Passport Application for Minors
If you have a minor child who needs a passport, there are a few things you need to know.
- First, all minors must have their passport. You cannot include your child on your passport.
- Second, you will need to provide proof of your child’s citizenship. It could be a consular report of birth abroad, naturalization certificate or birth certificate.
- Third, you will need to provide a photocopy of your child’s proof of citizenship and a passport photo.
- Fourth, you must fill out and sign a passport application form.
- Fifth, you will need to pay the passport application fee.
- Sixth, you will need to provide proof of your child’s identity. This can be in the form of a driver’s license, state ID, or school ID.
- Seventh, you will need to have your child’s passport application witnessed by two adults.
- Eighth, you will need to mail in the completed passport application and all the required documentation and fees.
Passport Validity for Minors
A child passport validates 5 years but can be extended to 10 years. The applicant needs a photocopy of their birth certificate, parents’ passports, and a parental signature. If the parents do not have passports, the applicant must provide an apostille for their parental signature.
Passports are valid for a specified period, depending on the country issuing them. The validity of a passport is determined by the age and citizenship of the bearer.
A minor may use their own or another person’s passport to travel internationally if they are accompanied by their parents or legal guardian outside their home country.
A minor travelling alone must have parental consent and documentation by either parent (or legal guardian) that states they agree to the child travelling internationally without them.
Documents Required for Minor’s Passport
- Present address documentation for proof in the name of the minor applicant’s parent or parents must be submitted.
- Date of birth proof is also required.
- If the minor’s parents have a passport, it is advisable to bring both the self-attested and original copies to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Parents of minor candidates can authenticate documentation.
- Up until the age of 18, the minor candidate is eligible for non-ECR.
These documents are also required for passport renewal for minors. Passports for minors expiring in less than 6 months should be renewed as soon as possible. Children with passports expiring in more than 6 months should renew their passports by their expiration date. The process for children is the same as for adults, with a few additional requirements:
*minors require both parents’ consent
*minors need parental accompaniment on their first renewal at age 16 or younger (children over 14 may apply on their own)
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