Requirements For Childrens Passports
Before traveling oversees with your kids, you will need to get applications rolling for children’s pass ports for each child. Every member of your family will need their own passport. It is not a difficult process but there are certain steps you need to follow to help make the application process flow smoothly.
Form DS-11
You will need to complete a Form DS-11 for each of your children. Applications need to be submitted to an authorized location such as a post office. Check with your local postal office to see if they process passport applications. If they do not, they can most likely direct you to a government office that can help you. Once completed, both parents and the children must submit the application in person.
Citizenship
You will need to provide proof of the child’s citizenship. This can be done with an original certified birth certificate that has the registrar’s signature and a raised impression or multi-colored seal. You will submit the original with the application and it will be returned when you receive your passport. For children born in another country, a “Report of Foreign Birth’ may be provided instead.
Evidence of Relationship
Evidence of your relationship to the child must also be provided. If both parents are listed on the birth certificate, this will be sufficient proof. However single parents will need to provide a Court Order that states they have custody of the minor they are applying for. For parents who have adopted, an adoption degree must be presented.
Parental Identification
As parents, you will need to provide a photocopy of your personal ID. Acceptable forms of identification include your driver’s license, a valid passport, military ID, or, in the case of City, State or Federal employee, an Employee ID will be sufficient. Each individual application must have the necessary document copies attached.
Cost
There are two fees involved and they must be paid separately. The total cost for a child’s passport is one hundred and twenty dollars. The application fee is ninety-five dollars while the execution fee is another twenty-five dollars. You may be able to pay in cash if you have the exact amount or you can pay by personal check, money order or credit card. Not all acceptance facilities accept cash so you may want to check with the post office you plan to use.
Photos
The last thing you will need to complete your application packet is a passport photo. There are strict rules on what is acceptable so you may want to have a professional familiar with the requirements take the photos for you. Many post office facilities also offer a passport photo service.
Stop! Don’t Sign It Yet
Decide what location you are going to use for submission of your documents and inquire about their hours of operation. Make an appointment if they are available to help speed the process along. Once you have all the information gathered and your photocopies made, you are ready to submit your U.S. passport renewal application. It is important to note that you are not to sign the application until in the presence of the acceptance agent.