What is the cost of a passport for children? When planning for your child's passport application, you should also factor in the application costs. Children are regarded as minors, so the processing costs for a child's passport are not the same as that of an adult. So if you want to apply for a passport for a child under 16, how much will it cost you, and what do you need?
Cost of Passport For Children
There are two types of passports, the passport booklet, and the passport card, which are priced differently. The cost of a passport booklet is $80, while the card costs $30. If you want to apply for both for your child, it will cost you $115. There is also a $35 execution fee you must give to the receiving agent at the passport office.
Aside from these costs, parents who wish to expedite the processing because they need to travel with their child within the next few days may apply for expedited service. Expedited applications cost an extra $60, aside from the other transactional fees.
If you want to apply for only the booklet, the fees will reduce but do you need to apply for both? If you must know, passport booklets are recognized and accepted by airlines, cruise ships, and embassies for visa applications but not passport cards which are only recognized for cross-border trips.
If you intend to take the child abroad and can only afford one, consider applying for a passport booklet but if you can afford both, get both for your child.
Can You Apply For A Child Passport By Mail
Suppose you don't have the time to go to the passport facility. Can you apply for a child's passport by mail? The answer to this is a resounding no. Application by mail for new passports is impossible for both adults and children.
This means that for the process to go through, the child must be present with both parents or a guardian.
In the event that one of the parents is absent, they must notarize a declaration of consent which the other parent present must submit to the passport officer mandating the passport office to issue the child the passport.
Child Passport Validity
Child passports are valid for five years from the date of issue. If it is stolen, lost, or expires, the parents must apply for a new one on their child's behalf until they are 18 years old and enough to apply for it on their own.
Where To Submit A Passport Application?
It will depend on whether you live within or outside the US. If you live in the US, you can submit your application to the nearest passport agency in your city or State. If you live abroad, the US embassy is the place to submit an application.
However, note that walk-ins are not allowed at the passport agency or embassy. So you will have to book an appointment in advance. At the appointed date, you and the other parent must be present with the child (unless you are a guardian) to submit the application form.
The regional passport agency will review your documents before instructing you or the other parent to sign the application form.
Documentary Requirements For Child Passport
Form DS-11: You must fill out the Form DS-11 application form. Ensure all fields are completed and do not sign them unless you are instructed to by the receiving agent.
Proof of Citizenship: The parents must prove that they are US citizens using their birth certificates or naturalization certificate.
ID Card: A government-issued ID card or valid passport is accepted.
Proof of Parental Relationship: The parents can prove their relationship to the child using their birth certificates
Legal Custody: In the case of a guardian, a Court document will suffice.
Passport Photo: A clear photo taken on a white background within the last six months. Glasses must not be worn.
Declaration of Consent: If one of the parents will be absent from the appointment, they must notarize a declaration of consent authorizing the State Department to issue the passport to the other parent in their absence. This document serves as an approval of the absent parent.
Processing Fee: All fees must be fully paid to enable the State Department to produce the passport
Processing Time
Passports take between 6-8 weeks from the date of submission to be ready. The delay is due to the security checks each application must pass through during processing. In some cases, you may need to wait for two extra weeks to get the passport, but in case of an emergency, you may apply for an expedited service which will cost an extra $60. This fee is separate from the regular cost of a passport for children.