Introduction

The United States Passport is one of the most important documents you can have. It allows you to travel freely worldwide, and it’s beneficial when traveling with children. If you already have a passport or you’re applying for your first one, here’s what you need to know about applying for a U.S. Passport for a child under 16 years old:

You’ll need to fill out the DS-11 form and provide several documents, including proof of citizenship and identity.

You’ll need to fill out the DS-11 form and provide several documents, including proof of citizenship and identity.

You will be asked for more than just your child’s name, date of birth and gender on this form. You’ll also need to provide:

  • Proof of identity for yourself (i.e., driver’s license)
  • Proof of citizenship for yourself (i.e., birth certificate) – this must be an original document or certified copy
  • Proof that both parents are U.S citizens for us to issue a passport for your child under 16 years old

The child must go in person to the passport acceptance agency with one parent or legal guardian over the age of 18

  • The child must go in person to the passport acceptance agency with one parent or legal guardian over the age of 18.
  • Both parents must sign an application for a U.S. passport for a minor under age 16, unless only one parent has sole custody of the child and that parent has not remarried.
  • If you are applying for your child’s first passport, you may use either your own photo ID or another valid form of identification such as a birth certificate or driver’s license to prove your identity at no additional cost when applying at certain locations (see below). You will need to provide proof of relationship between yourself and your child on this form as well; if possible bring along their original birth certificate showing both parents’ names listed on it!

Parents must appear in person with an acceptable photo ID (driver’s license, military ID, etc.)

Parents must appear in person with an acceptable photo ID (driver’s license, military ID, etc.) to apply for a U.S. PASSPORT for a child under 16 years of age.

parents can apply for a new passport for their child

Parents can apply for a new passport for their child. To do so, you’ll need to fill out the DS-11 form and provide several documents, including proof of citizenship and identity. The child must go in person to the passport acceptance agency with one parent or legal guardian over the age of 18.

If you’re traveling abroad soon and your child doesn’t have a valid passport yet, now’s your chance to get one!

How do I start the process for a U.S. Passport for my child?

The first step to getting your child a passport is to decide where you would like to apply. There are four options:

  • Applying at an acceptance agent (such as a post office)
  • Applying online at the U.S. Department of State website
  • Mailing in your application with the required forms and documentation (the cost for mailing is $15)
  • Applying in person at one of many locations around the world, including embassies and consulates, designated passport agencies, passport offices or acceptance facilities

Where are acceptance agents located?

You can find acceptance agents at post offices, libraries, and other government offices. Not all locations have an acceptance agent available. If you cannot locate an acceptance agent in your area or if your local office is closed for the holidays, you may still apply for a passport by mail by following the instructions on our website.

What is the DS-3053?

The DS-3053 is a form that the parent or guardian of the child must complete. It’s also known as “Application for a U.S. Passport,” and it must be completed by the parent or guardian of the child when applying for their first passport. The DS-3053 contains information about both you and your child, including:

  • Your name, address, phone number(s), email address(es), date of birth, place of birth (city/state/country)
  • Your relationship to the applicant (parent/guardian)
  • Your citizenship status (U.S., noncitizen national)

You’ll need to supply some additional information on this form, like whether there are any restrictions on your ability to travel outside the United States, but we can talk about later in this guide!

Once my DS-3053 has been reviewed by the passport agency, when will I get my passport?

Once your DS-3053 has been reviewed by the passport agency, when will I get my passport?

It generally takes about 4 weeks for a child’s first U.S. passport to be processed and sent back to you in the mail. If you have not received your child’s new passport within 6 weeks of submitting your application, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-900-225-5674 or visit their website at https://dpvcfksvc.state.gov/travel/.

Once we receive our new passports, how long do they last?

A first-time passport issued to a minor under age 16 for international travel is valid for 10 years from its date of issue or until his/her 16th birthday (whichever occurs first). If he/she becomes 16 before the expiration date printed on page 2 of his/her passport book, he/she may travel with either type of document until it expires; however if traveling abroad after reaching age 16 but before 18 years old then only an official government photo ID would be required along with their expired original document which can be used as proof that they were indeed issued a valid document in accordance with federal regulations at some point prior during their lifetime as well as showing proof such documents are no longer valid today because they’ve reached adulthood – this makes sense too because otherwise how could anyone know who was allowed into what country without checking every single person’s ID card against some sort system like this one?

What travel options are available with a new passport?

Once you have a passport for your child, there are several travel options available. You can use it for international travel or domestic travel only. You also have the option of renewing your child’s passport if it has expired or needs to be replaced due to damage or loss.

You can apply for a new passport by filling out the DS-11 form online at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/getting-a-new-passport/apply-for-a-new-.html#step1 and printing out the application form once it is completed online or picking up an application at any post office location near you (if available). Once complete, bring all required documents along with payment as noted on page 2 of Form DS-11 (or $25 fee) when visiting an acceptance facility where they will take photos and process fingerprints before issuing your new document within 15 days!

You must submit a completed DS-11 application form for each passport applicant and pay the fees.

You must submit a completed DS-11 application form for each passport applicant and pay the fees. You may need to pay a fee if you are applying for your child’s first passport, or if it has been 15 years since the last time you applied for one. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to bring along proof of your child’s citizenship (i.e., their birth certificate) when they go in person with you to submit their application materials.

If a child is under 16, you will need to bring the child with you to an acceptance agent.

If a child is under 16, you will need to bring the child with you to an acceptance agent. The acceptance agent will review your application and take your photograph. If any additional documentation is needed, we’ll let you know at this time.

The most important part of obtaining a U.S. passport for a child is making sure that all of the documentation is in order.

The most important part of obtaining a U.S. passport for a child is making sure that all of the documentation is in order.

If you are missing any documents, the acceptance agent will not accept your application. You will have to return another day with the missing documents or submit them via mail (if it’s an option).

You will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth (CRBA) issued by the Department of State, or naturalization documents if your child was born abroad after February 2001.

To apply for a passport for your child, you will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth (CRBA) issued by the Department of State, or naturalization documents if your child was born abroad after February 2001.

You can find out more about these documents here: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/apply-for-a-new-passport-or-renewal.html

If your child was born abroad and they also have a current foreign passport, they will need to surrender it when applying for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and/or Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

If your child was born abroad and they also have a current foreign passport, they will need to surrender it when applying for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and/or Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Your child’s foreign passport must be surrendered at the time of their application for U.S. citizenship. This applies even if their birth certificate shows both parents’ names or if one parent is deceased but listed as an informant on the birth certificate. Your child can use his or her current United States Passport book until it expires or becomes damaged beyond recognition, whichever comes first; however, once this happens he/she will need to obtain another one from USCIS so that he/she can travel internationally again with no complications from immigration officials along the way

Conclusion

The process for getting a U.S. passport for a child can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right information and preparation, you can make sure that your child has all the documents they need in order to apply for a new passport.