Ordered DSs' passports last night; a change regarding minor children

[SeaSpray]

I just wanted to let everyone know that there's been a small change in policy regarding ordering US passports for minors.

Until a couple of months ago minor children under age 16 did not have to appear in person when applying for the passport, their parent(s) could go and not have to take the child(ren). However, as of Feb 1st, 2004, ALL minor children now have to appear when applying for a US passport. I had both of my DSs (ages 16 and 13) with me anyway because we had their passport photos taken first at CVS, then went right from there to our town hall.

Anyway, just wanted to let others know about this change, in case you were going to apply for your child's passport while they were in school or something.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Thanks for the information as I will also be getting my two children passports. My husband and I always travel with passports instead of using birth certificates.

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Not sure if this is new or not, but both parents have to be there too, or you need written permission from the absent parent for the present parent to apply.

I'm trying to get a passport for my grandson who lives out-of-state with his mom, while his dad lives near me ... what a pain.

And I can only imagine the trouble I may encounter trying to get passports for the two grandkids I have custody of ... need to remember to bring the certified court order with me ... and I hope the fact the certification is 5+ years old won't matter.

But I refuse to worry about that until next week, LOL!!! That's my week to get the passport stuff together so I can apply on Saturday.

 

[SeaSpray]

Memaw2Wm: I printed the parental consent form from the US passport's web site, and my ex-DH signed it so I could apply for DS13's passport by myself. Ex-DH lives in another state so couldn't be there to apply with us. This form doesn't have to be certified, just signed by the non-applying parent. As for DS16, he didn't need any parental signature at all, just his own. The clerk at town hall said that I would've needed to bring my divorce papers which show that I have custody, if I didn't have the paper signed by ex-DH, so hopefully your certified court order will be enough for you to be able to apply for your grandchildren's passports alone. I hope it all works out well for you

 

[lotsofboys]

Thanks for the info, you saved me major aggravation waiting in line and then to find out DSs needed to be with me!

This is particularly important for those travelling out of CA next year as CM told me they are strongly suggesting that all members of your party have passports including the children. She said it will make the immigration process much faster for everyone involved.

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR
Thanks for the information as I will also be getting my two children passports. My husband and I always travel with passports instead of using birth certificates.

We do, too! Dh and I have had our passports for a while now. And I especially wanted to get DSs their passports since their last name is different than mine (I got remarried several years ago). I just feel safer anyway, knowing all of us have our passports.

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by lotsofboys
Thanks for the info, you saved me major aggravation waiting in line and then to find out DSs needed to be with me!

This is particularly important for those travelling out of CA next year as CM told me they are strongly suggesting that all members of your party have passports including the children. She said it will make the immigration process much faster for everyone involved.

You're welcome! I wasn't sure if I should start a thread about this because I know a lot of people just use birth certificates, but since this is a fairly new policy, I thought I'd mention it.


Here's a link to the US Passport web site where they have all the information, as well as applications you can print out, right online: http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html

I printed out the applications and filled them out at home and it saved a lot of time while at the clerk's office at town hall.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

How long did they say it would take to get them? DH and I have had ours for awhile but I don't remember how long the process took. Thanks

 

[gottaluvdis]

We applied for my daughter's passport on Jan 18 and received the passport around March 1. They told me it would come the week of March 9, but it arrived early. Hope this helps. Generally they say 6-8 weeks.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thank-you I better get to this before the end of school then to have them before Aug. 20. I was hopeful to put it off until summer break.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

I will get moving on this also.

Thanks again for the information.