How Do Minors Get New Passports?

Getting a new passport

Once parents have obtained the necessary documentation, they should also consider issues of custody of the child. A custodial parent, or legal guardian, must be present when the child applies for their new passport. In fact, both parents, or guardians, must sign the documentation in order for the child to be granted a new passport. New regulations require that anyone that is entitled to custodial rights for the minor, must consent to the new passport being granted.

New passports require a legal signature by the owner of the new passport. Since minors cannot sign for themselves, a parent or legal guardian must sign for them. The parent should first print the child's name and then sign their own name beside it. After the signature, the parent should put their relationship to the child in parenthesises. For example, the child's name would be printed, followed by the parents signature, with father or mother in parenthesises. New passports must be signed before anyone attempts to travel with the minor child. Taking children outside of the United States is a serious matter and every precaution will be taken against a non custodial parent taking the child out of the country. In fact, it is necessary for parents to be sure that they follow all rules and restrictions when getting and utilizing new passports for children.

New passports should be treated with care. Parents should do their best to avoid losing the documentation. In fact, it is not advised to allow children to carry their new passports. However, children should have identification, including emergency phone numbers on their person, whenever they are traveling.

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