Archive for the ‘Child Passport’ Category

« Older Entries

How To Obtain An Expedited Passport For a Newborn

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

There was a time in the United States when a baby or a small child could travel on the passport of one of their parents, usually the mother. Nowadays, however, even a newborn infant must have a passport of their own. When travel is urgent or imminent, an expedited passport for newborn may be obtained. Parents may go through the procedure themselves or they may avail themselves of the services of a specialized agent.

Requirements

There is a lot more involved in obtaining an infant passport than for an adult.  Some requirements include a birth certificate or other proof of American citizenship, parental consent, parental identification, parental Social Security Number and proof of intent to travel.  Then you must fill in a form, pay the fee and send a couple of photographs. The reality is somewhat more complicated. It gets worse if one of the parents is absent or uncooperative. There are five child passport levels. These are Expedited, Rush, Priority, Next Day and 24-Hour. The expedited passport takes up to two weeks to process and the passport is mailed directly to the parents

DS-11

The necessary form, DS-11 – Application for a Passport, may be completed online and then printed or it may be downloaded, printed and then completed by hand. Form DS-11 is also available at a passport agency or from an Acceptance Facility. It is important not to sign the form until instructed to do so.

Submission

The application must be submitted in person. The baby must also be present and the passport is valid for five years and may not be renewed.

Photos

Requirements for the two passport photographs are rather stringent. They need to be 2 inches by 2 inches in size with a white or whitish background. The head size has to be between 1 and 1.375 inches with no had or anything else worn on the head. It must be taken no more than six months before the date of the application.

Photo Requirements

In the photograph, the baby must have a ‘natural’ expression. They must not be smiling, laughing, crying or screaming. They must have their mouth closed and must not contain a pacifier. The baby must be facing forward and looking at the camera. Only the baby must be in the picture, no parental hands, face, arms or even a car seat. Sometimes it is easier just to pay a professional photographer to get this done.

Citizenship

Parental proof of American citizenship is specifically required.  This documentation may take the form of a certified birth certificate, a valid passport, Form FS-240 (Consular Report of Birth), Form DS-1350 (Certification of Report of Birth) or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship.

If both parents cannot be present at the time of application for an expedited passport for newborn, it is necessary to complete a Form DS-3053 (Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16). A notarized written statement from the absent parent is acceptable. Remember that children’s passports aren’t valid as long as adults passports are. it is important to pay attention to dates and get a passport renewal if needed.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport | No Comments »

Information Regarding Children’s Passports

Friday, January 20th, 2012

If you are planning on traveling abroad with your family you will need to fill out applications for children’s passports as well as your own. Children must have their own passport. There are several things to keep in mind when applying for passports for your children. These are the nine basic steps you must follow.

Form DS-11

Complete Form DS-11 for each child. The application will need to be submitted in person to an acceptance facility. The child and both parents must appear in person when submitting the application. Most post offices act as acceptance facilities. Check with your local post office to see if they are authorized to accept passport applications.

Proof of Citizenship

Along with the application you will need to submit proof of US Citizenship for the child. There are very strict rules on what is an acceptable form of documentation. A birth certificate needs to be certified, which means it is an original with the registrar’s impression or multi-colored seal and also includes their signature. This will be returned to you when you receive your passports. If the child was born out of the country, a “Report of Birth Abroad” can be presented in lieu of a certified birth certificate.

Proof Of Parental Identification

Parents must submit evidence of their relationship to the children. Having each parent named on the birth certificate or the “Report of Birth Abroad” will satisfy this requirement. For single parents, you will need to submit a court order that proves you have custody of the child. Adoptive parents will have to provide a copy of the Adoption Decree that shows both of the adopting parents’ names.

Parental Identification Documents

As the parents, you will also need to provide a photocopy of your identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a previously issued passport, a naturalization certificate or a valid drivers license. City, state or federal employees may use their employee ID or military ID, which are also acceptable. If you are applying for multiple children, a copy of your ID must be submitted with each application.

