Passport applicants who are 16-17 years old are still considered minors. Because of this, they need to submit special requirements on top of the regular documents needed to apply for a US passport. Now if you fall under this category, find out how to get a passport in this article. Don’t worry, because we’ll keep it as clear, simple, yet detailed as possible.

First, let’s talk about the special requirements that 16-17-year-old passport applicants need to submit. These special requirements are those that establish the identity of your parents or guardians. For this reason, they are required to submit their ID, a photocopy of the ID, and a written parental consent.

Once you’ve met these requirements, you’ll now have to deal with the routine requirements for passport applications. If it’s your first time to apply for a passport, you will have to use the Form DS-11. This is the form used by first-time applicants, as well as those who were issued their last passport when they were under 16, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago.

Applicants filling the DS-11 are required to submit this document along with the other requirements in person. You should take note that even if you have already completed this form, you must not sign it yet. You should wait for the instruction to do so once you are already at the passport office.

You will also be required to submit a proof of your citizenship. You may use any of the following documents to prove your citizenship: your last passport, your certified birth certificate, a consular report on your birth if you were born abroad, a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship. After your passport has been processed, the document you submitted will be returned to you.

Aside from your citizenship, you will also need to establish your identity. Here’s how to do it. First, create a photocopy of your ID and submit it to the passport office along with the requirements. You must also bring the original ID with you when you finally submit all your passport application requirements. Take note that there are very specific guidelines to having your ID photocopied, from the paper used to what should be on the paper, so make sure you follow them to the letter.

Two passport photos are also needed for your application. Make sure they are color photos, and that they follow all the specifications set by the passport office. Once you have all these requirements ready, you will be asked to pay the applicable fee for your application.

There you have it, all the basic things you need to know about how to get a how to apply for a passport if you’re 16-17 years old. These us passport guidelines are up to date and very specific, so make sure you understand them and follow them to the letter. You’ll save yourself time if you have everything ready before submitting the application.