Children's passports

[BluesWhenNoCruise]

Was hoping to get some clarification here!

 

Do BOTH parents need to be present when applying for a passport for a minor? I've read through the website and am still a bit confused...

 

I know passports are not necessary for the kids but I do prefer they have them.

 

Thank you for your input!

[ToddlerMom]

We just got DD's passport so I looked this up too. Either both parents have to be present or one parent can sign the form in front of a notary.

[BoooBooKitEFk]

I was able to get my daughters (then 16) passport without her Dad being there or signing off on it. However, depending on the child's age, I would recommend that you ask at the passport office or again peruse the travel.state.gov website.

 

Good luck!

[comeon530]

This is from the State Dept website. For a child under 16, both parents must appear, or one parent can appear, with the notarized form signed by the other parent.

 

 

 

 

Both Parents MUST:

 

 

• Appear in person with the minor
  
• Sign Form DS-11 in front of an Acceptance Agent
  

One Parent MUST:

• Appear in person with the minor
  
• Sign Form DS-11 in front of an Acceptance Agent
  
• Submit the second parents' notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053)
  

One Parent

(with sole legal custody)

MUST:

• Appear in person with the minor
  
• Sign Form DS-11 in front of an Acceptance Agent
  
• Submit primary evidence of sole authority to apply for the child with one of the following:
  
• 
  
  • Minor's certified U.S. or foreign birth certificate listing only the applying parent
    
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) listing only the applying parent
    
  • Court order granting sole custody to the applying parent (unless child's travel is restricted by that order)
    
  • Adoption decree (if applying parents is sole adopting parent)
    
  • Court order specifically permitting applying parent's or guardian's travel with the child
    
  • Judicial declaration of incompetence of non-applying parent
    
  • Death certificate of non-applying parent
    

NOTE:

If

none

of the above documentation is available, the applying parent

must

submit Form

DS-3053

stating why the non-applying parent/guardian's consent cannot be obtained

A Third Party

(in Loco Parentis applying on behalf of a minor under the age of 16)

MUST:

• Submit a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents or guardians authorizing a third-party to apply for a passport
  
• When the statement of affidavit is from only one parent/guardian, the third-party must present evidence of sole custody of the authorizing parent/guardian.
  

[CapsR1]

Easiest if BOTH parents can appear the first time with the minor child, even if the parents are no longer together.

Otherwise, form must be filled out and notarized.

[BluesWhenNoCruise]

Thank you for your replies! I sure hope that their father will be able to just sign off on it! We are taking my 5 children (11-21) on the Magic in February and the clarification for the youngest 2 have been driving me insane!

 

As much as I am looking forward to this next cruise, I think all the planning with 5 extra, lovely children, is wearing me out! I might just book the next cruise sailing after ours and send the kids on their way home so I can recover!

 

Once again, thank you for the replies.