The United States Department of State has strict rules governing the process of renewing a passport for a child. All minors who are under 16 years old must do so in person. Some requirements are special ones that apply only to children.
Travel
Travel documentation for minors is mandatory when they will leave the United States by air. Each child must have his or her own identification. Traveling into the United States is a bit easier, as formal birth certificates are accepted in some cases. Visas may also be necessary. Generally speaking, the renewal process is best started long before travel begins. In most cases, starting 6 months ahead is a good idea.
Application
Children must be seen in person with their parents or guardians in order to renew and obtain passports. Paperwork that is required include a completed Form DS-11: Application for a U. S. Passport, but it cannot be filled out in advance. It must be completed and signed in the presence of a designated Acceptance Agent. Parents must supply their Social Security numbers, as well as those of their children who are traveling. To avoid having a renewal denied, contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs for information when you begin your travel preparations. There are different application forms for lost U.S. online passport.
Application Facility
This mandatory form must be submitted by the parents and child together and in person. Finding the correct office to apply is easy. Simply visit any local post office and ask about designated application facilities nearby. The Department of State empowers many local government offices to deal with applications on its behalf. Other ways to access this information include public libraries or clerks of court. These entities all respond to the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
DS-82
If you find yourself in the situation where you must travel in less than 14 days, the best solution is to go to a regional agency if you are in the country. Once abroad, you must find the United States Consulate or Embassy that is nearest to you. The requirements to appear in person still apply. An Expedite Fee will be included, but there is no fee for the appointment. A paper copy of your travel itinerary is required. You will need to submit Form DS-82 as well.
Pictures
You should take care to bring one photo for each applicant. There are rules concerning the photo. It must be in color and be two inches by two inches. Because children change quickly as they grow, current pictures are mandatory. It is a good idea to have a professional take the picture. Those experienced with these photos know the legal requirements.
Security
Parental child abduction has become an international issue. The United States has created a Passport Issuance Alert Program for children as a tool to help prevent abductions. For parents with children under the age of 18, it is possible to register with the agency so that an alert may be provided to either parent when international travel is planned. The legal, psychological and emotional problems that are caused when abduction occurs can be significant.