Travel Tips

Minors applying for a passport for the first time have special requirements they need to fulfill in order to have their children’s passport application approved. These special requirements are fulfilled on top of the basic ones that all passport applicants need to meet. Minors who are 16-17 years old have a slightly different set of special requirements from those under 16. We’ll be dealing with the requirements of the former group, and provide you with a guide to applying for a passport for the first time.

Let’s first talk about the basic requirements. It should be said that these are the same requirements fulfilled even by adults applying for a passport for the first time. So, if you’re ready, then let’s proceed to the basic requirements.

You need to fill in the Form DS-11 if you are applying for a passport for the first time. This is the same form filled in by applicants whose latest passport was issued when they were under 16, or when their last passport was issued more than 15 years ago. Take note too that this is the type of form you will need to submit in person, unlike other forms that you can simply send through the mail. So to save time, ensure that you have fulfilled every requirement down to the letter before submitting them.

Next, you also need to submit a proof of your citizenship. There are certain documents you can submit to do this. These documents are: your birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. Meanwhile, those who were born outside the US can present the consular report on their birth.

Establishment of your identity is also a requirement. For this, you need to present an ID card at the time of your application. You also have to have a photocopy of that ID, as well as two recent passport photos. Keep in mind that there are very specific requirements for the photocopy and two photos, so make sure you know what they are before proceeding with this step. And when you have fulfilled all these requirements, you can then pay the applicable fees for your application.

Now we move onto the special requirements for applicants ages 16-17. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you need to make a personal appearance at the passport office. You will need to do this when submitting all the requirements for your passport.

Parental consent also needs to be established, unless it was already implied in your application. And in case you cannot present an ID of your own, then you can submit that of your parent. Along with that, of course, is the photocopy of that same ID.

That’s everything you need to know about passport applications for kids if you are 16-17 years old. The guidelines are pretty easy and straightforward to follow so you can easily get a passport by yourself. However, should you need assistance, you can always ask your parents about it.

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