel and citizenship documentation. |
| Parental identification is mandatory. Valid government-issued IDs, such as a driver's license or passport, must be presented by the applying parents or guardians. |
| The minor applicant's Social Security number is required. Providing the accurate number or a statement verifying the number was not issued is necessary. |
| The minor must appear in person when submitting the passport application. This is essential for identity verification and documentation accuracy. |
| Proof of parental relationship is necessary. Documents such as a birth certificate or adoption decree linking the minor to the parents or guardians must be submitted. |
Essential Documents Needed for Minor Passports
Obtaining a US passport for a minor requires specific documents to verify identity and citizenship. Accurate preparation of these documents ensures a smooth application process.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - Submit an original or certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate.
- Parental Identification - Provide valid government-issued photo IDs, such as a driver's license or passport, for both parents or legal guardians.
- Parental Consent - Both parents must appear in person or provide notarized consent forms if one cannot be present during application.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship for Minors
To apply for a US passport for a minor, proof of U.S. citizenship is essential. Acceptable documents include a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a previous U.S. passport. Ensure that the proof clearly shows the minor's full name, date of birth, and parentage for a successful application.
Parental Consent and Identification Guidelines
What documents are required to apply for a US passport for a minor? The primary documents include evidence of the minor's U.S. citizenship and proof of parental relationship. Parental consent must be documented through both parents' identification and authorization, unless one parent holds sole custody.
How is parental consent demonstrated when applying for a minor's US passport? Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the minor and present valid identification, such as a government-issued photo ID or passport. If one parent cannot be present, a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) is required.
What identification guidelines apply to parents or guardians during the passport application process? Parents or guardians must present current, government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to verify their identities. These documents help confirm parental consent and prevent identity fraud throughout the minor's passport issuance.
Special Documentation for Sole Guardianship Cases
When applying for a US passport for a minor under sole guardianship, you must provide special documentation to prove your legal authority. This includes a court order establishing sole guardianship or evidence that the other parent cannot be located or is deceased.
Submit the guardianship decree along with the minor's proof of citizenship and identity. These documents ensure compliance with passport regulations and protect the minor's legal rights during the application process.
Passport Photo Requirements for Children
When applying for a US passport for a minor, it is essential to adhere to specific passport photo requirements designed for children. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show a clear, full-face, front view of the child.
The child should have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open, and no shadows or glare should be visible. The background must be plain white or off-white, and the child should not wear hats or head coverings unless for religious purposes.
Application Submission Procedures
To apply for a US passport for a minor, you must submit the completed Form DS-11 in person at an authorized acceptance facility. Both the minor and the parent or guardian need to be present during the application submission.
Provide evidence of the minor's US citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a previous US passport. Parental identification, like a valid driver's license or passport, is required to establish legal guardianship. You must also include photocopies of all identification documents and pay the applicable passport fees at the time of submission.
Processing Times and Expedited Services
Applying for a US passport for a minor requires submitting specific documents to verify identity and citizenship. Processing times vary depending on standard or expedited service selection.
- Proof of Citizenship - Provide the minor's original birth certificate or naturalization certificate as evidence of US citizenship.
- Proof of Parental Relationship - Submit documents such as a birth certificate listing parent names to establish guardianship.
- Expedited Processing - Expedited services reduce processing time to about 2-3 weeks, available for an additional fee.
Your application must include all required documents to avoid delays during processing.
What Documents are Required to Apply for a US Passport for a Minor? Infographic
