Minor Passport

A Minor Passport is a travel document issued by the United States government to children under the age of 16, allowing them to travel internationally. It is designed to meet the specific needs of young travelers, ensuring their safety and compliance with U.S. travel regulations. The Minor Passport is valid for five years from the date of issue, and obtaining it requires the presence and consent of both parents or legal guardians.

Expedited Minor Passport Eligibility

To qualify for an expedited Minor Passport, certain criteria must be met:

1. The applicant must be under 16 years of age.
2. The application must be accompanied by proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or previous passport.
3. Both parents or legal guardians must be present during the application process, or provide notarized consent if one is unable to attend.
4. The application must include a recent passport photo of the minor, meeting specific requirements.
5. Proof of an urgent travel need, such as an upcoming trip within the next few weeks, may be required for expedited processing.

Minor Passport Service Step by Step

1. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of U.S. citizenship, parental identification, and a passport photo of the minor.
2. Complete the DS-11 Form: Fill out the DS-11 form for a Minor Passport. Do not sign it until instructed by a passport acceptance agent.
3. Parental Consent: Ensure both parents or legal guardians are present, or provide a notarized parental consent form (DS-3053) if one parent cannot attend.
4. Submit the Application: Visit a passport acceptance facility to submit the application in person. The agent will verify the documents and witness the signing of the DS-11 form.
5. Pay the Fees: Pay the applicable passport fees, including the expedited processing fee if required.
6. Track the Application: Use the tracking service to monitor the status of your passport application.

Requirements for Minor Passport

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Certified birth certificate, previous passport, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
2. Parental Identification: Valid driver’s license, government ID, or military ID.
3. Parental Consent: Both parents must be present or provide notarized consent.
4. Passport Photo: One recent passport photo of the minor, meeting the specific photo requirements.
5. DS-11 Form: Completed but not signed until in the presence of a passport acceptance agent.
6. Proof of Relationship: Documents such as the child’s birth certificate showing the names of the parents.

Passport Agents

After gathering all necessary documents for the Minor Passport service, you will need to approach a passport acceptance agent. Here’s how:

1. Locate a Passport Acceptance Facility: Find the nearest passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, library, or local government office. You can use the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Tool to locate one.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Some facilities require an appointment, so call ahead or schedule online to ensure availability.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Organize all required documents, including the completed DS-11 form (unsigned), proof of U.S. citizenship, parental identification, and the passport photo.
4. Visit the Facility: Arrive at the facility with both parents or legal guardians (or the notarized consent form if one is absent) and all required documents.
5. Submit Your Application: The passport acceptance agent will review your documents, witness the signing of the DS-11 form, and verify the information. They will then seal your application in an envelope and send it for processing.

FAQ’s for Minor Passport

Q1: How long is a Minor Passport valid?
A: A Minor Passport is valid for five years from the date of issue.

Q2: Can one parent apply for a Minor Passport without the other parent’s consent?
A: No, both parents must provide consent. If one parent cannot be present, a notarized consent form (DS-3053) is required.

Q3: What if one parent is deceased or has sole custody?
A: If one parent is deceased, you must provide a death certificate. If one parent has sole custody, provide a court order granting sole custody.

Q4: What documents are needed to prove the minor’s U.S. citizenship?
A: A certified birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad can be used as proof of U.S. citizenship.

Q5: How long does it take to get an expedited Minor Passport?
A: Expedited processing typically takes 2-3 weeks, but in emergency situations, it can be expedited to as quickly as 24-48 hours.

Q6: Where can I get a passport photo that meets the requirements? A: Passport photos can be taken at many pharmacies, photo studios, and some passport acceptance facilities.

Q7: How much does it cost to expedite a Minor Passport?
A: Fees vary, but there is an additional fee for expedited processing on top of the standard passport application fee. Check the latest fee schedule on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Q8: Can I track the status of my Minor Passport application?
A: Yes, you can track your application status online through the U.S. Department of State’s passport tracking system.

Q9: What if my child’s passport is lost or stolen?
A: You will need to report the loss or theft immediately and apply for a passport replacement. Visit our Lost/Stolen page for more details.

By choosing Rushed Travel Documents, you ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience, getting you your passport exactly when you need it. Visit our website or contact us at 561.328.1613 for more details.