How Children's Passport Applications Work for Minors 16-17

Special Requirements

If you’re a minor applying for a passport for the first time, you will need to fulfill some special requirements for application for children’s passports. These are requirements you need on top of the basic requirements. And in minors, there’s a slight difference between the special requirements of those under 16 and those who are 16-17. In this article, we’ll be dealing with the passport requirements of those 16-17 years old, plus the steps in 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.

Form DS-11
The first of these basic requirements is the Form DS-11. This is the form that you need to fill in if you are applying for a passport for the first time. Also, this is the form filled in by passport applicants who were under 16 when their last passport was issued, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago. The DS-11 is also a form you need to submit in person. It is therefore important you make sure you have fulfilled all the requirements before proceeding so as to save time.

Proof Of Citizenship
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.

Proof Of Identity
Then there are also the other requirements to establish the applicant’s identity. These are the ID card to be presented at the time of the application, the photocopy of the ID card, and two recent passport photos. It should be noted that there are very specific guidelines when it comes to the photocopy and the passport photos, so if you’re unsure of what to do, inquire at your local passport office first. Once all these requirements have been accomplished, the applicable fees may then be paid.

From there, we move to the special requirements. First of these special requirements is that the applicant should appear in person for the application. This step is required of all those applying for a passport for the first time.

Parental Consent
There’s also the requirement to establish parental consent. Parental consent is needed if it wasn’t implied in the application. While the minor is required to submit an ID, he/she can present that of his/her parent. At the same time, a photocopy of that ID is also required.

All in all, that’s what you need for child us passport applications if you’re 16-17 years old. Most of the new passport requirements are the basic ones, plus a few special requirements that you actually just need in case you don’t have an ID of your own, and the parental consent was not implied. These steps are easy and straightforward, so you’ll have no problems following them.