Minors applying for a passport for the first time have special requirements to fulfill on top of the most basic requirements. Also, minors under 16 have a slightly different set of requirements when talking about special application requirements. In this article, we’ll tell you about children’s passport applications for those 16-17 years old, and the steps one needs to take.
First off, let’s begin with the most basic requirements. As such, they are also the requirements that adult applicants need to fulfill when applying for a passport for the first time. Ready? Read on.
The Form DS-11 is the form that a first-time passport applicant needs to fill in. Also, it is the same passport filled in by applicants who were under 16 years old when their latest passport was issued, as well as those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago. It should be noted that unlike other passports that can be sent through the mail, this requires submission to the passport office in person. Thus, it’s important to be careful when filling in this form and accomplishing other requirements so as to save time.
Aside from the DS-11, the applicant should also submit a proof of his/her citizenship. There are documents that can be submitted to do this. They are as follows: the birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or certificate of naturalization. If, however, the applicant was born abroad, the consular report on that birth may be submitted.
Then there are also the other requirements to establish the applicant’s identity. These are the ID card to be presented at the time of the application, the photocopy of the ID card, and two recent passport photos. It should be noted that there are very specific guidelines when it comes to the photocopy and the passport photos, so if you’re unsure of what to do, inquire at your local passport office first. Once all these requirements have been accomplished, the applicable fees may then be paid.
Now let’s move on to the special requirements. These requirements should be submitted along with the basic requirements that we talked about in the last several paragraphs. The first one of these requirements is that the applicant should appear in person for the application. Once again, applying for a United States passport for the first time requires a personal appearance.
Aside from the personal appearance, the applicant should also establish parental consent. This is needed when it is not implied in the application of the minor. Then in case the applicant is unable to present his/her own ID, he should present that of his parent/guardian. An in place of the photocopy of the applicant’s ID, it should be that of the parent/guardian as well.
All in all, that’s what you need for children’s passport application if you’re 16-17 years old. Most of the requirements are the basic ones, plus a few special requirements that you actually just need in case you don’t have an ID of your own, and the parental consent was not implied. These steps are easy and straightforward, so you’ll have no problems following them.
Comments on this entry are closed.