How long are children's passports good for?

Documents required to get passport for children

• Fill out the DS-11 form.
• Child evidence of U.S citizenship(like the birth certificate of the child issued by the local authorities).
• Photo of the child

  Photo tips :

  • Submit 1 clear photo taken in the last 6 months.
  • Don't use any filters on the photo . Submit a clear image of your face.
  • No selfies Have someone else take the photo.
  • Use a white or off-white background without any shadows or textures.
• Proof of both parent's relationship with the child.
• Parental consent

How to Get a Child Passport with One Parent Absent

Applying for a child's passport when one parent is absent can seem challenging but is necessary in situations where the child needs to travel internationally and one parent or legal guardian is unavailable to give consent. This scenario arises due to a variety of circumstances such as custody arrangements, or simply being geographically distant. Regardless of the reason, it's important to understand the specific requirements and steps involved to successfully obtain a child's passport under these conditions.

It's important to ensure that all necessary documentation are prepared and submitted correctly. This includes establishing the child's U.S. citizenship, proving the parental relationship, and learning about the special provisions that apply to obtaining a passport with only one parent's involvement.

When applying for a child's passport, the process varies based on the child's age and family circumstances. We'll guide you through understanding the necessity of parental presence during the application and the specific cases for minors who are 16 and older.

Do both parents need to be present for child passport

For children under 16, both parents or legal guardians are typically required to be present when applying for a passport. This requirement is put in place to ensure the consent of both parents is given. However, there are some scenarios where one parent can complete the process alone, such as:

• Parental Consent: A sole parent can apply with a notarized statement of consent (Form DS-3053) from the absent parent.
• Sole Legal Authority: If one parent has sole legal custody, proof such as a court order must be presented.

If you're facing a situation where one parent is absent, it's important to prepare the necessary documentation to support your child’s passport application.

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Documents required for child passport when one parent is absent

When applying for a child's passport with one parent absent, it is crucial to gather the correct forms and documentation.

Required Forms and Documents:

• Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: This could include a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Naturalization Certificate.
• Evidence of Parental Relationship: This may include the child's birth certificate listing both parents, an adoption decree, or a court order establishing custody.
• Parental ID: The applying parent's valid identification, such as a driver's license.
• Passport Photo: A photo of the child that meets the U.S. passport photo requirements.
• Statement of Special Circumstances: In the event of an absent parent, Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) or a detailed custody agreement may be necessary.

Passport renewal for children

Unfortunately, children’s passports cannot be renewed once the 5 years of the passport is over. You have to apply for a new passport.

But if your age was 16 or more when the passport was issued then the passport validity will be 10 years and you can even renew it. But if you were under 16 when the passport was issued then the validity will only be 5 years and once it's expired you have to submit an application in person for a new passport .