Family Issues

Minors applying for a passport for the first time have special requirements they need to fulfill in order to have their children’s passport application approved. These special requirements are fulfilled on top of the basic ones that all passport applicants need to meet. Minors who are 16-17 years old have a slightly different set of special requirements from those under 16. We’ll be dealing with the requirements of the former group, and provide you with a guide to 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.

The Form DS-11 is the form that a first-time passport applicant needs to fill in. Also, it is the same passport filled in by applicants who were under 16 years old when their latest passport was issued, as well as those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago. It should be noted that unlike other passports that can be sent through the mail, this requires submission to the passport office in person. Thus, it’s important to be careful when filling in this form and accomplishing other requirements so as to save time.

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.

You also have to establish your identity. You can do this by presenting your ID when you submit your documents in person. Aside from that, you also need to photocopy that ID that you will be presenting. And finally, two passport photos are also required. The US Department of State has very specific guidelines for your passport photos and the photocopy of your ID. So, if you’re unsure of what the exact guidelines are, then you should take the time to confirm these with the passport office nearest you or the US Department of State’s website. Once you have fulfilled all those requirements, you can pay the applicable fees.

Now let’s move on to the special requirements. These requirements should be submitted along with the basic requirements that we talked about in the last several paragraphs. The first one of these requirements is that the applicant should appear in person for the application. Once again, applying for a passport for the first time requires a personal appearance.

Aside from the personal appearance, the applicant should also establish parental consent. This is needed when it is not implied in the application of the minor. Then in case the applicant is unable to present his/her own ID, he should present that of his parent/guardian. An in place of the photocopy of the applicant’s ID, it should be that of the parent/guardian as well.

That’s everything you need to know about minor passport applications if you are 16-17 years old. The guidelines are pretty easy and straightforward to follow so you can easily get a new passport by yourself. However, should you need assistance, you can always ask your parents about it.