How To Get A Kids U.S. Passport
It is a legal requirement that any person, adult or child, wishing to leave or return to the United States of America have their own official passport. Even very small children need to have their own documents. A kids passport can be obtained easily providing you have the necessary identification.
Age Requirements
A minor is defined as somebody under the age of sixteen. When applying, a form must be filled out entirely in their own name. Parental consent for the application must be given at the time of application and there are various rules as to who must sign the forms on their behalf, depending on their living arrangements.
Parents Must Be Present
In order for the application to go ahead and a passport to be processed, both the child and the parents must visit an acceptance agent. They will witness the signing of the forms. If possible, both parents should be present. If this is not possible, the absent parent should send in a notarized “Statement of Consent”. Should it be a one-parent family, the single parent will be required to provide proof of a custody agreement or the death certificate of the missing parent. There is a seperate form for expedited damaged passport renewal.
In the event of a third party needing to apply for the passport instead of a parent, they will need to show a notarized written statement from both parents. Alternatively, a statement from the parent with sole custody can be given along with proof of their custody arrangement. Any written consent from the parent who is not applying must be less than three months old.
US Citizenship
Every applicant, regardless of age, will be required to prove their United States Citizenship. There are a number of documents that can be used to do this. The best ones are what are called “Primary Identification”. One such form of identification is the birth certificate of the child. It could also be a certificate showing that they have become citizens. If none of these items are available, you will need to check the secondary ID requirements to see which of those you can meet.
Birth Certificate
Along with the identification of the child, it is also necessary to prove the relationship between the parents and the child. Again, a birth certificate is a good option or a document stating they were born abroad as these show both parents names clearly. If the child in question is adopted, you could use an “Adoption Decree” or if one or neither parent is present, you will need to provide a court order that states custody or guardianship.
Alternatives
If the child is travelling to a country that has a border with the US, for example Canada, the process is much simpler as a passport is not always required. Whether travelling alone or with a group, they can use their birth certificate or one of the other primary identifications to move between countries.
A kids U S passport is essential if you wish to take your child with you abroad at any time. It lasts for five years from the date they obtain it. Do not wait until the last minute to apply for it. There are also expedited damaged U.S. passport renewal services.
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