Be Prepared For A Child Passport Application

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:30:13 EST

The days are gone when airlines will just believe that you have your own child when traveling. You will need to show identification for any child who is traveling. Even an infant must have a child passport to travel so you will need to get one if you want to fly on an airplane. This includes travel to even Canada or Mexico.

Obtaining a passport for your child is a good idea anyway. You can use it for many instances where your child needs legal identification. You can update their photo as they grow. There are certain items you need to be prepared to bring when applying for a child passport.

Your children's legal birth certificate will be needed. It needs to be the actual certificate with the seal and not a copy or the little card that you may have. They will submit it with the application so know this in advance. You will get it back but you might want more than one copy so you have one on hand while they keep it.

You need your proof as well that you are the parent. This is good with the birth certificate or adoption papers if you do not have your name on the birth certificate. If you are a legal guardian bring the court documents with you for the application process. Check to see the entire proper identification accepted from their website.

Also bring your child's social security card with you. It is filled out on the DS-11 application and also you may need to show the actual card. Gather all of these items in a folder so you are organized when you get there to the application appointment. You do not need to make an appointment to get a passport. It is usually done on a walk in basis.

Make sure you have your identification as well. You as the parent need a picture ID to prove who you are. It is great if you have a passport, but you can also use your driver's license or military ID. Check with their official site if you do not have these for other acceptable forms of identification.

You will need a photo of your child for the passport that is turned in with the application. You can get this done at some sites with the application for an extra fee or bring it with you. Get a pro to do it, as there are specs you have to follow. You will need two copies.

TRCB.com RSS Feed

Be Prepared For A Child Passport Application