Payment

You will need to pay two separate fees for each passport. For a minor, there is a ninety-five dollar fee for the application plus an additional charge of twenty-five dollars for the execution fee. These need to be paid separately and can be paid by check, money order or credit card. Some facilities may accept the exact amount in cash depending on the acceptance facility you use.

Photos

The final step is to provide two passport photos. The passport photo must be 2 x 2 inches in size and printed on quality paper. The background must be white or off white and the picture needs to be a full-face view with dimensions of the face no smaller than 1 inch from the chin to the top of the head. Most post offices will also offer passport photo services.

Stop! Don’t Sign It Yet

Decide what location you are going to use for submission of your documents and inquire about their hours of operation. Make an appointment if they are available to help speed the process along. Once you have all the information gathered and your photocopies made, you are ready to submit your application. It is important to note that you are not to sign the application until in the presence of the acceptance agent.

Traveling abroad with your kids can be very exciting for the whole family. The time it takes to get your children’s passports will be well rewarded with the wonderful memories made during your travels. Don’t forget to check the dates on your children’s passport, you may nee to apply for a passport renewal at some point.  Once you have your passport in hand, you will be ready for the adventure and excitement of discovering the world.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport | No Comments »

Passports For Children

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Over the years, various requirements have been added in an effort to combat children abduction and trafficking. These new requirements prove to be a bit complicated for parents to acquire passports for their children. While it is definitely vital to ensure children’s safety and it is a way of protecting them, these procedures are often considered to be too stringent. To make it through the process without a hitch, start early and pay attention to the details when applying for a childrens passport.

Application Process

The first thing you need to know is that your child must apply in person with both parents or guardians. Renewal of passport is not allowed by mail for minors. So children below the age of 16 whose passports have expired or are about to expire must apply for a new one by having a special form filled in.

Form DS-11

The form should be completed but it is signed only after the request of the agent. Form DS-11 is required to apply for a passport if you are U. S. A citizen. The complete but unsigned form must be presented to an agent at a passport accepting facility. Parental consent is also necessary for children under the age of 16.

Documentation

A proof of citizenship and a proof of relationship both are necessary if you are going to apply for your minor child. Provide an original or a verified copy of the child’s birth certificate as an evidence of citizenship. These copies can be acquired from the registrar’s office of the state where your child was born.

Proof of Relationship

To prove the child’s relationship you have to provide either a certified birth certificate that includes the names of the parents or an adoption decree complete with the adopting parents names if the child was adopted. Alternatively, a court order establishing custody or guardianship can also be supplied.

Foreign Birth

In case your child was born abroad, you would have to provide a certified foreign birth certificate with the parents’ names and a translation if required. A document of certification of birth abroad may also be used. Minors under sixteen, apart from needing evidence of the relationship between them and parents, will also have to provide copies of their parents’ identification plus a photocopy of each parent/guardian document.

Parental Consent

Parental consent must also be provided. Providing consent means the parents must appear with the child in front of the passport agent. If only one parent can appear, there must be a notarized statement from the other. If one parent has sole legal custody this, too, must be proved either with court order documents, or a death certificate of the other parent.

Finally you need to pay the childrens passport fee. There is an application fee and an execution fee. If one needs to acquire passports very quickly, there are other procedures that need to be followed in order to get  expedited child passports. Passports for minors are valid for a period of five years or until they are sixteen years of age. By being aware of these points, one will be able to go through the process more easily.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport | No Comments »

Renewing Expired Kids Passports Step By Step Guide

Saturday, December 10th, 2011

Renewing expired kids passports can be a hassle but is necessary if your kids travel a lot. It is more difficult to renew a passport for a child than doing it for an adult. The US government requires the parents to show proof of custody and to present the child to an agent. To prepare for this procedure,parents must fill out a DS 11 form.

Proper Forms

The DS 11 form is a US passport application form that you can get at the proper agency or print it out from the Internet. Fill in the form from your computer print out or complete the form directly on the website and then print it out afterwards. Parents or a guardian will need to supply information about their child on the form.

