Because of incidents where children were abducted by a parent and taken overseas, the laws regarding obtaining a children’s passports are quite strict. The law reads that “an adult acting on a child’s behalf, comply with all applicable requirements”. While an adult’s passport is good for ten years, a minor’s passport is only valid for five years. A child (minor) is defined as an unmarried person under the age of eighteen.

No passport will be issued for a child unless they appear in person when the application is made. Their parents or an authorized representative must accompany them. The application can only be made to an acceptance agent who is located in a post office, county or municipal clerk’s office. All children must have a passport, regardless of age.

There have been many cases of children being born to United States citizens when they were abroad. The newborn must have a passport to stay in that country with the parents and to get back into this country when they return. As soon as possible after the child’s birth, the parent(s) and child must go to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate and apply for a passport. The parents must have proof that they are citizens of the United States and the Embassy or Consulate will process the paperwork.

The two-parent consent law was passed in 2001 to protect children from being abducted and taken out of the country. Under the Two Parent Consent Law, both parents or guardians must be present to put in an application for a passport for their minor child. Proof of personal identification is strictly enforced. Under certain circumstances, there are some exceptions.

If one parent is applying, they have to present applicable evidence to show that they have legal rights to apply for the passport on the part of the child. There are a number of exceptions to the law that can be applied. At the time of application, the child’s birth certificate must be shown, as well as photo identification of the parent.

Minors under the age of 16 and 17 must also appear in person, accompanied by their parent or parents. If only one parent presents the application and it does not have the signatures of both parents, then written consent of the other parent must be provided. Grandparents may not sign unless they have guardianship papers.

The law is quite specific when there is a custody problem with children. A state court has the authority to take and hold a child’s passport if there is a threat that they might be removed from the country. In addition, a parent may request an Alert Program to inform them if any application is made for a passport for the child.

The acceptance agents require certain documents to be presented at the time of the infants passport application is made. They include the child’s original or certified birth certificate or naturalization papers, the parents’ identification, two pictures taken by the passports photographer and proof of the parents or legal guardian’s relationship.