Prior to planning a family trip to Europe, you will have to get your children’s passports. When traveling abroad, every member of your family will need a separate passport. While it is not a difficult process, there are certain documents you will need for completing the applications.

DS-11

You will need to complete a Form DS-11 for each of your children. Applications need to be submitted to an authorized location such as a post office. Check with your local postal office to see if they process passport applications. If they do not, they can most likely direct you to a government office that can help you. Once completed, both parents and the children must submit the application in person.

Citizenship

You will need to provide proof of the child’s citizenship. This can be done with an original certified birth certificate that has the registrar’s signature and a raised impression or multi-colored seal. You will submit the original with the application and it will be returned when you receive your passport. For children born in another country, a “Report of Foreign Birth’ may be provided instead.

Evidence of Relationship

Parents must submit evidence of their relationship to the children. Having each parent named on the birth certificate or the “Report of Birth Abroad” will satisfy this requirement. For single parents, you will need to submit a court order that proves you have custody of the child. Adoptive parents will have to provide a copy of the Adoption Decree that shows both of the adopting parents’ names.

Parental Identification

As parents, you will need to provide a photocopy of your personal ID. Acceptable forms of identification include your driver’s license, a valid passport, military ID, or, in the case of City, State or Federal employee, an Employee ID will be sufficient. Each individual application must have the necessary document copies attached.

Cost

There are two fees involved and they must be paid separately. The total cost for a child’s passport is one hundred and twenty dollars. The application fee is ninety-five dollars while the execution fee is another twenty-five dollars. You may be able to pay in cash if you have the exact amount or you can pay by personal check, money order or credit card. Not all acceptance facilities accept cash so you may want to check with the post office you plan to use.

Photos

The last thing you will need to complete your application packet is a passport photo. There are strict rules on what is acceptable so you may want to have a professional familiar with the requirements take the photos for you. Many post office facilities also offer a passport photo service.

Stop! Don’t Sign It Yet

Decide what location you are going to use for submission of your documents and inquire about their hours of operation. Make an appointment if they are available to help speed the process along. Once you have all the information gathered and your photocopies made, you are ready to submit your application. It is important to note that you are not to sign the application until in the presence of the acceptance agent.

Travel to other countries is an exciting adventure your whole family will enjoy. Having your childrens US pasports will open up the world for your children to explore. Don’t forget that even if you have an infant, they need an infant passport renewal as well. You will be giving your kids a lasting impression and cherished memories of time spent traveling abroad.

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