Requirements In The Child Passport Application Process

by garrett on September 13, 2011

Both children and adults are in need of valid passports. The process for a child US passport application, however, is stricter than the one on behalf of adults. This is because of the recent attempts to combat the greater than before incidences of children being abducted and trafficked. For this reason, new requirements are being demanded of parents. An early start to the process, and careful following of instructions, are highly recommended for compliance.

What You Need To Know

Notably, minors feature prominently in the process for acquiring the passports. Minors are required to apply personally alongside parents or guardians. Passport renewals for minors can be facilitated only with the use of a specified form. Even though it is possible to complete the form ahead of time,signing should not be done until so advised by an agent in authority.

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 having sole custody of minors should also appear physically and sign the required form, as in the case of two parents, before the authorized agent. Furthermore, single parents must show that they have sole authorization to apply. Such evidence must be presented with one of some other documents that have been requested.

Required Documents

The documents required may include birth certificates on behalf of minors as well as court orders permitting sole custody or travel with minors. Also required may be sole parents adoption decrees, judicial declarations or certificates of death on behalf of parents who are not applying. Without those documents, it is necessary to sign a special form designed to explain the reason for the missing consent.

Third Parties

Third parties also have permission to apply for minors. These third parties, though, have to deliver either written affidavits or statements, duly notarized,supplied by guardians or parents who are authorizing the process. Where single parents or guardians present the statements or affidavits, the third parties are required to submit proof of sole custodianship of the minors, on behalf of the authorizing parents.

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.

Numerous requirements are necessary for the fulfillment of the child passport application process. Minors, interestingly, must make applications with personal appearances. Parents must appear with the children and prove that they are authorized and able to consent to the process.

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