Passport Renewal For Minors Under 16
Obtaining a passport for a minor can be an extremely tough task for any parent. With new laws to prevent child abduction and trafficking, passport renewal by mail is simply not an option. Parents should begin the application process early since it can take up to six weeks, three if the parent wishes to obtain the document sooner.
United States law requires both parents and the minor to be present at the proper agency when applying. A DS-11 form must be completed and signed in the presence of an agent. Parents should be prepared to have proof of citizenship of the child. Proof can be in a form of a United States birth certificate if the child was born in the United States. If the child was born in a foreign country then parents must provide a certificate of birth abroad along with a certificate of US citizenship or naturalization.
Proof of parental relationship to the minor must be submitted with the application. The agents will like to see proof of identity, preferably identification that was issued in the United States. If the name of the parent does not appear on the birth certificate then either proof of custody or adoption needs to be presented.
The application process is extremely difficult for children in different and/or multiple familial situations. Single parents that do not have sole custody of children must have the non-applying parent submit a notarized letter of consent. In situations where the other parent has died or is incompetent, a death certificate or a court order declaring the other parent incompetent must be presented.
A letter of notarized consent will not be asked for if only one name appears on the child's birth certificate. The agent will assume that the father is unknown and any information unattainable. Consents may not be needed during the wait of custodial arrangements. In those situations the parent must ask the court to allow the renewal. If the court will not allow it then the parent must wait until the court grants him/her custody of the minor.
Parents of children in special circumstances will endure a very difficult process. The government understand that there are cases where one parent disappears or suddenly decides to no longer acknowledge a child. There is very little that can be done in these situations. Agent will only allow the renewal if the missing parent had been deported and proof of deportation is obtained.
Minors that have been emancipated from their parents can apply for passport renewal without any consent. The emancipated minor can apply as an adult but will have to provide proof of emancipation at the time of applying. This is the only time that a minor can apply for the renewal on their own, however cases of this nature are very rare.
United States law requires both parents and the minor to be present at the proper agency when applying. A DS-11 form must be completed and signed in the presence of an agent. Parents should be prepared to have proof of citizenship of the child. Proof can be in a form of a United States birth certificate if the child was born in the United States. If the child was born in a foreign country then parents must provide a certificate of birth abroad along with a certificate of US citizenship or naturalization.
Proof of parental relationship to the minor must be submitted with the application. The agents will like to see proof of identity, preferably identification that was issued in the United States. If the name of the parent does not appear on the birth certificate then either proof of custody or adoption needs to be presented.
The application process is extremely difficult for children in different and/or multiple familial situations. Single parents that do not have sole custody of children must have the non-applying parent submit a notarized letter of consent. In situations where the other parent has died or is incompetent, a death certificate or a court order declaring the other parent incompetent must be presented.
A letter of notarized consent will not be asked for if only one name appears on the child's birth certificate. The agent will assume that the father is unknown and any information unattainable. Consents may not be needed during the wait of custodial arrangements. In those situations the parent must ask the court to allow the renewal. If the court will not allow it then the parent must wait until the court grants him/her custody of the minor.
Parents of children in special circumstances will endure a very difficult process. The government understand that there are cases where one parent disappears or suddenly decides to no longer acknowledge a child. There is very little that can be done in these situations. Agent will only allow the renewal if the missing parent had been deported and proof of deportation is obtained.
Minors that have been emancipated from their parents can apply for passport renewal without any consent. The emancipated minor can apply as an adult but will have to provide proof of emancipation at the time of applying. This is the only time that a minor can apply for the renewal on their own, however cases of this nature are very rare.
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