Expedited Passports

If your child’s passport is expired, you should be aware that the procedures for passport renewal are different for children than they are for adults.  In many cases, adults have the option to renew their passports by mail. That is not the case for children.

Children who need passport renewal services must apply for a new passport again in person.  If your child is under 16 and needs to renew his or her passport, here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Fill out  Passport Application Form DS-11 at a Passport Acceptance Facility.
• Bring proof of citizenship for the child.
• Bring evidence of your relationship to the child. This could include: birth certificate with both parents’ names, a Report of Birth Abroad with both parents’ names, adoption decree with both parents’ names, or a court order establishing custody or guardianship.
• Proof of identity for both parents.
• Both parents must appear in person to provide consent for the child’s passport to be renewed.
• If both parents cannot be present, you’ll need one of the following documents: A notarized statement of consent from the absent parent, or evidence that the parent who brought the child in has sole custody (see Passport Services for Children for a list of what the US Passport Agency will accept).
• If neither parent can bring the child, a third party can bring the child in to apply for passport renewal with a notarized statement of consent from both parents or a notarized statement from one parent with evidence that the parent has sole custody of the child.
• When you bring your child in to apply, you will need two acceptable passport photos, the $60.00 application fee, the $25.00 execution fee and a $60.00 expedite fee if you need expedited service.

If Your Child is 16-17

• He or she still needs to appear in person to apply for a passport renewal and fill out form DS-11.
• Bring proof of citizenship for the child.
• If the child does not have his or her own proof of identity, the parent’s proof of  identity can be used instead.
• Only one parent has to accompany the child.
• Bring 2 passport photos, the application fee of $75.00, the execution fee of $25.00 and an additional $60.00 fee if expedited service is required.

If you need to get your child’s passport renewed quickly, a private passport expediting company offers a convenient option for faster service.  When you renew your child’s passport with an expediting company, his or her passport application can be processed in as little as 24 hours.  Renew your child’s passport with RushMyPassport.com today!

If you’re traveling overseas with your family, the following information on passport services for children will help you secure the documents you need to take your kids on an international adventure.

If I’m traveling outside the US, does my child need a passport?

In most cases, yes. Even infants need a passport to travel outside of the country. The only exception is for children under the age of 16 traveling by land or sea between countries covered by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and most Caribbean nations). Here, children under 16 traveling can use a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship to re-enter the US through a port or a land border crossing.  However, if you’re traveling internationally by plane, your child needs a passport even if you’re only going to Mexico or Canada. (more…)