Passport For Infants And Children

by erin on April 22, 2010

There are several special requirements to obtain a passport for infants or children. The steps in applying for a passport need to be followed exactly or a passport will not be issued. Briefly, the steps include preparing an application, providing documentation to prove citizenship and relationship, documentation to prove identification of parents, photographs, parental consent and appropriate fees.

When you are ready to apply for an infant’s passport, get everything together and make an appointment if necessary at the passport office. Complete the application, but don’t sign it until asked to by the agent. You must appear in person and show a valid social security number for the child.

You must prove that the child is a citizen of the United States and that you are the parent. Documentation for these requirements is a certified birth certificate, previous passport, citizenship certificate or naturalization for the child. To prove parental rights you can offer a birth certificate with both parents’ names, a court order establishing guardianship or custody or an adoption decree. A foreign birth certificate with both parents’ names or a report of birth abroad with both parents’ names is also acceptable.

Both parents must be able to provide acceptable identification from a list of allowable documents or identification form. Identification documents for the parents could include a military ID card, a driver’s license or a passport. Other ID might be another type of government identification document.

This documentation has specific rules for the presentation of documentary information for the parents. Both parents must provide documentation and there are rules about paper sizes and colors. The size of the image must be at least actual size of the document or card. It can’t be smaller than actual size. If there are two sides to the ID card, both sides must be copied and sent along with the application form.

Generally, both parents must provide consent. This can be done many different ways. Probably the simplest is for both parents to appear at the time of application and sign the consent. If that is not possible, or if there are custody issues, there are other ways to provide parental consent. You should do the needed research to find the necessary regulations and stipulations.

The appropriate fee must also be provided. Credit cards, checks and money orders are accepted. There are different fees for expedited service and/or overnight delivery. You will want to know all the applicable fees before purchasing a money order. The fees can vary considerably. There are additional fees for recommended services. You will want to do some research before you get ready to pay for your passports.

You will need to provide a picture for a passport for infants or children. It must be two inches by two inches. The photos must be in color. You will need two identical pictures to send in with your passport application. The photos must have been taken within the last six months. They must have a white or off-white background with a front view of the full face.

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