Passport Requirements for Teenagers

• Special rules apply to minors applying for a passport.us passport image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
  
  Passport requirements for teenagers can seem unclear, especially since they vary according to the age of the teen. Stringent rules that work towards the protection of both the child and the child's parents or legal guardians make the process time-consuming, confusing and frustrating. Keep in mind that teens are required to present all the information required of any U.S. citizen applying for a passport, in person, without exception. This holds true even in the case of renewals.
  
  

Documents Needed

• All applicants, regardless of age, must produce evidence of U.S. citizenship when applying for a passport. This requirement can be satisfied in the form of a birth certificate, previous passport, consular report of a birth abroad, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. In addition, they must submit their Social Security number, a DS-11 application form, all applicable fees, two passport-size photos and an 8x11-inch photocopy of the document used to substantiate citizenship.
  
  

Under Sixteen

• Applicants under the age of 16 may apply for a passport only with the permission of both parents. All minors are required to apply for their passports in person, at an approved passport acceptance facility; those 16 and under must do so in the presence of both parents. When applying, parents must present a valid government-issued photo I.D. and proof of their relationship to the minor. Applicants can establish the relationship with the use of a birth certificate, court decree, or minor's report of birth abroad with both parents' names present.
  
  If a single parent has sole custody of the teenager, that parent can apply alone. However the parent must submit proof of this status either with documentation of a court order, adoption decree, judicial declaration, or death certificate for the other parent. If one parent is unavailable, he or she can submit a notarized statement of consent in lieu of an appearance.
  
  

Sixteen & Seventeen

• Applicants who are at least 16 years old are must still apply in person for their passport at an approved passport acceptance facility, but if their parents are unavailable, they can establish parental consent even without their presence. Parental consent for an applicant 16 or 17 years old can take the form of a written, notarized statement furnished by both parents. However, if the teenage applicant does not have an acceptable form of government-issued photo identification, then he will be required to apply with a parent who does have this.