Passport Information: Passports For Children

If you are applying for a passport for a minor under 16:

Both parents must appear at the Passport Acceptance Facility to sign the application for the minor OR If one parent is unable to appear, they can provide a signed and notarized Form DS-3053 Statement of Consent OR One parents appears, signs, and submits primary evidence of sole authority to apply (one of the following): - Child's certified U.S. or foreign birth certificate (with translation, if necessary) listing only applying parent, or - Court order granting sole custody to the applying parent (unless child's travel is restricted by that order), or - Adoption decree (if applying parents is sole adopting parent), or - Court order specifically permitting applying parent's, or - Judicial declaration of incompetence of non-applying parent, or - Death certificate of non-applying parent. Step 1: Complete and Submit Form DS-11 Passport Application For Children (Complete the Online Passport Form DS-11, then click CREATE FORM button) If for any reason you cannot complete the online Passport application, print the DS-11 Passport Handfill Application and fill out by hand. Note: please do not sign DS-11 passport application until you are instructed to during Acceptance process (step #9). Step 2: Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship You must submit one of the following documents: A certified United States birth certificate (not a copy) An expired United States passport Original naturalization papers (not a copy) Step 3: Proof of Identification Photocopy of parents driver's license, state ID, official government or military identification with a photograph with an issued date of more than six months. (Learners' Permits are not accepted) Step 4: Provide Two Passport Photographs Include two identical passport photos. These must meet the government requirements of being sized 2X2 with a white background, no glasses or head gear. Step 5: Complete & Submit Two Letters of Passport Authorization Parents Print & Complete Two original copies of the Passport Authorization Letter. This form allows us to act as an agent on your behalf. One original goes to the Acceptance Agent and one original goes on the outside of the sealed envelope. Step 6: Complete & Submit One Passport Service Order Form Print and complete the Passport Order Form. Step 7: Submit Proof of Travel Provide an International ticket, e-ticket, itinerary or hotel confirmation for those driving. If traveling on business and no itinerary is available, a letter, signed by someone at the company, on company letterhead, which indicates the dates, location, name of person traveling and purpose of travel will suffice. Step 8: Passport Processing Fees Government Fees: Make one check or money order to "US Department of State" for $140.00 (this is the government child passport processing fee). Expediting Service Fees : (Include a check or money order payable to U.S. Visa Connection or put your credit card information where requested on the Passport Order Form). Same day - 199.00 + return shipping 24-48 hours - $149.00 + return shipping 5-10 day - 99.00 + return shipping Step 9: Passport Acceptance Facility Bring all above original materials to a Passport Acceptance Facility (Post Office or county clerk) and notify the available passport agent that you will be using an expediting service to "hand carry" your passport application. You will then swear an oath and sign the passport application form in the presence of the representative who will witness your signature and place the following items  in an envelope: Proof of citizenship Passport Application Form DS-11 Two Passport Photos Check or Money Order for 140.00 made out to "US Dept of State" 2 Copies of Passport Authorization Letter (one copy in sealed envelope, one stapled to the outside) Proof of Travel Copy of Parents Identification Note: A $25.00 fee will be charged by the Acceptance Agent for sealing your package. This will be paid at the time you get your package executed. The only thing you will not give the Acceptance Agent is your Passport order form. Be sure that you have additional copies of all documents and one original Letter of Release and Authorization to attach to the outside of your envelope. Step 10: Shipping Your Passport Documents Send the requested items to: U.S. Visa Connection 527 Province Place Katy, TX 77450 877-VISADOC / info@usvisaconnection.com (Note: For Same Day or 24 hour service, to ensure fastest possible service, it is highly advised to contact us by phone or email and provide tracking information for your package). Checklist: Sealed Government Envelope Order Form