Children, as well as adults, need passports. However, the child passport application process is more stringent than that for adults. The main reason for this is the attempt at combating the abduction and trafficking of children in recent times. New requirements have therefore been put in place and these are more demanding on parents. It is recommended that the process be started early and instructions be followed carefully.
What You Need To Know
It is interesting to note that minors are a great feature of the process. Minors need to make personal applications alongside their parents or guardians. The renewal process for acquiring passports for minors may only be initiated and facilitated with a specific form. Though the forms can be completed beforehand, it is advised that they should not be signed until an authorized agent requests that action.
Parental Consent
Parents are expected to consent when their minors need to apply for passports. Since there are different family arrangements, different documents showing consent are acceptable for the various situations. For instance, if a family has two parents, they should both accompany the minor and have their signatures witnessed by the agent in authority. A parent who is unavailable to make an appearance must submit a notarized statement indicating consent.
Single Parents
Single parents with sole custody of their minors should make a personal appearance and sign the same form required of two parents in the presence of the agent in charge. Additionally, the single parents are required to show that they have sole authorization for applying. The document showing authorization must accompany one of many others that are required.
Required Documents
The required documents may be a birth certificate for the minor or court orders giving sole custody or permitting travel with the minor. A sole parent adoption decree, judicial declaration or death certificate on behalf of the non-applying parent is also part of those requirements. If none of these documents is available, another special form explaining the absence of consent has to be signed.
Third Parties
Third parties are also allowed to apply on behalf of minors. Those third parties must submit either a written statement or an affidavit, both notarized, from either the parents or the guardians giving authorization. If only one parent or guardian provides the affidavit or statement, the third party needs to provide evidence that the authorizing parent has sole custody of the minor.
Parent Documents
Parents also need to establish their citizenship and relationship to the minors for whom they are submitting applications. This establishment can be accomplished by furnishing birth certificates that are either originals or certified copies. In addition, passports that are valid, documents that are able to report or certify birth overseas and certificates evidencing naturalization or citizenship can be shown. Proof of relationship can be provided with any one of four different birth certificates, adoption decrees or specified court orders and photo identification.
There are many requirements that are needed to fulfill the child pass port application process. It should be noted that minors are required to make personal appearances when applying for their passports. Parents must accompany the minors and verify their authority and ability to give consent for the process. Child United States online passport renewal is a slightly different process.
No related posts.
