The passport requirements are virtually all the same with the exception of children under 16 years of age. In order to obtain traveling papers, a person must have the documentation available and be able to produce it when applying. With the addition of strict rules and regulations for overseas travel, it is important to have proper credentials.
Birth Certificate
A certificate of live birth is the best form of identification a person can have when applying for traveling papers. If one is not available and a person does not have any previous passports, they will be required to obtain additional forms of identification. For individuals who are born outside the US, a certificate of Naturalization from the department of immigration or an original certificate of citizenship will work.
Letter Of Record
Should a person not have access to any previously used passports or their birth certificate, they can obtain a letter of record. The letter is issued by the state where the individual resides in and needs to be filled out completely. Along with the letter, information such as baptismal records, school records and any additional public recordings will be required.
DS-10 Form
Also, the documents must display the date and place of birth for the child in order to be accepted. The earlier, the better so a time line can be established for informational purposes. If the above documents are unavailable, a DS-10 form can be submitted by an older relative who has knowledge of the birth. Additionally, the form must be notarized prior to submitting the form.
If Born Outside US
Another scenario involves the individual being born outside of the US to one parent who has US citizenship. In this situation, a document supplied by a hospital in the state where the individual resides will need to be obtained. Within the form, the individual will add their name and date of birth along with recorded information pertaining the years that were searched for the birth certificate by the hospital.
Along with the form, the parent must submit an affidavit that contains the locations they lived both in the US and abroad before the birth. A foreign birth certificate will need to be supplied at that time as well to prove the birth of the child. In the case of both parents being US citizens and living abroad when the baby is born, a foreign birth certificate and a marriage certificate are required in addition to the affidavit of residence.
Adopted Children
For children who are below the age of 18 and are adopted, a parent or legal guardian must be present. Both the child and the parent/guardian must be legal citizens of the United States and the parent/guardian must have custody. Also, the adoption has to be final before the paperwork can be processed successfully.
The pass port requirements are somewhat strict; however, it is for the good of the person who is applying. When traveling abroad, it is important to have the proper documentation so the person can return home safely. Taking the time to collect the proper paperwork will make the pass port application process go much smoother.
No related posts.
