Before booking that beachfront vacation condo in Rocky Point, Mexico, make sure you have that one important thing for each member of your family…a passport. While you may personally have a passport, don’t forget that your kids need the same documentation to get back and forth over the border.
It was after I processed the passport paperwork for my kids that I decided there should be a “click the link” list to help parents who need to get passports for their kids. Where to go, who needs to be there for paperwork processing, and how much does it cost? All these questions and many more are available on the following U.S. Department of State website. However, if you’re busy like me and don’t have a ton of time, you want links and information at your fingertips so you can do most of the planning online. Here is a general overview of what you need to do:
- Your kids don’t have a Passport? – The time to apply is NOW! Back log, government shut downs, and/or post office delays can delay the delivery of your passports making you pay high rush fees, and possibly not getting your passports in time for your vacation. According to the U.S. passport website, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
- All children, even babies, must have their own passport when traveling internationally. All applicants must apply in person. Passports for applicants under 16 years of age are issued for 5 years.
- Passport Photos – many local Walgreens, CVS, and FedEx Office stores offer passport photos ready in about 10 minutes. An appointment is usually not necessary.
- For Children under 16 – Download the DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport document from the U.S. Department of State. You can either complete this online and print, or print and complete by hand using BLACK ink only. Note: This form cannot be submitted by mail.
What documentation will you need?
- Completed DS-11 form filled out in BLACK ink, child’s social security number is required, and DON’T SIGN THE APPLICATION
- Passport photo of child
- Birth Certificate with both parent’s names (evidence of child’s U.S. citizenship)
- Photo identification (and copies of these ID’s) for both parents
- Check book and or money orders
When getting passports for children under 16 years of age, BOTH parents are required to be present (or a notarized form can be used if only one parent can be there) so plan accordingly. If One Parent Is Not Available, They May Submit a Notarized Form 3053. If One Parent is Deceased, Please Bring the Certified Death Certificate.
- Find a Passport Acceptance Facility OR Passport Agency – if you live in the Chandler/Gilbert area, the Department of State has designated the Chandler City Clerk’s Office as a Passport Acceptance Facility. The City Clerk’s Office is located at 175 S Arizona Ave, on the 1st Floor. For more information call 480-782-2176. When I tried to book an appointment at the post office, it was booked two months in advance. The City of Chandler location worked great for me.
- Passport Book vs. Passport Card: The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. However the passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
- Passport Book processing typically takes 4-6 weeks: The current cost for kids under 16 years of age is $80.00 U.S. Dept Of State (Check Or Money Order Only) + $ 25.00 Clerk’s fees (Cash, Check Or Money Order) + copy fee(s) if applicable. For RUSH rates and more pricing information, visit the Passport Fees webpage.
- When applying for the passport book and the passport card together, the fee for a minor (under 16 years old) is $120 ($95 payable to U.S. Department of State and $25 Clerk’s fees). The U.S. Department of State and Clerk’s fees are paid separately.
For me, the toughest part of the whole passport process was picking a day that my entire family could all go to the City of Chandler to submit our kids paperwork. But after it was done, it was nice to know I wouldn’t have to do it again for another 5 years! I hope this list of links and information will help other parents with the passport process. Bon Voyage East Valley Moms Blog readers!
For travel alerts, lists of U.S. Embassies and tips for traveling abroad, visit the http://www.travel.state.gov/ website. Please note this is a summarized list of what is on The Department of State website. Any specific circumstances and questions you may have should be directed to the Department of State and/or your local passport office. This article is copied in part from the Department of State website and is for informational purposes only.
