Child’s Passport – The Key To Family Trips Abroad

There aren’t many opportunities to make family memories that can compare with vacationing together. The chance to see new places and meet new people provides education, excitement and bonding with the most important people in your life, your family. Children learn more from their parents than anyone else and there is a lot to learn through international travel. Each person, even the children will have to have a passport. Adult passports are very similar to baby passport, but there are a few more regulations pertaining to those younger than 18.

Online passport processing is the new way to get passports. Instead of having to wait in long lines at the post office, you only need to sit down at your computer and fill out the passport application there. After filling out the short form, you can decide when you want your passport delivered. This means that you no longer have to wait for months and months without any word about your passport. You pick the date you want or need it delivered by, and it shows up by that date. Fast, reliable service which was something that used to be disassociated with passport delivery, is now a reality.

If you have a member of your family who has never had a passport and is under the age of 18, you will need to apply for a child passport. An adult passport must be renewed every 10 years but a child’s passport must be renewed every 5 years. Children grow and change very rapidly which is why there is a shorter period before renewal becomes necessary. Many people don’t realize that even a baby must have a passport.

There have been more special United States passport requirements for children applying for a passport lately in order to reduce kidnapping and child trafficking. Both parents or legal guardians of the child in question must express consent before a passport application can be submitted. You will also need to have an original birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of your identity, passport photos, and proof that you will be traveling soon. All of this, once accumulated and ready to go, must be taken to a passport acceptance agent so they can be sure your travel plans are legal.

Once you receive your passport, you will see that a signature is required. Your child can sign the passport for themselves, but if they are too young, you will need to sign it for them. Do this by legibly printing their name on the signature line, signing your name, and then in parentheses, write “Mother” or “Father” beside your name.

The United States passport requirements for child passports may be a little more trouble but our children are certainly worth the extra protection. Once you and your family all have satisfied all the U.S. passport requirements, you will be free to visit places and people throughout the entire world. As your child’s greatest teach, you will be providing the experience of a lifetime.