When applying for a US passport, children and adults have the same set of basic requirements. This includes the form they fill in and some of the documents they submit. However, children’s passport applications have slightly different requirements apart from the basic ones. These requirements are needed in order to establish the identity of the parents or guardians of the minor, plus the relationship between the minor and the parent/guardian.

When talking about special requirements for minors, there are different requirements for those under 16 than for those who are 16-17 years old. In this article, we’ll be dealing with the special requirements of those who are under 16. This category includes newborns and infants.

The DS-11 is the most basic requirement that applicants need to accomplish. This is the form that is required to be filled in by everyone applying for a passport for the first time. When filling in this application form, the parents or guardians of the applicant should assist the applicant to ensure everything is filled in correctly.

Along with the DS-11, applicants should also show proof of their citizenship. Applicants can choose from any of the documents that are accepted for this purpose. These documents are: birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, and certificate of naturalization. In case the applicant was born abroad, a consular report on his or her birth may also be submitted.

The passport applicant also needs to submit two recent color photographs that will be attached to the DS-11. Take note, however, that the US Department of State has very specific guidelines when it comes to passport photos. Make sure you are familiar with these guidelines before having the applicant’s picture taken.

Those three - the DS-11, the proof of citizenship, as well as the color photographs - are the basic requirements when applying for passports. And, since we’re discussing passport application for minors, there are special requirements on top of these already mentioned. Once again, they are required to establish the identity of the parents or guardians, as well as prove the relationship between the parent/guardian and the applicant.

A written parental consent is needed from the parents/guardians of the applicant. There are specific guidelines for this, so it’s best that you inquire at the nearest passport office before proceeding. Also, the parent/guardian should present their ID when submitting all the required documents in person. This ID should be photocopied first and attached to the other requirements. Then, the parent/guardian must show proof of their relationship with the applicant. Finally, after all the requirements are done, they can be submitted to the passport office and person and the fees have to be made.

All in all, the steps on Child’s Passport applications are very straightforward and easy enough to follow. What’s important is that the parent or guardian try to find out beforehand what the specific requirements are. This saves them a lot of time and ensures that they will have a hassle-free American Passport application.

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