Both children and adults are in need of valid passports. The process for a child passport application, however, is stricter than the one on behalf of adults. This is because of the recent attempts to combat the greater than before incidences of children being abducted and trafficked. For this reason, new requirements are being demanded of parents. An early start to the process, and careful following of instructions, are highly recommended for compliance.
What You Need To Know
It is interesting to note that minors are a great feature of the process. Minors need to make personal applications alongside their parents or guardians. The renewal process for acquiring passports for minors may only be initiated and facilitated with a specific form. Though the forms can be completed beforehand, it is advised that they should not be signed until an authorized agent requests that action.
Parental Consent
Parents are required to give parental consent on behalf of minors applying for passports. As there are different kinds of families, different consent documents are accepted in each arrangement. For example, if the minor belongs to a family with both parents, each parent must appear with the minor and sign a particular form in the presence of the authorizing agent. If only one parent is available to appear, a notarized statement revealing consent from the absent parent must be submitted.
Single Parents
Single parents having sole custody of minors should also appear physically and sign the required form, as in the case of two parents, before the authorized agent. Furthermore, single parents must show that they have sole authorization to apply. Such evidence must be presented with one of some other documents that have been requested.
Required Documents
Required documents include birth certificates for minors or court orders providing sole custody or giving permission for travelling with the minors. Also included are adoption decrees for sole parents and judicial declarations or death certificates for the parents not applying. In the absence of such documents, a particular form that explains why consent is not available must be signed.
Third Parties
Third parties may also apply for minors. The third parties, however, must present written statements or affidavits, which need to be notarized, from parents or guardians providing authorization. When a single parent or guardian supplies the statement or affidavit, third parties must show proof that that authorizing parent is the sole custodian of the minor.
Parent Documents
Parents also need to establish their citizenship and relationship to the minors for whom they are submitting applications. This establishment can be accomplished by furnishing birth certificates that are either originals or certified copies. In addition, passports that are valid, documents that are able to report or certify birth overseas and certificates evidencing naturalization or citizenship can be shown. Proof of relationship can be provided with any one of four different birth certificates, adoption decrees or specified court orders and photo identification.
The child passport application process has several requirements that need to be fulfilled. Notably, minors have to apply in person. Parents need to accompany them and show that they have authorization in the process. Child passports renewal is a slightly different process.