To obtain a passport for a minor, parents or legal guardians must provide proof of the child's citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Both parents or guardians need to present valid identification and provide consent, often through a notarized form if one is unavailable. A completed passport application, along with recent passport-sized photos of the child, must also be submitted to the appropriate passport agency.
What Documents are Needed for a Minor to Get a Passport?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birth Certificate | A minor must present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate as proof of U.S. citizenship and to establish parentage when applying for a passport. The birth certificate should include the child's full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names to meet passport application requirements. |
| 2 | Proof of Citizenship | A minor must provide proof of citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, a previous U.S. passport, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, to obtain a passport. These documents verify the child's U.S. citizenship status and are essential for passport application approval. |
| 3 | Parental Identification | Minors applying for a passport must provide parental identification, typically including valid government-issued IDs such as passports or driver's licenses from both parents or legal guardians. If one parent is absent, a notarized consent form or a court order establishing custody is required to verify authorization for passport issuance. |
| 4 | Parental Consent (DS-3053 Form, if applicable) | Minors applying for a U.S. passport must provide parental consent, typically using the DS-3053 Form when one parent cannot appear in person. This notarized consent form verifies that the absent parent authorizes the passport issuance, ensuring compliance with travel and security regulations. |
| 5 | Completed Passport Application Form (DS-11) | A minor applying for a U.S. passport must submit a completed Passport Application Form (DS-11), which requires signatures from both parents or legal guardians to validate parental consent. The DS-11 form must be filled out accurately and submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility along with supporting identification and proof of the minor's citizenship. |
| 6 | Passport Photo | A passport photo for a minor must meet specific requirements including a recent, clear color image taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background and the child facing directly at the camera without any head coverings unless for religious reasons. The photo size should be 2x2 inches, with the child's face covering 50-69% of the photo, ensuring the eyes are clearly visible and open. |
| 7 | Proof of Relationship to Parent/Guardian | Proof of relationship to a parent or guardian for a minor's passport application typically requires a birth certificate listing the parent(s), an adoption decree, or a court order establishing custody or guardianship. Official identification documents linking the adult applicant to the minor ensure legal parental or guardian rights for passport issuance. |
| 8 | Evidence of Parental Custody (if applicable) | Evidence of parental custody for a minor's passport application typically requires a court order or custody agreement verifying legal guardianship, issued by a family court. Submit original or certified copies of these legal documents alongside the passport application to establish authorized parental consent. |
| 9 | Social Security Number | Minors applying for a passport must provide their Social Security Number as part of the application process to verify identity and eligibility. If the minor does not have a Social Security Number, a signed statement explaining the reason must be submitted to avoid application denial. |
| 10 | Payment for Passport Fees | Payment for minor passport fees typically requires a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State covering the application fee, execution fee, and optional expedited processing charges. Credit card payments are accepted only when applying at a passport agency or through an authorized acceptance facility equipped with card readers. |
Introduction to Minor Passport Applications
What documents are needed for a minor to get a passport? Applying for a minor's passport requires specific identification and consent documents to ensure secure processing. These documents verify the minor's identity and parental authorization, which are essential for the application.
Birth Certificate: Proof of Age and Citizenship
Obtaining a passport for a minor requires specific documentation to confirm identity and citizenship. The birth certificate serves as the primary proof of age and citizenship for passport applications.
- Proof of Age - The birth certificate provides the exact date of birth, verifying the minor's age.
- Citizenship Verification - It confirms the minor's citizenship status, a crucial requirement for passport issuance.
- Parental Information - The birth certificate lists parents' names, aiding in establishing legal guardianship for the application process.
Parental Consent Requirements for Minors
Minors must provide proof of parental consent when applying for a passport, requiring both parents or guardians to authorize the application. This consent is usually documented through a signed Form DS-11 and the presence of parents during the passport application process. If one parent cannot be present, a notarized statement of consent or a court order granting sole custody is necessary to meet the requirements.
Proof of Parents’ Identity
Proof of parents' identity is crucial when applying for a minor's passport. These documents verify the legal guardianship and consent for the child's travel.
- Valid Government-Issued ID - A current driver's license or passport serves as primary proof of identity for the parents.
- Birth Certificate - The minor's birth certificate displays the names of both parents, confirming their relationship to the child.
- Parental Consent Forms - Signed forms demonstrate that both parents agree to the issuance of the passport for the minor.
You must ensure all proof of identity documents are original or certified copies for the passport application to be accepted.
Proof of Relationship to the Minor
When applying for a minor's passport, proof of relationship to the minor is essential. This documentation confirms the applicant's legal connection to the child.
Acceptable documents include the child's birth certificate, which lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Court orders establishing custody or guardianship may also be required to verify authority to apply.
Address Proof for the Minor and Parents
| Document Type | Required for | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address Proof for Minor | Minor Passport Applicant | Proof of the minor's current residential address to verify identity and residency. Must be recent and valid. | School ID card with address, bank statement in minor's name, utility bills in parent's name showing minor's residence, rental agreement, government-issued residence certificate |
| Address Proof for Parents | Parents / Legal Guardians | Official documents confirming the parents' or guardians' residential address, needed to establish parental consent and legal residence. | Utility bills (electricity, water, gas), passport copies of parents, voter ID card, driver's license, Aadhaar card, rent agreement |
Passport Application Form for Minors
The Passport Application Form for minors requires the child's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Both parents or legal guardians must provide consent and sign the application. Supporting documents include the child's birth certificate, proof of parental relationship, and valid identification for the guardians.
Photographs: Passport Photo Specifications
Passport photo specifications for minors are strict to ensure clear identification. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show a full-face, front view with a neutral expression.
Photos should be 2x2 inches in size, with a white or off-white background. Head size must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head to meet official passport requirements.
Fee Payment Receipts and Processing Charges
Obtaining a passport for a minor requires submitting proof of fee payment to ensure smooth processing. Your fee payment receipts are essential documents during the application to confirm charges have been settled.
- Proof of Payment - Submit official receipts showing payment of passport application fees.
- Processing Charges - Fees vary depending on the type of passport and processing speed required.
- Multiple Payment Methods - Payments can often be made via credit card, bank draft, or electronic transfer.
What Documents are Needed for a Minor to Get a Passport? Infographic
