U.S. PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS: ALL MINORS MUST APPEAR IN PERSON

To enhance the accurate identification of passport applicants and aid in the prevention of international child abduction and trafficking, the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has begun requiring the personal appearance of all minors applying for U.S. passports. This applies to all regular, official and diplomatic passports for children under the age of 14, even if the child has previously been issued a passport.

Now, when applying for a passport on behalf of a minor under the age of 14, parents are required to have their child present and submit documentation of parental relationship and consent, as well as comply with all other documentation requirements for the issuance of a passport.