Sep 4 2010
Kids Passports: Their Key To The World
International travel is a great way to show your kids the world first-hand. However, just like an adult, your child will need a passport. There are some topics about passport for minors that receive many questions, and by knowing a little bit about these concepts, you can feel confident when you travel around the world with your children in tow.
Everyone from infants to seniors require a passport, and even the youngest child is no exception. For children under the age of 16, a passport is only valid for five years. However, once you get past this age, it becomes valid for ten years. Damaged passports need to be renewed as well. If you simply need more pages in your passport, a passport agency can add more without having to completely replace your passport.
In February of 2008, the rules regarding childrens passports were tweaked a little. Since this law came into effect, both legal guardians or parents of the minor have to give consent in order to apply for a passport. When applying for a child between 16 and 18, this consent is not technically required, but it may be requested in special cases. If the child is under the age of 18, he or she will need to be present in person in front of the acceptance agent, or the AA. Both parents will also need to present valid forms of ID.
You will need proof of US citizen ship if you need U S passport for your minor. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can either use an undamaged, previously-issued passport, a certified birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship, a naturalization certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth. Next, you will be required to prove your relationship to the child. In order to do this, you will need a certified birth certificate featuring both parents names, a court order directing guardianship or custody, or an adoption decree. This birth certificate can be of a foreign country, you will just need another form of identification. After this, the parents or guardians will then have to prove their own identity. This requirement can be met with valid drivers licenses, previously issued passports, government IDs, military IDs, or naturalization certificates. Photocopies will then be made, and the process concluded with the consent of both parents, payment for the passports, and submission of passport photos.
Sometimes, babies are born overseas. If you and your spouse are United States citizens and your child is born outside of the United States, you will need to contact the native United States embassy or consulate in order to report the birth. A document granting valid American citizenship, the Consular Report of Birth of a Citizen of the United States of America, will be issued.
With great new advances in internet travel services, you are now able to apply for and replace passports all online. These services make preparing for trips remarkably easy, meaning trips that include your children isnt quite as much of a hassle. Tons of great opportunities and ways to bond with your children become available, and these trips will not soon be forgotten. Just knowing how to obtain a babies passport makes preparing for trips that much easier. And with all the great destinations out there for you and your family to visit, a passport is truly a key to the world.