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Minors applying for a passport for the first time have special requirements to fulfill on top of the most basic requirements. Also, minors under 16 have a slightly different set of requirements when talking about special application requirements. In this article, we’ll tell you about passport applications for children for those 16-17 years old, and the steps one needs to take.

First, the basic requirements. When speaking of basic requirements, we’re referring to the requirements that both adults and minors need to fulfill when applying for a passport for the first time. Ready? Let’s proceed.

The first of these basic requirements is the Form DS-11. This is the form that you need to fill in if you are applying for a passport for the first time. Also, this is the form filled in by passport applicants who were under 16 when their last passport was issued, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago. The DS-11 is also a form you need to submit in person. It is therefore important you make sure you have fulfilled all the requirements before proceeding so as to save time.

Aside from the DS-11, the applicant should also submit a proof of his/her citizenship. There are documents that can be submitted to do this. They are as follows: the birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or certificate of naturalization. If, however, the applicant was born abroad, the consular report on that birth may be submitted.

Then there are also the other requirements to establish the applicant’s identity. These are the ID card to be presented at the time of the application, the photocopy of the ID card, and two recent passport photos. It should be noted that there are very specific guidelines when it comes to the photocopy and the passport photos, so if you’re unsure of what to do, inquire at your local passport office first. Once all these requirements have been accomplished, the applicable fees may then be paid.

Now let’s move on to the special requirements. These requirements should be submitted along with the basic requirements that we talked about in the last several paragraphs. The first one of these requirements is that the applicant should appear in person for the application. Once again, applying for a USA passport for the first time requires a personal appearance.

Aside from the personal appearance, the applicant should also establish parental consent. This is needed when it is not implied in the application of the minor. Then in case the applicant is unable to present his/her own ID, he should present that of his parent/guardian. An in place of the photocopy of the applicant’s ID, it should be that of the parent/guardian as well.

All in all, those are the steps that you need to know for kid’s passport application. However, if you are unsure about how to proceed, you can always contact your nearest us passport office about it.