US Childrens Passport – Very Easy To Get

by garrett on January 23, 2012

In order to make it more difficult for a parent to abduct a child and take him or her overseas, new requirements have been added to the application process for a American childrens passport in the U. S. This has also been done in an attempt to slow down child trafficking. Because of the newer requirements, there are more restrictions and procedures to follow now when a minor needs a passport. Consequently, it is advisable to begin the process of applying early enough to make sure all the requirements are met and your child is ready to travel outside the U.S.

Application Process

The most important part of the rules is the one requiring that all minors be present when applying for a passport. This includes infants, preschoolers and all who are under sixteen. You can no longer renew minors’ passports through the mail either. The renewals for children under sixteen are subject to newer rules and procedures with a special form to fill out.

Form DS-11

Take note not to put your signature on the form without the approval of the agent in charge. Form DS-11 is the required application form for such a procedure. The unsigned form must be submitted to an agent at a certified passport accepting facility or at the state department. For those who are not yet 16 years old, a parental consent I. D. is needed. There is a different form for expedited American child passports.

Documentation

If you are applying for a minor, a proof of citizenship needs to be presented along with evidence of the relationship between the parents or guardians and the child. You should also present the child’s birth certificate as primary evidence.

Proof of Relationship

To prove the child’s relationship you have to provide either a certified birth certificate that includes the names of the parents or an adoption decree complete with the adopting parents names if the child was adopted. Alternatively, a court order establishing custody or guardianship can also be supplied.

Foreign Birth

If your child was born in a foreign country, you have to present a valid birth certificate that also demonstrates the parents’ names. Additionally, copies of the parents’ identification have to be provided as evidence of their relationship with the child.

Parental Consent

What does it mean to provide parental consent for children to get U. S. Passports? It means being there with the child in front of the responsible agent who authorizes the passports. If only one parent can appear, the other must have written a statement that is notarized giving his or her consent. Once again, sole legal custody must be documented by a custody decree from the courts or a death certificate.

You need to know that there are fees attributable with such a request. The childrens pasport fees are comprised of an application fee and an execution fee. In case you need to acquire a passport urgently, there are procedures to follow in order to get expedited American child passports. Passports for minors are only valid for 5 years or until they reach the age of sixteen.

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