Minors applying for a passport for the first time have special requirements they need to fulfill in order to have their children’s passport application approved. These special requirements are fulfilled on top of the basic ones that all passport applicants need to meet. Minors who are 16-17 years old have a slightly different set of special requirements from those under 16. We’ll be dealing with the requirements of the former group, and provide you with a guide to applying for a passport for the first time.

Let’s first talk about the basic requirements. It should be said that these are the same requirements fulfilled even by adults applying for a passport for the first time. So, if you’re ready, then let’s proceed to the basic requirements.

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.

You also have to establish your identity. You can do this by presenting your ID when you submit your documents in person. Aside from that, you also need to photocopy that ID that you will be presenting. And finally, two passport photos are also required. The US Department of State has very specific guidelines for your passport photos and the photocopy of your ID. So, if you’re unsure of what the exact guidelines are, then you should take the time to confirm these with the passport office nearest you or the US Department of State’s website. Once you have fulfilled all those requirements, you can pay the applicable fees.

Now we move onto the special requirements for applicants ages 16-17. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you need to make a personal appearance at the passport office. You will need to do this when submitting all the requirements for your passport.

Parental consent also needs to be established, unless it was already implied in your application. And in case you cannot present an ID of your own, then you can submit that of your parent. Along with that, of course, is the photocopy of that same ID.

That’s everything you need to know about passport applications for children if you are 16-17 years old. The guidelines are pretty easy and straightforward to follow so you can easily get a USA Passport by yourself. However, should you need assistance, you can always ask your parents about it.