Minors applying for a US passport need to submit special requirements aside from the regular requirements submitted by everyone applying for passports. Minors who are 16-17 years old have a slightly different set of special requirements from those who are under 16 years old. So if you’re a passport 16-17 applicant who wants to know how to apply for a passport, read this.

What are the special requirements for applicants aged 16-17? These requirements are actually required of the parent’s applicants or their guardians, rather than the applicants themselves. The documents are used to provide proof of the parents/guardians’ identity. These documents are the parents/guardians’ ID, a photocopy of this ID, as well as a written parental consent.

Basically, those are just the special requirements that you need to submit. Now on to the regular application requirements. If you are a first-time passport applicant, you will be required to fill in the DS-11 form. This is a standard form that is completed by anyone who’s applying for a new passport. This includes those who were issued their passports when they were under 16, or those who got their last passport more than 15 years ago.

As required for all who use the DS-11 form, you will have to submit this along with the other requirements in person to the nearest passport agency. Also, you must keep in mind that you must not sign the complete form. Wait until you are told to do so when you finally submit it.

Aside from the DS-11, you will also need to establish your citizenship. There are certain documents that you can use to do this: your certificate of naturalization, your certified birth certificate, your latest passport, a certificate of citizenship, or a consular report if you were born abroad. The document you submit will be returned to after your passport has been processed. It will either be mailed with your passport or sent in a separate mailing.

Aside from your citizenship, you will also need to establish your identity. Here’s how to do it. First, create a photocopy of your ID and submit it to the passport office along with the requirements. You must also bring the original ID with you when you finally submit all your passport application requirements. Take note that there are very specific guidelines to having your ID photocopied, from the paper used to what should be on the paper, so make sure you follow them to the letter.

Then you must submit two color pictures of yourself. Make sure the photos are recent. Also make sure they follow the guidelines set by the Department of State regarding the photos to submit. For one, you shouldn’t wear any headgear or hat in your picture, among other specifications. Once you have done all these, you can now submit your passport application and pay the applicable fees.

There you have it, all the basic things you need to know about how to get a how to apply for an american passport if you’re 16-17 years old. These new passport guidelines are up to date and very specific, so make sure you understand them and follow them to the letter. You’ll save yourself time if you have everything ready before submitting the application.

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