Passports

[DisneyMomma1]

We are planning a four day Dream cruise next May. DH and I both have passports but our two kids do not. Will we need to get them passports or will birth certificates be enough?

Thanks

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are planning a four day Dream cruise next May. DH and I both have passports but our two kids do not. Will we need to get them passports or will birth certificates be enough?

Thanks

Legally (at the current time) all you need for a closed-loop cruise (beginning and ending in the same port, on the same ship) is a CERTIFIED birth certificate for everyone and (for those 16 and over) a government-issued photo ID.

I will point out, if something were to happen, and you needed to fly home early from the cruise, you cannot fly without a passport book.

 

[lsenquiz]

I will point out, if something were to happen, and you needed to fly home early from the cruise, you cannot fly without a passport book.

We are in the same boat. DH and I have passports but DS8 does not. This is just too big risk to take IMO so we will be spending the money to get him one.

 

[mykidsrock76]

We just sailed a couple weeks ago. DH and I have passports that are good for another 5 yrs, but DD and DS expired on 9/29 and our sailing returned 9/22. I was worried about pushing theirs like we did but I figured we still had a week "just in case" anything happened. I will def get them new passports before we sail in September 2013. I wouldn't want to take any chances. Not worth it in my opinion to save a couple bucks. I figure if I can afford the cruise, I can afford their passports.

 

[lsenquiz]

I figure if I can afford the cruise, I can afford their passports.

Completely agree!

 

[chris31997]

Just an FYI, both parents need to be there for a child's passport. And I would get it. You can use it for so much after that.

 

[TXDCLfan]

Just an FYI, both parents need to be there for a child's passport. And I would get it. You can use it for so much after that.

Sorry not correct ...you can down load a form from the Goverment web site fill it out,have it notarized and the other parent can do it by them self.

 

[MTmomma]

Just an FYI, both parents need to be there for a child's passport. And I would get it. You can use it for so much after that.

And a single parent without contact with the other parent (unknown location) can get a passport as well, BUT must use the same form as referenced before, AND provide reasons why the other parent can not or is not able to sign the passport application.

 

[Bear3412]

Does anyone have their minor kids under 15 sign their own passports even though the "sites" say other wise?
Is the passport invalid if a minor 15 years old and below sign their own passport? Anyone been questioned about a minor signature, lack of parent signature a border checkpoints.
I've seen mixed reviews of this. My DD 11 wants to sign her passport yet the parents feel we should follow the Dept. of State instructions, which require the parent to sign and NOT the minor.

I suppose this is a rhetorical question, but .....................

TIA

 

[MTmomma]

Does anyone have their minor kids under 15 sign their own passports even though the "sites" say other wise?
Is the passport invalid if a minor 15 years old and below sign their own passport?
I've seen mixed reviews of this. My DD 11 wants to sign her passport yet the parents feel we should follow the Dept. of State instructions, which require the parent to sign and NOT the minor.

I suppose this is a rhetorical question, but ....

TIA

My son signed his passport, the same as his bank account signature card, and the back of his atm only card.

 

[Bear3412]

My son signed his passport, the same as his bank account signature card, and the back of his atm only card.

Wow. you answered before I even edited my post.
So what age is your son?

 

[neg58]

My kids signed theirs; they are 15 and 16 but I think they signed their previous ones too. You can always sign below them if someone requires you to.

Nancy

 

[Minnie321]

Does anyone have their minor kids under 15 sign their own passports even though the "sites" say other wise?
Is the passport invalid if a minor 15 years old and below sign their own passport? Anyone been questioned about a minor signature, lack of parent signature a border checkpoints.
I've seen mixed reviews of this. My DD 11 wants to sign her passport yet the parents feel we should follow the Dept. of State instructions, which require the parent to sign and NOT the minor.

I suppose this is a rhetorical question, but .....................

TIA

Just got my kids passports about two months ago and the lady at the passport office had them sign their own papers they are 11 and 15. I also signed but they signed too.

 

[DisSarahK]

No, my children didn't write anywhere on their passports. They are 8 and 6 right now and their writing will change a lot over the next five years. How my six year old writes his name now is not how he will write it in four years--therefore the validity of his passport could be challenged in the future if I had him sign the passport now. The government has sound reasons for not having minors sign their passport.

 

[collectoraholic]

Legally (at the current time) all you need for a closed-loop cruise (beginning and ending in the same port, on the same ship) is a CERTIFIED birth certificate for everyone and (for those 16 and over) a government-issued photo ID.

I will point out, if something were to happen, and you needed to fly home early from the cruise, you cannot fly without a passport book.

Government issued IDs are required for those aged 18 & older, NOT 16. My DD has sailed twice since turning 16 & has NEVER been required to show ID.

Just wanted to clarify.

HTHs! Happy Sailing Everyone!

 

[Bear3412]

OK, so it sounds like it is no biggie for my DD 11 to sign her PP. ( She really wants to) I'll have her sign on the line which still allows lots of space above to do the legal thing if requested. Both parents will be with said child while traveling. So.....
If we run in to that situation where a CBP officer wants that official parental signature,, we will be able to provide, given a parent will be always present. We can sign in their presence if necessary.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[pillow]

Does anyone have their minor kids under 15 sign their own passports even though the "sites" say other wise?
Is the passport invalid if a minor 15 years old and below sign their own passport? Anyone been questioned about a minor signature, lack of parent signature a border checkpoints.
I've seen mixed reviews of this. My DD 11 wants to sign her passport yet the parents feel we should follow the Dept. of State instructions, which require the parent to sign and NOT the minor.

I suppose this is a rhetorical question, but .....................

TIA

My kids signed their own and it wasn't an issue. I didn't know about the above rule.

 

[shburks]

Our DS signed his. He is 7. Yes, his handwriting will likely change by the time he's 12 but he is obviously 7 in his picture and according to the issue date and find it hard to believe that if he shows that passport at 11 anyone would question his signature. Heck, my signature has changed from my original passport issue!