If you’re jetting off to an international destination with your toddler this summer, then you’re going to have to get him a passport. What’s more, it doesn’t matter if your child is two weeks old, two months old, or two years old, your little guy or gal will need to be present during the application process. Government officials warn that a passport will not be issued to parents who do not bring their children along to an official passport agency.
To help expedite the annoying (at times) task of obtaining a passport for your toddler, consider the following guidelines:
*Complete a passport application form prior to driving to an official passport agency. (You can download an application form at www.travel.state.gov.)
*Make sure you have two regulation passport photos of your child (2x2inches in size, color, taken in the past six months).
*Pack proof of your child’s citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate.
*Bring along proof of your relationship to the child. If you are the child’s parent and your name is on your child’s birth certificate, the certified birth certificate will suffice.
*Don’t forget to bring along proof of your identity such as a passport or a valid driver’s license.
*Make sure you have enough money to pay for the passport application fee ($82 for first-time passports for children under 16, $67 for renewals).
*Remember: Both parents must appear with the child at the time of application. If your spouse cannot make it in person he/she must provide a notarized statement of consent authorizing passport issuance for the child.
Note: If a third-party in is applying on behalf of a minor under the age of 14 he or she must submit a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents (or guardians) authorizing a third-party to apply for a passport. When the statement or affidavit is from only one parent/guardian, the third-party must present evidence of sole custody of the authorizing parent/guardian.
If your child is too young to sign his or her passport, you must print the child’s name on the passport and sign their name. In parentheses next to your signature indicate the relationship to the child.
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