Renewing a Minor’s US Passport
Renewing a passport is a requirement for all US citizens, including minors. The process of renewing a minor’s passport is similar to that of an adult’s. However, there are certain differences that need to be taken into account, such as age requirements and eligibility criteria. In this article, we will explore the process of renewing a minor’s US passport and answer some common questions related to this topic.
Age Requirements for Passport Renewal
Minors, like adults, are eligible for passport renewal. However, there are age requirements that must be met in order to renew a passport. For a minor’s passport renewal, the applicant must be under the age of 16 years old. If the applicant is over the age of 16, they must apply for a new passport instead of a renewal.
Eligibility for a Minor’s Passport Renewal
In order to be eligible for a minor’s passport renewal, the previous passport must have been issued when the applicant was under the age of 16 years old. Additionally, the previous passport must have been issued within the last 15 years. If the previous passport was lost or stolen, a new passport must be applied for instead of a renewal.
Required Documents for Passport Renewal
The required documents for a minor’s passport renewal include the previous passport, a completed DS-11 form, a passport photo, and proof of identity and citizenship. The proof of identity and citizenship can be provided through a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. If the applicant is under the age of 16, both parents or legal guardians must be present to sign the DS-11 form.
Applying for Passport Renewal in Person
A minor’s passport renewal can be applied for in person at a passport acceptance facility. This includes post offices, courthouses, and libraries. The applicant must provide all of the required documents and pay the passport renewal fee. The passport renewal fee for a minor is $80.
Applying for Passport Renewal by Mail
A minor’s passport renewal can also be applied for by mail. This includes sending in the previous passport, a completed DS-11 form, a passport photo, and the passport renewal fee. The passport renewal fee for a minor is $80. However, if the applicant is using a passport agency or expedited service, an additional fee will be charged.
Expedited Passport Renewal for Minors
If a minor’s passport renewal is needed urgently, an expedited service can be used. This service guarantees that the passport will be processed within 2-3 weeks. An additional fee of $60 is charged for this service.
Passport Renewal Fees for Minors
The passport renewal fee for a minor is $80. However, this fee can vary depending on the type of service used. For example, an expedited service will have an additional fee of $60. Additionally, if the applicant is using a passport agency, an additional fee will be charged.
Timeline for Passport Renewal for Minors
The timeline for a minor’s passport renewal can vary depending on the type of service used. A regular service can take up to 6 weeks, while an expedited service guarantees processing within 2-3 weeks.
Traveling with an Expired Passport
It is not recommended to travel with an expired passport. It is important to renew the passport before it expires to avoid any issues while traveling. If a minor’s passport has expired, they will need to apply for a new passport instead of a renewal.
Common Issues with Passport Renewal for Minors
The most common issue with a minor’s passport renewal is missing documents. It is important to ensure that all of the required documents are present before submitting the application. Additionally, if the applicant is under the age of 16, both parents or legal guardians must be present to sign the DS-11 form.
Conclusion: Renewing a Minor’s US Passport
Renewing a minor’s US passport is a necessary process for all US citizens under the age of 16. The process is similar to that of an adult’s, but there are certain differences to be aware of. It is important to ensure that all of the required documents are present and to apply for the passport renewal in a timely manner to avoid any issues while traveling.
