A minor applying for a US passport must provide proof of citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a previous US passport, alongside evidence of parental relationship like a birth certificate listing the parents. Both parents or legal guardians must present valid identification and complete a consent form, typically the DS-3053 if one parent cannot be present. The application also requires a passport photo meeting specific requirements and the applicable fees to process the minor's passport efficiently.
What Documents Does a Minor Need for a US Passport Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parental Consent Form DS-3053 | Minors applying for a US passport require the Parental Consent Form DS-3053 when one parent or guardian is unable to appear in person; this notarized affidavit verifies the consent of the non-appearing parent or guardian for passport issuance. Submission of Form DS-3053 ensures compliance with the U.S. Department of State's regulations to prevent international child abduction and safeguard parental rights during the application process. |
| 2 | Certified Birth Certificate Authentication | A minor applying for a US passport must submit an original or certified copy of their birth certificate as primary proof of citizenship, which must include the applicant's full name, date and place of birth, and the parent(s) names. Certified birth certificate authentication ensures the document is official and issued by the vital records office, meeting the State Department's requirements for passport processing. |
| 3 | Custodial Guardianship Court Order | A custodial guardianship court order is a critical document required for a minor's US passport application, verifying the legal guardian's authority to apply on the child's behalf. This order must be an official court-issued document that clearly identifies the guardian and grants custody rights, ensuring compliance with the US Department of State's passport requirements. |
| 4 | Secondary Parental Identification | Secondary parental identification for a US passport application typically includes government-issued photo IDs such as a driver's license or state ID card. These documents supplement primary evidence of parental relationship and identity, ensuring compliance with the US Department of State's requirements. |
| 5 | Minor Passport Appointment Confirmation | A minor applying for a US passport must present the Minor Passport Appointment Confirmation to verify the scheduled appointment at the passport agency or acceptance facility. This confirmation serves as proof of the minor's appointment and facilitates the processing of essential documents such as the birth certificate, parental identification, and consent forms. |
| 6 | Passport Photo Compliance Standards | Minors applying for a US passport must submit a passport photo that meets strict compliance standards, including a recent, color photograph taken within the last six months, sized 2x2 inches, with a clear, full-face view against a plain white or off-white background. The photo must show the minor in a neutral expression with both eyes open, no shadows or glare, and no head coverings unless for religious reasons, ensuring it adheres to the official guidelines set by the US Department of State. |
| 7 | Evidence of Parental Relationship | Evidence of parental relationship for a US passport application requires the minor's original or certified birth certificate listing both parents' full names or a court order establishing legal custody or guardianship. In cases where the parent applying is not listed on the birth certificate, additional documents such as adoption decrees or court-issued custody orders must be submitted to prove parental relationship. |
| 8 | Notarized Absentee Parent Statement | A notarized absentee parent statement is required when one parent cannot be present during the minor's US passport application and must provide consent; this document must be signed in front of a notary public to be considered valid. This statement ensures legal authorization, confirming the absentee parent's approval and is critical for processing the minor's passport without delays. |
| 9 | Valid Proof of U.S. Citizenship Digitization | Valid proof of U.S. citizenship for a minor's passport application includes a certified birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, or consular report of birth abroad, all of which must be digitized for efficient electronic submission. Digitized documents enhance verification speed, reduce errors, and support secure processing through standardized image formats like PDF or JPEG as required by the U.S. Department of State. |
| 10 | Two-Parent Consent Regulation | Minors applying for a US passport require proof of parental consent, with the Two-Parent Consent Regulation mandating that both parents or legal guardians provide notarized consent or appear in person during the application process to prevent international child abduction. Essential documents include the child's birth certificate, evidence of parental relationship, and valid identification for both parents, ensuring compliance with the Department of State's stringent verification procedures. |
Introduction to US Passport Application for Minors
Applying for a US passport for a minor involves specific documentation requirements distinct from those for adults. Understanding these documents ensures a smooth application process for children under 16 years of age.
Minors must provide proof of US citizenship and evidence of parental relationship or legal guardianship. These documents verify the child's identity and confirm that the application has parental consent.
Eligibility Criteria for Minor Applicants
Minor applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a previous U.S. passport. Identification for the minor, like a government-issued ID or school ID, is required along with a photocopy of the ID presented. Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with valid identification or provide a notarized consent form for the passport application to be approved.
Overview of the Application Process
| Overview of the US Passport Application Process for Minors | |
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| Application Submission |
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| Processing Time |
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| Additional Notes |
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Required Documents for Minor Passport Application
Applying for a US passport for a minor requires specific documentation to ensure identity, citizenship, and parental consent. Collecting the correct documents streamlines the application process and prevents delays.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - Present a certified birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, or consular report of birth abroad to verify the child's citizenship.
- Parental Identification - Provide valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport for both parents or guardians.
- Parental Consent - Submit Form DS-3053 if one parent is absent or unavailable, or both parents must appear in person to authorize the application.
- Proof of Relationship - Include the child's birth certificate with parents' names or adoption decree to establish legal guardianship.
- Passport Application Form DS-11 - Complete and sign the form in the presence of a passport acceptance agent; minors cannot sign independently.
- Parental Social Security Number - Provide the minor's Social Security number for identity verification and record keeping.
- Passport Photo - Submit a recent, compliant passport photo meeting government specifications for size and background.
Ensuring all required documents are accurate and complete is vital for obtaining a minor's US passport efficiently.
Parental Consent and Identification Requirements
A minor applying for a US passport must provide evidence of parental consent, typically through both parents' signatures on Form DS-11 or a notarized statement from the non-applying parent. Identification requirements include the minor's certified birth certificate or previous U.S. passport, along with a government-issued photo ID for parents or guardians. These documents establish the minor's citizenship, parental relationship, and consent, crucial for passport issuance under U.S. State Department regulations.
Selecting the Appropriate Application Form (DS-11)
What is the correct form a minor must use to apply for a US passport? The appropriate form for a minor's US passport application is the DS-11. This form must be completed in person by the minor and their parent or guardian.
Passport Photo Guidelines for Minors
Minors applying for a US passport must provide a passport photo that strictly adheres to specific guidelines. The photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, showing a full-face view against a plain white or off-white background.
The child's expression should be neutral with both eyes open, and no shadows or distracting elements can appear in the image. Your passport photo for a minor cannot include hats or head coverings unless worn for religious reasons, and eyeglasses are no longer permitted in passport photos.
Submission Process: Where and How to Apply
The submission process for a minor's US passport application involves specific locations and methods to ensure proper handling. Understanding where and how to apply simplifies the procedure.
- Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility - Facilities include post offices, libraries, and local government offices authorized to accept passport applications.
- Schedule an appointment if required - Many acceptance facilities require appointments to manage application submissions efficiently.
- Submit Form DS-11 with required documents - The application must be submitted in person with proof of citizenship, parental consent, and identification.
Processing Times and Expedited Service Options
Applying for a US passport for a minor requires specific documents to verify identity and parental consent. Understanding processing times and expedited service options is essential for timely passport issuance.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - Submit a certified birth certificate or previous US passport as primary evidence.
- Parental Identification and Consent - Provide valid IDs of both parents or guardians along with Form DS-3053 if one parent is absent.
- Processing Times and Expedited Services - Routine processing takes about 8-11 weeks, while expedited options reduce this to 5-7 weeks with additional fees.
What Documents Does a Minor Need for a US Passport Application? Infographic
