Learn How to Get a Passport if You’re 16-17 Years Old

by erin on January 26, 2010

Passport applicants who are 16-17 years old are still considered minors. Because of this, they need to submit special requirements on top of the regular documents needed to apply for a US passport. Now if you fall under this category, find out how to apply for a passport in this article. Don’t worry, because we’ll keep it as clear, simple, yet detailed as possible.

What are the special requirements for applicants aged 16-17? These requirements are actually required of the parent’s applicants or their guardians, rather than the applicants themselves. The documents are used to provide proof of the parents/guardians’ identity. These documents are the parents/guardians’ ID, a photocopy of this ID, as well as a written parental consent.

After dealing with these requirements, let’s now move on to the routine requirements that you need to submit. For first-time passport applicants, the Form DS-11 is what you’ll need to fill in. Aside from first time applicants, this is also the same form used by those who were under 16 when they were issued their last passport, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago.

As required for all who use the DS-11 form, you will have to submit this along with the other requirements in person to the nearest passport agency. Also, you must keep in mind that you must not sign the complete form. Wait until you are told to do so when you finally submit it.

Aside from the DS-11, you will also need to establish your citizenship. There are certain documents that you can use to do this: your certificate of naturalization, your certified birth certificate, your latest U.S. passport, a certificate of citizenship, or a consular report if you were born abroad. The document you submit will be returned to after your passport has been processed. It will either be mailed with your passport or sent in a separate mailing.

You are also required to establish your identity. To do this, you will have to present your ID when you visit the passport office to submit all your passport application requirements. Aside from that, you will also have to photocopy your ID and submit it. Keep in mind that the Department of State has very specific rules when it comes to the photocopy of your ID, so make sure that you comply. If you’re unsure about the requirements, better check with their office first and find out what the exact requirements are.

Also submit two color passport photos that are recent. As with the photocopy of your ID, there are very specific rules regarding your photos, so make sure you know what these rules are. Finally, you also be required to pay an applicable fee for your passport application.

There you have it, all the basic things you need to know about how to get a passport if you’re 16-17 years old. These guidelines are up to date and very specific, so make sure you understand them and follow them to the letter. You’ll save yourself time if you have everything ready before submitting the application.

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