Both children and adults are in need of valid passports. The process for a child passport application, however, is stricter than the one on behalf of adults. This is because of the recent attempts to combat the greater than before incidences of children being abducted and trafficked. For this reason, new requirements are being demanded of parents. An early start to the process, and careful following of instructions, are highly recommended for compliance.

What You Need To Know

It is interesting to note that minors are a great feature of the process. Minors need to make personal applications alongside their parents or guardians. The renewal process for acquiring passports for minors may only be initiated and facilitated with a specific form. Though the forms can be completed beforehand, it is advised that they should not be signed until an authorized agent requests that action.

Parental Consent

Parents need to show that they approve of their minors applying for passports. The documents accepted for consent are as varied as the family arrangements that exist. For instance, both parents in a family of two parents need to accompany the minor to sign a specific form before an authorizing agent. When only one can appear, the absent parent should send a notarized statement showing consent.

Single Parents

Single parents with sole custody of their minors should make a personal appearance and sign the same form required of two parents in the presence of the agent in charge. Additionally, the single parents are required to show that they have sole authorization for applying. The document showing authorization must accompany one of many others that are required.

Required Documents

The required documents may be a birth certificate for the minor or court orders giving sole custody or permitting travel with the minor. A sole parent adoption decree, judicial declaration or death certificate on behalf of the non-applying parent is also part of those requirements. If none of these documents is available, another special form explaining the absence of consent has to be signed.

Third Parties

Third parties may also apply for minors. The third parties, however, must present written statements or affidavits, which need to be notarized, from parents or guardians providing authorization. When a single parent or guardian supplies the statement or affidavit, third parties must show proof that that authorizing parent is the sole custodian of the minor.

Parent Documents

Parents also need to prove their citizenship, as well as their relationship with the minors for whom they are applying. Citizenship can be proved with either a certified or the original copy of their own birth certificates. A valid passport, a document reporting or certifying birth overseas as well as a certificate showing citizenship or naturalization may also be used to prove citizenship. Relationship can be proved with one of four birth certificates, an adoption decree or a specific court order, along with photo identification.

There are many requirements that are needed to fulfill the child pasport application process. It should be noted that minors are required to make personal appearances when applying for their passports. Parents must accompany the minors and verify their authority and ability to give consent for the process. Child United States online passport renewal is a slightly different process.