Learn How To Get An Expedited Child U.S. Passport
Everybody needs a passport to travel abroad, even minors accompanied by their parents. If you plan to travel out of the country with you children anytime soon but do not have passports for your kids, you can get an expedited child pass port from a private company that offers this service. Of course you can get your child’s passport the traditional way if you are not in a hurry.
Travel Documents
These expedited services can also be used by parents who do not have time to process and follow-up on their children’s passport application. Since you will be paying for their service, they can get your kids travel document even if you are not in a big rush to get them right away. It is a convenient way to get travel permits and documents for the entire family.
Minors
If you opt to use traditional methods to get a document, you can apply for it at your government’s passport agency. If your children are below age 16 or 17, you will need to be present when your kid sends in his application. Babies and toddlers will also need passports for travelling out of the country.
Timeline
If you intend to leave the country with your family and children in the next six months, you should get your child’s travel documents the expedited way. Traditional applications will take more than 4 weeks to process and this may create problems if you have already booked your flights. Check the government website for expedited procedures too, aside from private providers.
Costs
It will be more expensive to have your kids travel documents processed faster but the fees may be fair considering the urgency of your need. You can surely get your child’s document before your flight or within a week or two. Conventional applications can take as long as a month or more. If you are applying for a child’s travelling papers now, consider these tips.
Photos
You will need 2 pictures of your child that look identical. Make sure the photographer is aware that the photos are for a travel document because they should follow a certain standard. You should have your child’s photo taken by a professional that is used to taking pictures for passports. Bring your child to the studio dressed in normal attire with the usual accessories like eyeglasses if he normally uses one.
Form DS-11
The application form called the DS11 and supporting papers like your child’s birth record and proof of US citizenship are required. Parents also need to show documents proving they are the child’s real parents or guardians. If your child is adopted, you will also have to provide copies of his or her adoption papers. In case you immigrated to the US and became citizens, provide birth documents translated in English. You will need a different form for a lost pasport.