Child’s Information

The name of your child, his or her date of birth, Social Security number, address and information about the parents are some of the facts you have to indicate in the form. After you supply all the necessary info on the form, place it in an envelope but do not seal it. Put the old and expired passport in the same envelope, too.

Certificates

You will also have to include proof of your relationship to the child in the envelope such as a copy of your ID and the child’s birth certificate. The form must indicate both parents names like a US or foreign birth certificate or adoption decree. If these documents are not available, you have to get a court order that you have legal custody of the child.

English

If you are showing documents in a foreign language, you need to have the documents translated into English. You will also have to present a photocopy of each parents ID which could be a US drivers license or US passport. You can also use a naturalization certificate if you are an immigrant. A military or government employee ID is also acceptable.

Passport Photos

Place two passport sized pictures of your child in an envelope. The photos have to be no more than 5 months old. Tell the photographer that the pictures are for a passport. Place all of these documents in the same envelope and take it to an agent. You should also bring original documents of photocopies in case the agent would like to see the originals.

Fees

Do some research about current passport fees. You may be able to find the appropriate amount on the website of the passport agency. Bring the indicated amount of money when you submit the renewal form. There are a number of offices that can accept your passport application or renewal in your city. Find the locations of these offices on the Internet.

Once you locate a nearby office, both parents can take the child with the accompanying documents for an interview. If one parent cannot go with the child, the missing parent must fill out and submit a DS 3033 form that states your consent for your child’s passport renewal. Renewing expired kids passports will take several weeks to process. Expect the new passport in the mailbox.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport | No Comments »

How To Obtain An Infant Passport

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Trips taken together with children are the most hectic of all travels. This is because when you are accompanied by the baby, it brings alongside it peculiar challenges that have to be met. It is mandatory to carry some things that will facilitate the journey and make the life of the kid comfortable. Some of the things you need include an infant passport. It is a prerequisite for minors of all ages traveling into or outside the United States to have passports. Here is how to obtain infant US passport.

It’s Easy

Obtaining an infant passport is not a complicated procedure. However, it is time involving and needs a lot of dedication for easy completion. Its obtainment follows a similar procedure with those of adults and children. The first thing to be done is obtaining the forms from the immigration office through the government website or any other travel service providers.

Citzenship

The other thing that follows is giving evidence that your child is a citizen of the United States. This is done via presentation of the birth certificate or the naturalization certificate if the baby was born outside the US. These vital documents must be presented alongside certificate of citizenship.

Other Documents

The other documents you need to get ready are two official passport photographs. There are specific measures that the photographs must portray. An official one must measure 2×2 inches. This is where a professional photographer comes in. Many a time that photos taken from home are not allowed. The submission of these documents must be done together with an application fee of 40 dollars if there is no urgency.

Parental Relationship

The other “must do” thing is submission of documents proving parental relationship to the infant. With the high rates of child trafficking, the government has taken such steps to ensure that no child is smuggled inside or outside the US. Among the documents needed as proof include a court order establishing custody of the child, parent’s identification and the child’s birth certificate bearing both parents names.

Parental Consent

Before the approval of the documents, parents are obliged to issue parental consent for issuance. This is very critical and must be done even if the baby is single parented. The available parent must provide authorization notarized by the other parent in case still alive or the death certificate if one parent is dead or a court order granting sole custody.

Travel Documents

It is also important to understand that the traveling documents for children are valid for five years after which they expire. The mentioned procedures must be followed if the documents are to be renewed. In both occasions, children must be presented for approval of the documents. However, they must be accompanied by the parents.

In conclusion, it is evident that obtaining these documents for children is not a cup of tea. It requires a lot of proof especially from the parent’s side. You need to be aware of the minimum requirements so that you are knowledgeable about what is needed in case you need to travel together with your children. The guidelines on how to obtain infant US passport are essential. If you need it quickly go ahead and use a passport expedite service.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport | No Comments »

Learn How To Get A US Passport For Kids

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

Children have more opportunities to travel abroad than ever. Getting a kids passport can be an important step ensuring that your family can be as mobile as it wants to be. Below is the basic process to follow when you want to get a US passport for kids. As the parent, it will be your legal responsibility to see this process is followed correctly.

