If you are a parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 16, you may need to apply for a passport for your child if they do not already have one. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a child passport:
- Gather the required documents: You will need to provide proof of your child’s citizenship, as well as proof of your relationship to the child. This may include a birth certificate, adoption decree, or other legal documents. You will also need to provide identification for yourself, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Fill out the application: You can either fill out the passport application online or print it out and fill it out by hand. Be sure to complete all the required fields and sign the application.
- Submit the application and documents: You can either mail the completed application and required documents to the passport office, or you can make an appointment to bring them in person to a passport acceptance facility. Some passport acceptance facilities may require you to make an appointment in advance.
- Pay the fees: There are fees associated with applying for a child passport, including an application fee and a fee for the passport itself. You can pay these fees by check or money order, or you can pay online using a credit card.
- Wait for the passport to arrive: It can take several weeks to process a child passport application, so be sure to allow plenty of time before your travel date. You will receive your child’s passport in the mail once it has been processed.
FAQs
- Can I apply for a child passport online? Yes, you can fill out the passport application online and then print it out to mail in with the required documents. You can also pay the fees online using a credit card.
- Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a child passport? It depends on where you are applying. Some passport acceptance facilities require you to make an appointment in advance, while others do not. It is a good idea to check with the facility where you will be submitting your application to see if an appointment is necessary.
- How long does it take to process a child passport application? It can take several weeks to process a child passport application. It is a good idea to allow plenty of time before your travel date to ensure that you receive the passport in time.
- Do I need to provide a photo of my child for the passport? Yes, you will need to provide a recent, passport-style photograph of your child. The photo must be 2×2 inches in size and taken within the past six months.
- Can I apply for a child passport if I am not the child’s legal guardian? In most cases, you must be the child’s parent or legal guardian in order to apply for a passport on their behalf. If you are not the legal guardian, you will need to provide a notarized letter from the legal guardian giving you permission to apply for the passport.
