Jul 13 2010
The Particulars Involved In Getting Passports For Minors
Because of incidents where children were abducted by a parent and taken overseas, the laws regarding obtaining a passports for minors are quite strict. The law reads that an adult acting on a childs behalf, comply with all applicable requirements. While an adults passport is good for ten years, a minors passport is only valid for five years. A child (minor) is defined as an unmarried person under the age of eighteen.
No passport will be issued for a child unless they appear in person when the application is made. Their parents or an authorized representative must accompany them. The application can only be made to an acceptance agent who is located in a post office, county or municipal clerks office. All children must have a passport, regardless of age.
If a child is born to United States citizens while vacationing or living abroad they must ask for a passport applications at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that country. They face the same requirements as if they were applying in the United States. They must show proof of their citizenship and comply with the two-parent consent law.
Because of some well publicized instances of child abduction by unauthorized parents, a law was passed in 2001 called the two-parent consent law. Under this law, both parents or guardians must sign for a child to receive this document. They both must present proof that they are the actual parents. Under some circumstances, there are other arrangements.
If one parent is applying, they have to present applicable evidence to show that they have legal rights to apply for the passport on the part of the child. There are a number of exceptions to the law that can be applied. At the time of application, the childs birth certificate must be shown, as well as photo identification of the parent.
Minors under the age of 16 and 17 must also appear in person, accompanied by their parent or parents. If only one parent presents the application and it does not have the signatures of both parents, then written consent of the other parent must be provided. Grandparents may not sign unless they have guardianship papers.
The law is quite specific when there is a custody problem with children. A state court has the authority to take and hold a childs passport if there is a threat that they might be removed from the country. In addition, a parent may request an Alert Program to inform them if any application is made for a passport for the child.
Documents required by the acceptance agent are: original or certified copy of childs birth certificate or naturalization papers; parents identification such as a drivers license; two of the childs pictures, taken by a passport photographer; and proof of parents or legal guardians relationship. Getting a infants passport is a little more complicated than for an adult, but with the right documentation things should go smoothly.
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