Tag: How to apply for your child’s passport

How to apply for your child’s passport

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

If you’re planning on traveling with a child under 16 years of age, there are a few extra steps you will need to take when applying for their passport. Here’s a short guide to help you navigate the application process.

1. Complete Form DS-11

The DS-11 is the form that you should complete on behalf of your child when applying for their passport. Bear in mind that any passport applicant, including a minor, needs to provide a social security number; however, if your child doesn’t have one yet, simply enter zeros in box number 5 on the form. Also, you shouldn’t sign your child’s passport application until instructed by the acceptance agent.

2. Show evidence of US citizenship

You need to submit a US citizenship document for your child, such as a certificate of citizenship, a US birth certificate, an expired passport or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. You must provide the true, original copy of the document rather than a photocopy or notarized copy.

3. Prove parental relationship

You will need to submit documentation that lists the child’s parents or legal guardians, such as a US birth certificate.

4. Show ID

The child’s parents or guardians need to present one form of ID to the acceptance agent, such as a fully valid, in-state driver’s license.

5. Photocopy the ID

The front and back of each type of ID presented to the acceptance agent must be photocopied.

6. Show parental consent

Both parents need to show that they consent to their child being issued with a passport, usually by appearing in person during the application process. If both parents cannot be present, evidence will need to be supplied demonstrating the reason why.

7. Take a child passport photo

Your child’s passport photo must be submitted with the application. Remember not to attach it to the form before submission.

8. Work out application costs

Calculate the application fees and execution fees, which are paid separately. Fees will differ according to whether you have applied for a passport book, card, or book and card for your child.

9. Submit the application

Once you have completed your child’s passport application and included all of the necessary evidence and documentation, you can submit it in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Photo: Passport by Tony Webster licensed under Creative commons 2

Why you might want a second passport

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

You may be surprised to learn that you could qualify for a second passport in addition to your American passport. More and more Americans are eligible for multiple passports because of their ethnic heritage, parents or grandparents, religion or spouse’s birthplace. Sure, to get another passport you will need to apply and get a new set of passport photos taken, but there are some reasons it could actually be a great idea to get another passport if you can.

You can more easily work in another country

Especially if one of your passports belongs to a European Union country, you will have a much easier time working abroad without restrictions.

You can hide where you’ve been

If you ever find yourself traveling to different countries that don’t have a good relationship with each other (i.e. Israel and Arab countries), you will probably be safer and in a better position if you don’t have to advertise that fact at customs.

You don’t want to be identified as an American right away

It’s no secret that many other countries have stereotypical views of American travelers, so not having to show your American passport on a plane can be a good way to get around those biases – or at least, let people give you a chance before you reveal your American citizenship.

You may be able to get cheaper visas or other discounts

For example, visas are cheaper for New Zealanders than Americans, while you may qualify for other travel-related discounts depending on the type of passport you have and where you’re going.

A second passport may be useful if your government is in conflict with another country

Especially if restrictions are placed on where citizens can travel, your second passport may get you out of a bind, or simply make it easier to visit countries that could otherwise be off-limits to you.

Ultimately, having a second passport can make the world more open to you, which is never a bad thing. Plus, you can easily check off the first step of your application by getting your passport pictures taken on our website.