| :: Passports For Children Under Age 16 |
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U.S. Passport applications for children under the age of 16
years require both parents’ signatures as provided by Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 22, Section 51.28.
Effective February 1, 2008 Both parents or child’s
legal guardian must:
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- Present evidence of child’s U.S. citizenship (see
proof of citizenship and relationship requirements) and
- Present evidence that they are the parents or guardian and
- Show
valid personal identification and
- Sign and take oath before
an authorized passport acceptance agent.
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The law requires that all applications be signed
under oath under penalty of perjury.
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| Passport Services is unable to accept cash, credit, or
debit card payments. All payments must be made with check or money
order made payable to Passport Services. The City Clerk's Office is unable to
accept credit or debit card payments. All payments must be made
with cash, check or money order made payable to the City of Riverside. |
| What If a Second Parent Isn't Available
to Sign? |
| The appearing parent must: Do all of the above and present
evidence that he/she has: |
- Sole legal custody of the child or
- Notarized written consent
of the other parent for the issuance of the passport or
- Written
statement explaining why non-applying parent’s consent
cannot be obtained.
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| What If No Parent is Available to Sign? |
| If no parent is available to sign, the third-party in loco parentis
must: |
- Appear with a notarized written statement or affidavit from
both parents or custodial parent(s) authorizing the third-party
to apply for passport. When the statement or affidavit is from
only one parent, the third party must present evidence of sole
custody of the authorizing parent.
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| It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to receive the passport from
the Department of State Passport Agency. |
| What is the Most EfficIent Way to Expedite
this Process? |
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The most efficient way to apply for a child under age 16 is
to present the required documentation and
- For both parents to appear at the time of application, or
- If
only one parent can apply, that applying parent/guardian has
the additional documentation required for a single-signature
application at the time of application
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| Important Notice |
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs Passport
Services
New U.S. Passport Requirement |
| All Minors Must Appear in Person |
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On February 1, 2008, Passport Services will begin requiring the
personal appearance of all minors applying for U.S. passports.
This new requirement is being implemented to enhance the accurate
identification of applicants and aid in the prevention of international
child abduction and substitution. Separate parental relationship
documentation and consent requirements continue for children under
age 16.
For additional information about passport application requirements,
please visit travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information
Center.
National Passport Information Center
Toll-free: 1-877-487-2778
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time npic@state.gov
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| Passport Links |
- Children's
Passports
- Department
of State:
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| City Clerk Online Documents |
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