How To Obtain A Child's Passport

By Author: William Manor
Total Articles: 6
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You won't find the first requirement for obtaining a child's passport on the U.S. Department of State's offical list. That doesn't mean it is no less necessary. What is it? A large dose of patience. <p > Over the last few years, new requirements have been added to guarantee the security of children. While these measures serve a worthy objective, they do tend to complicate the process. <p > To help you get through the process as quickly and easily as possible, I've put together a list of things you need to take with you when applying for a child's passport. <p > 1. Your child <p > That's right. Since February 2004, the State Deparment requires your child to appear in person. <p > 2. Both parents or legal guardians <p > If a parent or guardian cannot appear, either a notarized letter of permission (Form DS-3035) must be provided or some other documented explanation such as proof of sole custody, an adoption decree or a death certificate of the deceased parent. <p > 3. Proof of citizenship <p > This can be a certified birth certificate from the registar's office in the state where ...
... the child was born. Other acceptable documents are a previous fully valid U.S. passport, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Certification of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization. <p > 4. Proof of relationship to child <p > You can established your relationship to the child with a certified birth certificate, Certificate of Birth Abroad, adoption decree or court order of legal guardianship. Previous U.S. passports are not accepted as proof of relationship. <p > 5. Photo ID <p > Your own passport or drivers license will do. <p > 6. Passport Application Form DS-11 <p > Fill out the form carefully. Don't sign it until requested by the passport acceptance officer. The child's signature is required if he or she is older than 14 years. <p > 7. Two passport photos of your child <p > The State Department has strict rules about passport photos. Your best bet is to get new photos from a professional passport photo service. <p > 8. Payment <p > You will have at least three fees - the Passport Application Fee, the Execution Fee and the Security surcharge. <p > For children age 16 or older, the passport fee is $55, the security surcharge is $12 and the execution fee is $30. The total is $97. <p > For children under age 16, the passport fee is $40, the security surcharge is $12 and the execution fee is $30. The total is $82. <p > An expediting fee of $60 must also be paid to the U.S. Department of State if you want to obtain your child's passport within 2 weeks. <p > Want to avoid problems, start early and follow the requirements thoroughly. What do you do when a problem does arise? Remember the first requirement for obtaining a child's passport. <p >
About the Author William Manor is owner and webmaster of U.S. Passport Service Guide, a comprehensive site for travel visa and passport information with reviews of passport expediting services.