Minor Passports

In this context, a child is anyone under the age of sixteen years old. Even if your child already has one, these are the rules to follow if it will expire before your child reaches sixteen years old. The requirements have gotten increasingly detailed over the years as the federal government tries to minimize the risk of child trafficking.

Citizenship

You’ll have to prove your child is a US citizen. The easiest way to do this is provide a certified, long form copy of your child’s birth certificate. Other acceptable documents to prove citizenship include a valid US passport (not yet expired), certificate of naturalization, report of a birth abroad, or certification of a birth abroad.

Legal Gaurdians

You will also have to prove that you are in fact the child’s parents or legal guardian. To do this, you’ll have to provide a legal document naming you as parents. If your names are listed on the long form birth certificate as the parents or any of the documents that can show citizenship, this will be acceptable. If this is the case, you can use the single document to prove both citizenship of your child and your legal relationship. If you don’t have any of these documents, you can use an adoption decree or court order that establishes custody or guardianship.

Parental Consent

You’ll have to prove parental consent. Typically, the consent of both parents is needed for a child to get a passport. However, in recognition of the various forms of family, the specifics of showing consents can vary. You can review the table of parental consent on a US passport website to verify what will be required of your family.

Passport Agency

At least one parent must accompany the child to the authorized US passport agency to apply. You’ll have to fill out federal from DS-11, the actual application, which you can download off the Internet. However, you can only sign it for your child in the presence of the acceptance agent.

DS-11

Ideally, both parents will be present and sign the DS-11. If only one parent can be present with the child at the application appointment, you will have to submit a federal form DS-3053 as well, which is a notarized statement showing the absent parent’s consent for the application.

Finally, you’ll also need an acceptable photo of your child to be used. This photo must be color, two by two inches in size, and taken within the last six months. There is also an application fee, which you can pay when you submit the application. Getting a US passport for kids can be a process to collect all the necessary documentation but one well worth the effort, and now filling out a passport renewal application will be a piece of cake.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport | No Comments »

Renewing A US Passport For A Child

Friday, November 18th, 2011

The United States Department of State has strict rules governing the process of renewing a US passport for a child. All minors who are under 16 years old must do so in person. Some requirements are special ones that apply only to children.

Minor Travel

All minors regardless of age must have their own documentation if they wish to travel by air outside of the United States. In some cases, children traveling from contiguous areas into the United States may present other forms of identification such as a birth certificate. Be certain to clarify what, if any visas are necessary. With the legal paperwork so crucial for children, it is important to begin the renewal process far in advance of any trip abroad.

Proper Forms

Children and both parents are required to complete Form DS- 11, Application for a U. S. Passport, in person at a designated agency or acceptance facility. If cared for by guardians, they must do the same. Though this form is mandatory, it cannot be completed in advance. It must be signed when the Acceptance Agent instructs and not before. Parents must also provide their Social Security numbers to the agent. The form must be filled in completely or the renewal may be denied.

DS-11

The Form DS-11 must be submitted in person by the parents together with the child. The Bureau of Consular Affairs is the government agency responsible for dealing with passports. The easiest way to find a designated application facility is to stop at a local post office and ask. Many local post offices do this work on behalf of the Department of State. Other places include public libraries, government offices for townships, counties, or states. Public libraries and clerks of court are also specific entities that may offer this service.

Requirements

If you find yourself in the situation where you must travel in less than 14 days, the best solution is to go to a regional agency if you are in the country. Once abroad, you must find the United States Consulate or Embassy that is nearest to you. The requirements to appear in person still apply. An Expedite Fee will be included, but there is no fee for the appointment. A paper copy of your travel itinerary is required. You will need to submit Form DS-82 as well.

