An Infant American Passport Keeps Going A Family Affair

All United States citizens require a legal passport to travel internationally. Children, from newborn to age 16, must apply for a minor or infant passport in person, accompanied by both parents. Submission of the application mandates completion of applicable forms in addition to all stipulated documentation prior to arrival at designated acceptance facilities.

Form DS-11

Form DS-11 is the application submittal applicable to all minors. This form requires identification information and future travel plans. The U. S. Department of State website allows parents to fill out Form DS-11 electronically and print a copy for submission on infants. This form can be acquired at any acceptance facility. Handwritten submissions require legibility in black ink. The applicant’s signature will be witnessed by a facility agent or, in the case of an infant, the agent will instruct guardian signage. You might need a passport renewal, so pick up a passport renewal application.

Proof Of Citizenship

Minor’s proof of U. S. Citizenship must be submitted with Form DS-11. A certified birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or official report of birth outside the U. S. satisfies the citizenship requirement. Keep a copy for your records in the event this document is accidentally damaged or lost. This document will be returned to you with the new legal travel document via U.S. mail.

Proof Of Legal Guardianship

The law requires that children traveling outside the states be with the parents or legal guardianship. Evidence of relationship requires either the birth certificate or valid report of birth abroad that shows the names of both parties. Adoptions require presentation of the legal decree. Guardianship requires either an adoption decree or the court order awarding custody. If one of the parents cannot be present for the submission application, that parent is required to submit a notarized Form DS-3053 Statement of Consent. All documentation is returned to the applicants by U. S. Mail.

Other Documents

With the submission of an application for a minor, guardianship must be proven with proper identification of the parents or legal custodians. This is accomplished with a valid passport, driver’s license, social security card or military ID. See the U. S. Department of State for all acceptable forms of ID,which must be photocopied on both sides on standard, 8-1/2 x 11″ white paper.

Photograph

Photographs are a requirement with each application. These two, identical, headshots of the minor child must be recent (no more than 6-months prior) and measure a size of 2″ square per Department of State stipulations. Document-compliant photographs are available at many drugstores, camera shops and local AAA offices. Call ahead to insure the availability of suitable photography equipment for acquiring newborn, legally acceptable photos.

Fees

Fees apply for application and execution. The applicable cost depends upon the necessity of either a passport card or book. Currently, the total fee for acquiring a minor’s book is $85. The acquisition of a book is necessary for all international air travel. The cost for a minor’s card is $35, which is a wallet-sized option limited to land and sea travel only to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

A passport puts the whole world in your hands. Allow a minimum of two-weeks to receive the legal document. An infant pasport has an expiration date of 5-years. Traveling together as a family makes memories that last a lifetime. Check and see if you need a U.S. online passport renewal application as well.