New Passport (Minors under 16)
Requirements for applying for a NEW U.S. Passport (for minors under 16):
- You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time
- You are a minor under the age of 16
Step 1 – Gather required documents.
Gather and take the documents listed below to an “Acceptance Agent” at a U.S. Passport Agency. Click here to find the closest Post Office or courthouse that acts as a Passport Agency.
You must appear in person, and both parents or legal guardian must appear in person with the child. You should tell the “Acceptance Agent” that you are using an Expediting service, who will hand carry your expedited package to the Passport Agency. After they authenticate your documents, they will put ALL items in a sealed envelope. This envelope CANNOT be opened! Make sure the “Acceptance Agent” gives you the sealed envelope once he/she completes your transaction.
1. Proof of Citizenship. To prove your child’s citizenship, you must have an original or certified copy of his/her birth certificate, or naturalization papers. If you are unable to obtain your child’s birth certificate, you may obtain a certified copy from the state that he/she was born, or you can go to vitalchek.com to obtain information about ordering a certified copy of their birth certificate.
2. Proof of Identity. Each parent or legal guardian must appear with the child, in person to submit the required documents and application for a U.S. passport. Both parents are required to show a valid state-issued Driver’s License with photo, or a state-issued ID that was issued more than six (6) months ago. Military ID or Official government ID are also acceptable forms of identity.The “Acceptance Agent” will witness the signature of both parents, or legal guardian, and the child. Your name must appear on the child’s birth certificate. If you are the child’s legal guardian, make sure you have the required, notarized court ordered, original documentation that grants you permission to act on his/her behalf. If only one parent can appear before the “Acceptance Agent” then the absent parent must submit a written, signed and notarized Statement of Consent DS-3053. This signed, notarized statement gives authorization (from the absent parent) that the child be issued a passport. This authorization is strictly enforced for the protection of children. Please call us if you have a unique situation that you need direction with.
3. State Department Application. The U.S. Passport Agnecy now requires all applications for a U.S. Passport to be typed for submission. This provides the ability for a 2D-barcode to be printed on the form, which allows the State Department to scan your information into their database, thus making processing your application faster. Once you have entered your information onto the application through the State Department’s website, click “Creae Form”, which will prepare your application for printing. Print two (2) copies of this application. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN, you will need to sign in front of the “Acceptance Agent”! Please click here to access the DS-11 online application.
4. Two (2) Passport Photos. Two (2) identical passport-size (2″x2″) photos. Requirements for photos:
*Pale or white background. *Full face, front view. *The photos must be identical and taken in the last 6 months. *Do not wear a hat unless for religious reasons (if so, please include an explanation). *Wear normal day-to-day attire. Do not wear uniforms. *If you normally wear a wig, hearing aid, or prescription glasses, wear them for the photo.*Photo studios and pharmacies are well prepared to do passport photos for you. Its much more effective to get good passsport photos from a pharmacy, photo studio or post office rather than try to do it yourself.
5. Proof of Departure. Print out a copy of your travel itinerary showing when you will be departing the U.S. for international travel. A copy of your airline ticket is also acceptable.
Step 2 – Order Form, Authorization Form, Shipping and Service.
1. Washington Express Visas Passport Order Form. Please click here to fill out a Washington Express Visas Passport Request Form.
2. Washington Express Visas Passport Authorization Form. Please click hereto fill out. This form gives Washington Express Visas permission to submit your hand-carried sealed expedited envelope to the Washington, DC Passport Agency on your behalf. The State Department requires that it be an original signature, in blue ink, or it may be rejected. Xerox copies or faxed signatures will be rejected.
3. Shipment. Please send the sealed envelope from the “Acceptance Agent”, the Washington Express Visas Authorization Form, and the Washington Express Visas Passport Order Form to our office at the address below via Fed/Ex or UPS so you can track your documents:
4. Service. Please call us at (202) 393-3030 and indicate whether you require Same-Day Expedite Service ($200) or 3-Day Expedite Service ($150). The State Department fee to issue a new passport to minors under 16 years of age is $170.
Our passport processing specialists are experts in the field, and are able to accomplish the entire process in days, instead of the weeks or months it would normally take. (202) 393-3030.
