Planning a family vacation abroad is exciting, but when it comes to organizing travel documents, parents often have one big question: do kids need passports? The answer depends on where you’re traveling and the specific requirements for children. In the United States, a child’s passport is typically needed for international travel, whether you’re visiting a neighboring country or flying halfway across the globe.
Let’s break down the key points of what parents need to know when it comes to getting passports for children and how to navigate the process smoothly.
Do Kids Need Passports for International Travel?
Yes, children traveling outside the U.S. need their own passport, regardless of age. This includes infants and toddlers. Many parents mistakenly believe that minors can travel on their parent’s passport or with just a birth certificate, but this is not the case for international flights. For every U.S. citizen child traveling internationally, including those under the age of 16, a kid’s passport in the U.S. is required.
Passport Requirements for Children Under 16
For children under the age of 16, there are a few specific rules regarding passport applications:
- Application Form:
Parents must fill out a DS-11 form for each child applying for a passport. This form is available online or at passport acceptance facilities, such as post offices. - Both Parents Must Be Present
Both parents must accompany the child to the passport application appointment, unless one parent has sole legal custody or special arrangements are made. If one parent is unavailable, legal documents (such as a court order) and a completed form DS-3053 must be presented. - Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Parents will need to provide the child’s birth certificate or a previous passport to establish citizenship. - Parental Identification
Parents or guardians must provide their own identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. - Passport Photo
A passport photo that meets specific size and quality requirements is necessary for all applicants.
When Do Kids’ Passports Expire?
In the U.S., children’s passports are only valid for five years, in contrast to ten years validity for adult passports. This shorter validity period means that parents must keep track of expiration dates to avoid last-minute issues when planning travel.
Ensure that you check your child’s passport validity well ahead of time as in many countries, it is required that the passport be valid for at least six months prior to the departure date.
Passport Processing Times
Standard processing for a U.S. child passport typically takes 4-6 weeks, so it’s best to apply well in advance of your travel dates. However, if you’re short on time, there are expedited services available. For those needing a kid’s passport in the U.S. urgently, options like fast track for passport online and emergency expedited passports in DE may be necessary.
Expedited Passport Services for Kids
If you’re running short on time and need to secure a kid’s passport quickly, make use of online expedited passport services. Depending on your location, you can request emergency expedited passports through the U.S. Department of State’s passport agencies or service centers. This can be incredibly helpful when you’re planning a spontaneous family vacation or when you realize your child’s passport is about to expire.
To use these services, you will need to provide proof of urgent travel, such as flight tickets or travel itineraries, and pay an additional expedited service fee. Some service centers even offer same-day passport services in Philadelphia, making it possible to get a passport within hours if necessary.
Emergency Passport Services for Children
In the event of an emergency, such as a last-minute trip or lost passport, there are options to get a kid’s passport in the U.S. quickly. Emergency services allow you to get a new passport in a much shorter timeframe. If your child’s passport is lost or stolen, you may need to use an emergency lost passport expedited service, which typically requires proof of travel plans and a police report if the passport was stolen.
Considerations for Family Travel with Kids
When planning international travel with children, there are several important considerations:
- Visa Requirements
Some countries may require a visa for U.S. citizens, including children. Check if the country you are visiting has specific visa requirements, and ensure that both you and your child have the necessary travel documents. - Validity of Passports
In many countries, it is required that your passport must remain valid for at least six months prior to the date of travel. Be sure to check the validity of your child’s passport to avoid surprises at the border. - Travel Safety
In addition to the passport, it’s important to make sure your child is prepared for international travel. This includes educating them on airport security procedures, travel safety, and what to expect during the trip.
Get Your Kids’ Passports Fast and Easy With Prompt Passport Services
Make your family’s travel plans stress-free by partnering with Prompt Passport Services. With expedited services, including fast tracking for passports and emergency lost passport services in NH, we can ensure your kids’ passports are ready in no time. Contact us today for fast, efficient, and hassle-free passport processing for your next family vacation.
