Regardless of age, the international traveler is required to possess proof of residency and nationality. To obtain a baby U.S. passport, the baby, parents or legal guardians need to be present when the application is submitted. There are a number of things that must be done when applying for an infant international travel document.
US Citizenship
It is imperative to first gather documentation supporting the U. S. Citizenship of the infant. Primary documents only are to be used. Primary documentation includes a certificate of birth that is certified or a foreign birth certificate. In addition, documentation that establishes the parental relationship between the baby and both parents is needed. Be sure to choose documents that list both parents' names.
Parents ID
Make certain that both parents have certified proof of their identification. Government issued identification like a driver license, U. S. Passport, a military ID or naturalization papers can be used. You may also want to have proof of your Social Security number. Always make copies of the original documents on standard size white paper.
Application
You will need to complete an international travel document application for the child. The form can be filled out online and printed out or you can print a blank form and complete it by hand with black ink. Make sure that you do not sign the completed form since it is mandatory that the form be signed at the Passport Acceptance Facility in front of an officer.
Pictures
Two identical pictures for the travel document and the fee for the credential will be included with the application. The head and hands of the baby must be uncovered and visible in the picture. Next, you will need to identify the Acceptance Facility nearest you where you will submit all the necessary papers. You can use the Internet to locate a Passport Acceptance Facility in your area. You may also want to check with your local library, county office or post office to find an authorized office.
If Parents Absent
If only one of the parents can be present at the time the application is filed, a notarized statement of consent from the parent who is absent must be submitted. Complete a Statement of Consent or Special Circumstance form which must be signed by the parent who cannot be present and must also be notarized. The notarized form is to be submitted with the application for the international travel documentation, the verification of citizenship for the baby and the other documentation that is required.
Time It Takes
Once the application is submitted, allow six weeks for the international travel document to be approved and processed. Expediting the application will move processing up by about three weeks. Make sure to check for any additional costs to baby American passport applications.
US Citizenship
It is imperative to first gather documentation supporting the U. S. Citizenship of the infant. Primary documents only are to be used. Primary documentation includes a certificate of birth that is certified or a foreign birth certificate. In addition, documentation that establishes the parental relationship between the baby and both parents is needed. Be sure to choose documents that list both parents' names.
Parents ID
Make certain that both parents have certified proof of their identification. Government issued identification like a driver license, U. S. Passport, a military ID or naturalization papers can be used. You may also want to have proof of your Social Security number. Always make copies of the original documents on standard size white paper.
Application
You will need to complete an international travel document application for the child. The form can be filled out online and printed out or you can print a blank form and complete it by hand with black ink. Make sure that you do not sign the completed form since it is mandatory that the form be signed at the Passport Acceptance Facility in front of an officer.
Pictures
Two identical pictures for the travel document and the fee for the credential will be included with the application. The head and hands of the baby must be uncovered and visible in the picture. Next, you will need to identify the Acceptance Facility nearest you where you will submit all the necessary papers. You can use the Internet to locate a Passport Acceptance Facility in your area. You may also want to check with your local library, county office or post office to find an authorized office.
If Parents Absent
If only one of the parents can be present at the time the application is filed, a notarized statement of consent from the parent who is absent must be submitted. Complete a Statement of Consent or Special Circumstance form which must be signed by the parent who cannot be present and must also be notarized. The notarized form is to be submitted with the application for the international travel documentation, the verification of citizenship for the baby and the other documentation that is required.
Time It Takes
Once the application is submitted, allow six weeks for the international travel document to be approved and processed. Expediting the application will move processing up by about three weeks. Make sure to check for any additional costs to baby American passport applications.
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Gathering all the information on applying for a baby U.S. passport will help make the process easier. You can even get passport expedite service.
