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DS-11/DS-3053
Passports for all minors under 16 and those aged 16 or 17 who cannot have both legal guardians present

How to Apply

Based on the information provided, you need to complete the DS-11 form. Please see the Local Information section to determine if need to submit an online form or complete the downloadable PDF form.

Step 1: Complete and print the DS-11  form. Do not sign the form.

Step 2: Provide proof of parental relationship.

  • Birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship if it’s a U.S. birth certificate)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
  • Foreign birth certificate
  • Adoption decree
  • Divorce/Custody decree

Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

Step 3: Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship for the applicant (Original or Certified copies):

You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified copy. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.

  • Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport (expired passports are accepted). Full validity means the document is/was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
  • U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
    • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
    • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
    • Lists your parent(s)’ full names
    • Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
    • Has the registrar’s signature
    • Has the seal of the issuing authority
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (this is also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • If you were born outside the United States to at least one U.S. citizen parent, and you have not previously established a claim to U.S. citizenship, please visit the Citizenship Evidence

In addition to the original, certified document(s), bring a photocopy (front and back) of the Citizenship Evidence document to submit with your application, that is:

  • On white paper;
  • Single-sided; and
  • Does not decrease the image size.

More information is available on the Citizenship Evidence page.

Step 4: Present ID.

You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.

  • Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport (expired passports are accepted). Full validity means the document is/was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license. Digital IDs cannot be accepted.
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
  • U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
  • Valid foreign passport

Bring a photocopy (front and back) of the Citizenship Evidence document to submit with your application, that is:

  • On white paper;
  • Single-sided; and
  • Does not decrease the image size.

Learn more about Photo Identification requirements.

Step 5: Attach one photo to your application.

Photo requirements for a U.S. passport may differ from passport photo requirements of other countries. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all the photo requirements .

Step 6: If your passport and/or card is damaged, submit the damaged passport and/or card along with a signed statement explaining the damage or mutilated condition.

Step 7: Visit the Local Information section to make an appointment and learn how to pay the application fees.

Parental/Guardian Consent (0-15) and Parental/Guardian Awareness (16-17)

Parental/Guardian Consent (required for minors under 16):  If one parent/guardian cannot appear in person with the child to apply for the passport, they must complete the Form DS-3053  “Statement of Consent.” You must submit the completed form with the child’s passport application.

If there are special circumstances, and the parent cannot obtain the DS-3053 because they cannot locate the other parent, please complete a DS-5525   “Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.

Military Families

  • If the non-applying parent is deployed by the military, he or she should be able to provide a notarized Form DS-3053 in most cases.
  • In the rare case that the non-applying parent cannot be contacted, you must provide military orders with a Form DS-5525 showing:
  • the non-applying parent can’t be contacted because they are on a special assignment for more than 30 days outside of their duty station, or
  • a signed statement from the non-applying parent’s commanding officer that they can’t be reached.

Parental Awareness (required for minors aged 16 or 17): If a legal parent or legal guardian cannot appear with you in person when you apply for your passport, provide one of the following:

  • A signed note from your legal parent or legal guardian with a photocopy of their ID.
  • Proof that your legal parent or legal guardian is paying your application fees

We may ask you to submit a notarized statement from your legal parent or legal guardian (e.g., on Form DS-3053) that states he or she supports you receiving a passport. The statement must be accompanied by a photocopy of that parent or guardian’s ID.

Fees (Prices in U.S. Dollars)

Some locations accept fees in local currency. See the Local Information section to learn more.

Applicants aged 16 and older
Product Application Fee Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book $130 $35
Passport Card $30 $35
Passport Book & Card $160 $35
 

Applicants under age 16

Product Application Fee Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book $100 $35
Passport Card $15 $35
Passport Book & Card $115 $35

Local Information

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