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June 20, 2017The Ultimate Guide To Visas and Passports for Kids
Planning a fun summer getaway? If your child is going to be under the age of 16 at the time of travel, there are certain rules about how to obtain visas and passports for kids. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide. Just follow these 10 easy steps to make it happen.
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The Ultimate Guide To Visas and Passports for Kids
Fill out a DS-11 form
The DS-11 form is an application for a U.S. passport. Parents must fill one out for their child.
Provide evidence of U.S. Citizenship
Submit an original or certified copy of one of the following official legal documents: a valid U.S. passport; a U.S. birth certificate; a consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth abroad; or, finally, a certificate of citizenship.
Photocopy of U.S. Citizenship evidence
In addition to the original copy of the document, the U.S. Department of State also requires a legible photocopy of the front and back.
Show parental relationship
An original or certified copy of a document that proves your parental relationship with your child. This could be in the form of a U.S. birth certificate; a consular report of birth abroad; foreign birth certificate; adoption decree; or divorce/custody decree.
Lucky for you, we've compiled the ultimate guide to obtaining visas and passports for kids. Click To TweetIdentification document
Parents should present one of the following identification documents: in-state, valid ID; valid or expired U.S. passport; valid foreign passport; government employee ID; U.S. military ID; certificate of naturalization or citizenship; or Matricula Consular.
Photocopy of identification document
In addition to the original form of identification, a legible photocopy of the front and back is also required.
Parental consent
The easiest way to do this is to have both parents present when applying for the passport. If you have sole custody of your child, evidence of this must be submitted with the application. If only one parent is able to appear, the other can give permission by filling out a DS-3053 “Statement of Consent” Form. If one parent cannot be located, the other can submit a DS-5525 “Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances” Form. If neither parent is able to appear, a third party may apply for the child’s passport with a notarized statement from both parents giving the third party permission to do so.
Photograph
A photo of the child meeting the U.S. Department of State’s requirements must be submitted with the application.
Calculate cost
For both the Passport Book and Passport Card, there are different application and execution fees. Check them out here.
Submit your application
All components of the completed application must be presented in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Passports and visas for children under 16 cannot be mailed in or applied for online. Some acceptance facilities require appointments while others do not. Families may make one payment to the order of the U.S. Department of State if they are purchasing more than one passport.
Now that you have your passports all squared away, you’re ready to go! Bon voyage! Do you have any upcoming travel plans?
