How to Get a Passport for Children US Passport for Minors Guide in 2025?

US Passport Requirements: Nothing quite surpasses the thrill of obtaining your initial passport as a youngster, eagerly expecting an adventure overseas. Over fifteen years afterward, I still clearly recall the morning my parents escorted me to our nearby post office in Peoria, Arizona, to initiate my passport request. Several weeks afterward, a package labeled with my name finally appeared. It felt like a holiday, and the reward was my gateway to explore the planet.

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The journey of applying for a US Passport Requirements for your youngster can appear intimidating, but it’s barely more complex than securing one for an adult. After reading this detailed manual, you will feel confident in guiding your child through their earliest passport application and assisting them in commencing their exploration of the globe.

How to Obtain A US Passport for Children and Teenagers?

All minors, regardless of their number of years, require a valid US passport for overseas adventures. You may even initiate a passport application for an infant shortly after acquiring the needed documentation. The procedure for minors younger than 16 varies somewhat from the one for youth aged 16–17. Below is a thorough summary of how to successfully acquire your child’s travel document (commonly known as a passport for minors).

Steps to Apply for A Minor’s Passport

1. Complete the DS-11 Form: This is the primary form for requesting a U.S. passport. Do not autograph the application until an official at the passport facility advises you to proceed.

2. Collect Essential Documentation: You must bring proof of your child’s nationality, identification belonging to both guardians, and documentation showing legal guardianship.

3. Capture A Passport Photo: Make sure the picture adheres to the stated guidelines, including correct sizing, facial expression, and background shade.

4. Submit Required Fees: Pay both the government application and execution charges using a money order or bank-issued check during submission.

5. File Application in Person: Both parents, along with the minor, must be physically present at an accredited acceptance location to initiate the application.

6. Receive Your Child’s Passport: Standard delivery lasts approximately six to eight weeks; faster delivery within 2–3 weeks is possible for an added expense.

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US Passport Requirements: Documents for Minors Aged 15 Or Below

To successfully process a child’s passport request, you must gather these fundamental records:

• DS-11 Form: Filled but unsigned until witnessed at the facility.

• Child’s Citizenship Evidence: Original and duplicate of a birth record or comparable item.

• Parent IDs: Originals and copies of government-issued identification from both legal guardians.

• Parental Consent: Either both parents must appear, or one may offer notarized authorization if absent.

• Passport Photograph: Meets all regulatory requirements for clarity and dimensions.

• Application Payment: Must be addressed to the U.S. Department of State via money order or certified check.

• Execution Payment: Typically, payable directly at the designated acceptance agency.

Documents Required For Applicants Aged 16 Or 17

Teenagers applying for a passport must bring slightly different paperwork:

• DS-11 Application Form: Same process as for younger children, completed but unsigned.

• Proof of Citizenship: Original and copy, such as a birth certificate or expired passport.

• Guardian Identification: At least one parent’s valid identification and a copy.

• Parental Awareness: Evidence that a guardian is aware of and approves of the process.

• Photograph for Passport: One current, regulation-compliant image.

• Application Charge: Payable by check or money order to the Department of State.

• Execution Fee: Payable at the acceptance location—payment types vary by facility.

US Passport Requirements: Acceptable Proof of Parental Awareness

For applicants aged 16–17, at least one parent must demonstrate they acknowledge the passport request. The following are acceptable methods of showing this awareness:

1. A parent personally appears with the teenager during the in-person appointment.

2. A parent provides a signed note accompanied by a copy of a government ID.

3. The payment is submitted under the parent’s name (e.g., on the check or money order).

4. If necessary, a notarized letter along with an ID copy may serve as adequate proof.

Most frequently, a birth certificate issued by a state, city, or county serves as valid citizenship evidence. The copy should be certified, bearing an embossed seal or official stamp. Other accepted items include a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Citizenship, or an expired US passport (for renewals).

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US Passport Requirements: Accepted Forms of Photo Identification for Parents

To meet identity verification standards, both parents must submit at least one of the following:

• A valid U.S. driver’s permit.

• A previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport.

• A government ID card or military ID.

• A certificate of naturalization or citizenship.

Bring the original ID along with a front-and-back photocopy on white, letter-sized paper.

Passport Application Fees and Processing Periods

Understanding the applicable charges and time frames is crucial before starting the application process.

• Application Fee: $100 for minors under 16; $130 for teens aged 16–17.

• Execution Fee: A fixed $35, required for in-person processing.

• Routine Processing: Standard timelines are 6–8 weeks from submission.

• Expedited Service: Available for an extra $60, processing is typically completed within 2–3 weeks.

• Overnight Shipping: For one-to-two-day delivery after printing, a $21.36 fee applies.

The application fee should be addressed to the US Department of State by check or money order. The execution fee is paid to the acceptance facility Passport Requirements, where they might allow cash, debit, or local checks. Not all locations accept the same forms of payment, so verify beforehand to avoid inconvenience.

US Passport Requirements: Where to Submit A Passport Application For A Minor

Children aged 17 or under must file their application personally at an authorized site. These include:

• Post Offices: Many offer dedicated passport services and appointment booking.

• Public Libraries: Select libraries handle passport applications and related inquiries.

• Clerk of Court Offices: Some local government offices are certified passport agents.

• Regional Passport Agencies: For urgent needs within 14 calendar days of travel, appointments are necessary.

If your child is traveling for more than three weeks, a standard acceptance facility is adequate. However, if the travel date is closer, you may need to book an appointment at a regional passport agency to speed up processing.

Additional Tips for Parents Applying for Minor Passports

• Make Appointments Early: Walk-ins may not be accepted, especially during peak travel months.

• Double-Check Documentation: Missing even one form can delay your application.

• Consider Passport Cards: If your child will only travel by land or sea to Canada or Mexico, a passport card may suffice.

• Be Present with the Child: For security and verification, your presence (alongside your child’s) is mandatory.

• Keep Copies for Records: Photocopy everything before submission for peace of mind.

Conclusion

Applying for your child’s passport may seem like a bureaucratic task, but it’s truly a first step toward lifelong global experiences. US Passport Requirements with the correct documents, proper planning, and attention to detail, the process can be straightforward and even enjoyable. Before you know it, your child will hold that little blue book in their hands, ready to explore, learn, and connect with the world in ways only travel can inspire.

Whether it's their first stamp or their tenth, having a passport empowers young travelers to become citizens of the world. So prepare thoroughly, follow the steps, and soon your child will be ready to begin their journey beyond borders.

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