Tips To Be Prepared For A Passport For A Child Application}
By Advisor. Filed in Florida |
It used to be a trust issue for children to travel in the United States and abroad to a certain age level. However, now with increased security and issues of child welfare, all travelers of any age are required to have photo identification when traveling within the United States and also a passport if traveling outside of the country. Even to Canada and Mexico you’ll need a child passport, even for an infant.
It isn’t that difficult to get a child passport. You just need to be prepared ahead of time before you go in and apply for one. You’ll only need to renew a children’s passport each five years and the photo can be added every six months to update, as your child will change in their look as they grow.
Your children’s legal birth certificate will be needed. It needs to be the actual certificate with the seal and not a copy or the little card that you may have. They’ll submit it with the application so know this in advance. You’ll get it back but you might want more than one copy so you have one on hand while they keep it.
You the parent will need proof of your relationship with your child. This could be the birth certificate or adoption papers that have a court seal. Both parents don’t need to be present at the application process if there’s a notarized signature by the absent parent for the application. You can get these forms on the web and print one out. If you’re the only parent you need to prove that as well with a legal document such as divorce papers showing custody or a death certificate.
You’ll also need your child’s social security number for the DS-11 application that is submitted to the federal government. It is ideal to bring your child’s social security card with you just in case. They’ll not collect this piece of material.
You will also need identification for yourself as the parent. A passport, driver’s license or military identification is an example of the accepted forms of identification that is accepted. You can also look on the web at their official site for all of the accepted forms of proper identification.
You will need a pic of your child for the passport that’s turned in with the application. You can get this done at some sites with the application for an extra fee or bring it with you. Get a pro to do it, as there are specs you have to follow. You will need two copies.
You also need to be prepared for the cost of a minor passport. They are pricey and if you need to save up you’ll need to do so. They don’t take payments and with the child passport application you’ll have to pay the fee. Make sure you have all the documents you need and be prepared to wait. Some offices have long lines so be prepared to wait, as your child needs a USA Passport to travel.
