How To Apply For A Passport For Kids

How To Apply For A Passport For Kids

Needing tips on how to apply for a passport for kids? Check out the entire process and how you can get the passport process started.

If you are planning a trip sometime this year, then you may have started to consider getting a passport for your child. Just because you’re not planning on traveling outside of the country anytime soon, doesn’t mean that it’s not worth it to look into getting a passport for your child.

As of October, you will need to have a Real ID to fly in between certain states domestically, not to mention you may need it down the road for a trip. If you are looking for some helpful advice, here is how to apply for a passport for your child.

How To Get A Passport For Your Child

Gather the required documents

There are two different ways you can complete the application form for your child’s passport. If they are under the age of 16, you will need to do this form them. You can complete the form online or offline, but you will need to complete a Form DS-11. It will ask you personal information, including things like emergency contact and travel plans so, have that information ready.

You will also need to have a number of required documents with you when you submit the application. These include:

  • Proof of citizenship
  • Parents’ proof of their relationship to the child
  • Photo ID of the child
  • Photocopy of identification documents
  • Passport photo

If a parent or guardian is unable to appear or you have a minor with special circumstances, you can go to the US Passport Service Guide website to get more information.

Know the timeframe required to both apply and get your passport

The application process is not easy to get a passport. This will require a commitment of both your time and money. Make sure that you consider this when applying for a passport. There are several third party services you can use to expedite the process in case you need a last-minute passport, but these will charge you a number of expensive fees to get it to you in time. If you need a passport, assume that it will take 3-6 months before you’ll receive it to be on the safe side.

Additional advice

If you are getting a passport for your child, here are some additional tips that can help you out in a pinch.

  • Make sure that you don’t sign the DS-11 form until you are instructed to do so by your passport agent.
  • For most of the documents required, a photocopy will not be accepted. If a photocopy is acceptable, it will state on the form or website.
  • If both parents can be present, bring them both. This is going to make the process go a lot faster.

Depending on how old your child is, you may need to do this process for them. However, if you are getting a passport for a teenager, the steps are a little different. Remember that you need to renew their passports frequently, and it will be on a different time schedule than your own. Hopefully, these tips will help walk you through the steps so you can sign up for a passport for your child.

Like these passport tips? Read more travel tips here!

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