Prior to planning a family trip to Europe, you will have to get your children’s passports. When traveling abroad, every member of your family will need a separate passport. While it is not a difficult process, there are certain documents you will need for completing the applications.
Form DS-11
You will need to complete a Form DS-11 for each of your children. Applications need to be submitted to an authorized location such as a post office. Check with your local postal office to see if they process passport applications. If they do not, they can most likely direct you to a government office that can help you. Once completed, both parents and the children must submit the application in person.
Citizenship
You will need to provide proof of the child’s citizenship. This can be done with an original certified birth certificate that has the registrar’s signature and a raised impression or multi-colored seal. You will submit the original with the application and it will be returned when you receive your passport. For children born in another country, a “Report of Foreign Birth’ may be provided instead.
Evidence of Relationship
Your relationship to the minor also needs to be documented. When both of the parents are named on the birth certificate, this is satisfactory evidence. The same would be required if you are using a “Report of Birth Abroad”. If you are divorced and have sole custody, you will need to present court documents as proof. An adoption decree will be needed as evidence of relationship if your children have been adopted.
Parental Identification
You will submit personal ID along with proof of relationship. You can use a photocopy of your driver’s license or a copy of your passport if it is still valid. Any State, City, or Federal worker can use their Employee ID as identification. Another acceptable form of ID is a Military ID. You will need photocopies to submit with each application.
Fees
There are two fees involved and they must be paid separately. The total cost for a child’s passport is one hundred and twenty dollars. The application fee is ninety-five dollars while the execution fee is another twenty-five dollars. You may be able to pay in cash if you have the exact amount or you can pay by personal check, money order or credit card. Not all acceptance facilities accept cash so you may want to check with the post office you plan to use.
Photos
A passport photo is the final step in completing your application package. Passport photos have strict guidelines but a professional photographer will be familiar with all requirements. Many post office facilities also offer passport photos as an additional service.
Stop! Don’t Sign It Yet
Once you have chosen where you will go to submit your U.S. passport renewal application, inquire concerning the hours when applications are accepted. Make an appointment if possible for a smoother process. Once you have completed the application and have all the accompanying documents and photocopies, you are ready to apply. Have the form completely filled out but do not sign it until you are in the presence of the acceptance agent.