Appropriate Photos

You should take care to bring one photo for each applicant. There are rules concerning the photo. It must be in color and be two inches by two inches. Because children change quickly as they grow, current pictures are mandatory. It is a good idea to have a professional take the picture. Those experienced with these photos know the legal requirements.

Passport Issuance Alert Program

Parental child abduction has become an international issue. The United States has created a Passport Issuance Alert Program for children as a tool to help prevent abductions. For parents with children under the age of 18, it is possible to register with the agency so that an alert may be provided to either parent when international travel is planned. The legal, psychological and emotional problems that are caused when abduction occurs can be significant.

Though the application process is very specific for children, it serves to protect families. As long as the details are taken into account, renewing a US passport for a child should not be difficult. Being prepared will ultimately provide a much better application experience especially if you encounter a lost passport.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport, Passport Services | No Comments »

Passport Applications For Children – What You Should Know

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

The United States Department of State demands those under 18 to submit special demands whenever applying for a US passport. In general, these requirements are used to establish the applicant’s citizenship, as well as his or her relationship with the parents or guardians. Minors below 16 years old have a different group of special requirements from those who find themselves 16 to 17 years of age. If you need to gather some important information about what to do for children’s passport applications for age 16 and under applicants, then read on.

When talking of passport applicants under 16 years old, we’re saying this to incorporate newborn infants. This group has particular prerequisites that vary somewhat from other types of passport applicants. The following paragraphs discuss what those requirements are.

Basic Requirements

The first and the most basic requirement will be the accomplished DS-11 form. This is the form completed by all first-time pasport applicants, whether children or adults. It is possible to obtain this specific form on the web and fill it on your computer, however, you will have to submit this form along with the other requirements in person.

Concerning Minors

The Department of State also needs minor applicants submit a proof with their citizenship. To establish an applicant’s citizenship, there are specific documents which can be used. These types of docs are usually: the applicant’s most recent passport, a certificate of naturalization, a certified birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship, or a consular report if the applicant was born abroad.

Meanwhile, the mother and father or guardians of the applicants will also need to existing other documents. The first is the document that establishes the relationship of the applicant with his parent or guardian. Parents or even guardian’s Identification, in addition to a copy from it, can also be required.

Written Consent is Necessary

And since we are talking about children obtaining a passport here, a written parental consent will also be required to be submitted to the passport office. There are diverse procedures with this for moms and dads, a single parent, and a guardian who stands in place of the parents. Take a look at which category you fall under so you know the type of process you’ll have to follow.

Identity

To help establish their identity, the applicants can also be required to submit two color passport IDs photos that are recent. The actual position with the parents or guardians here would be to ensure that the specifications for the IDs are followed. Passport offices are usually strict in implementing these specifications, so it pays to become extra thorough. In addition, there’ll be a corresponding price for this type of passport application. When all fees have been paid and documents accomplished, these documents can now be submitted to the local passport office.

Passport Services

Should it be about knowing where to go for minor passport applications that you would like to know about, all you need to do is visit your local new passport office. They’re going to assist you with your application, from providing you with information about how to get started, to making sure that you have accomplished all the special requirements that are need for child passport applications. Making use of their help, applying for a passport for minors will be a lot easier and free from stress.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport, Passport Services | No Comments »

How To Make Child Passport Renewal A Simpler Process

Sunday, September 18th, 2011

International travel is often a valuable source of great personal growth for young people. Even when accompanied by an adult, however, minors must carry an up-to-date passport. If that document has expired, the child passport renewal process is slightly different from that of adults and knowing ahead of time exactly what is required can save time and frustration.

Must Apply In Person

While adults can apply via mail, a minor must appear in person before an agent with his or her parents or guardian, who must also be able to prove legal custody. These rules may add a little time to the process but they exist to guarantee the safety and welfare of young people, especially in an era when trafficking and abductions have become commonplace.

