Find » Travel » Passport Requirements for Minors Un...

Passport Requirements for Minors Under Age 14

An Overview of Recent Changes in Regulation for Traveling Minors

By Christine Cadena, published Jan 24, 2007
Published Content: 3,412  Total Views: 2,514,696  Favorited By: 133 CPs
Embed:  
Rating: 2.6 of 5
In 2007, the United States implemented a program which changed, significantly, the way in which Americans travel into and out of the United States. For families with children, under the age of 14, this change in passport requirements will provide for a slightly more complex procedure when obtaining a passport for children for the purpose of traveling outside of the United States. When planning a family vacation, it is important to remember these key points when an accompanying traveler is a minor, under the age of 14, especially for children in single parent homes.

For minor children traveling outside of the United States, effective in 2007, a United States passport is required for re-entry into the United States. The key factor to passport acquisition is the necessity that all minors, under age 14, appear in person at the passport location and, even more difficult, the passport application must have the signature of both parents or legal guardians or the custodial parent must provide adequate documentation securing the parent's authority to make sole travel decisions on behalf of the minor child.

When appearing in person the passport, the minor child, under the age of 14, must present a valid, certified birth certificate. When the birth certificate is not available, there are additional optional pieces of documentation which can be accepted but may be difficult for the designated United States passport office to differentiate as acceptable passport documentation for the minor child.

Takeaways
  • For single parents who do not have contact with the other parent, and are unable to obtain form DS-3053, the passport can be issued to the minor child providing the custodial parent has a legal document which supports the sole custody rights
  • For minor children traveling outside of the United States, effective in 2007, a United States passport is required for re-entry into the United States
  • As most children, under age 14, do not possess legal photo identification, the legal guardians or parents must verify the identity of the minor child. For children residing in single parent homes, one parent must be present while the other parent must si
Did You Know?
As with any international travel plans, researching the various travel documents, including passport requirements, will ensure a more safe and pleasurable vacation
Comments
Type in Your Comments Below - (1000 characters left)

Submit your own content on this or any topic. Get started »
Advertisment