Children under 14 require special parental documentation to obtain a passport. Both parents must appear together and sign the application in person, or a variety of certified documentation or court orders need to be furnished proving custody or sole authority of the child. Other requirements are the same: proof of citizenship, identification and two passport photos.
For the child’s protection, if a parent is afraid the child may be taken out of the United States without their permission, the child’s name may be placed in the U.S. passport name check system. The parent will then be notified if a passport application is made in the child’s name.
Receipt and Use
Once the passport is received, it needs to be checked for accuracy, then signed in ink. Travelers should not be surprised when passports are not always stamped upon entry in foreign countries. Due to the computer age, many passports are now just scanned and returned to the passport holder so stamping is no longer required. Travelers should also check passport requirements in foreign countries – there are some countries which require that passports be kept in your hotel’s safe during your stay, or be held by the local police until your departure.
E-passport
A new “e-passport” is now under consideration. This new passport would include a computer chip on the back of the photo, providing the same information as printed within the passport, along with a digital photo. With this new style passport, less fraud should occur.
Passport Renewal
Passports may be renewed by mail, as long as the passport has not been damaged or altered or has not expired. If a name change has occurred, passports can still be renewed by mail, as long as legal documentation is sent with the renewal. The legal documentation can be a marriage or adoption certificate, court order or divorce decree. If there is another reason for the name change, the application must be made in person.