Age Requirements

The U. S. State Department defines a child as anyone younger than age sixteen. There are slightly different requirements for those who are actually sixteen or seventeen, so be sure to check for specific regulations. Those who have reached age eighteen are considered adults. Parental consent is mandatory for those under age 16 and the wide variation in today’s family structures often requires different forms of documentation, depending on the situation.

Proof Of Relationship

Parental Consent tables are easily found on the Internet. They accommodate nearly any kind of parental custody and they explain the exact documents that will be necessary and acceptable in most situations. In non-traditional family units, proof of relationship is still required before a new document will be granted. There are additional forms that must be completed if no legal parent or guardian is available.

DS-11 Form

With those requirements in mind, the next step is to download and print the DS-11 form. Minors are required to divulge the same information as adults who renew. Applicants must list their social security number, current address and date of birth in addition to the necessary parental information. Do not sign this document, however, until actually in the presence of a certified agent.

Bring In Expired Document

The expired document must also be available for inspection, so be sure you can still locate it. It must be physically undamaged and must be accompanied by accepted certification of the parental relationship. That proof may include the youth’s birth certificate, a decree of adoption or a report of foreign birth. Without one of those documents, a court order must be obtained that certifies custody.

Parental ID

In addition, parents must provide a primary identification document ,which may include a driver’s license, birth certificate, an undamaged passport or government ID. While these may be photocopied, the agent may want to see the originals so have them available. Also required are current photos that must meet the right specifications for government identification.

Collect this information in a large envelope and call ahead to make sure you have the right form of payment, even for expedite passport renewal. Bring all documentation, plus the young person who is renewing, to either an acceptance facility or regional agency. After the case has been reviewed and approved, sign the forms in front of the agent. While there are always exceptions, most people who have prepared in advance will be able to complete the child passport renewal process in a trouble-free manner.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport, Passport Renewal | No Comments »

How To Get A Baby Passport

Monday, September 12th, 2011

International travelers, regardless of age, are required to have documentation that is proof of their residency and nationality. When obtaining a baby passport, both parents or legal guardians and the baby must be in attendance at the time the application is made. There are several steps involved with applying for and getting an international travel document for an infant.

US Citizenship

It is imperative to first gather documentation supporting the U. S. Citizenship of the infant. Primary documents only are to be used. Primary documentation includes a certificate of birth that is certified or a foreign birth certificate. In addition, documentation that establishes the parental relationship between the baby and both parents is needed. Be sure to choose documents that list both parents’ names.

Parents ID

Make certain that both parents have certified proof of their identification. Government issued identification like a driver license, U. S. Passport, a military ID or naturalization papers can be used. You may also want to have proof of your Social Security number. Always make copies of the original documents on standard size white paper.

Application

You will need to complete an international travel document application for the child. The form can be filled out online and printed out or you can print a blank form and complete it by hand with black ink. Make sure that you do not sign the completed form since it is mandatory that the form be signed at the Passport Acceptance Facility in front of an officer.

Pictures

Two identical pictures for the travel document and the fee for the credential will be included with the application. The head and hands of the baby must be uncovered and visible in the picture. Next, you will need to identify the Acceptance Facility nearest you where you will submit all the necessary papers. You can use the Internet to locate a Passport Acceptance Facility in your area. You may also want to check with your local library, county office or post office to find an authorized office.

If Parents Absent

In the event that only one parent can appear when the application is submitted, make sure to obtain a notarized statement of the absent parents consent. A completed Statement of Consent or Special Circumstances must be completed, signed and notarized by the parent not able to be present. The notarized form must accompany the application for the travel document, proof of citizenship of the infant, original identification proof and all other required documentation is then taken to a Passport Acceptance Facility.

Time It Takes

Finally, you will need to allow up to six weeks for the travel document to be processed and approved. If you need the document sooner, a US passport expedite application will take only two to three weeks to process. Check to see if there are additional fees for expediting the application.

Gathering all the information on applying for a baby passport will help make the process easier. Having all the required documentation before completing the application will save time. Although your child will change over the life of the travel document, the photo does not need to be updated before renewal of the document.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Child Passport | No Comments »

« Older Entries