U.S. Passport Renewal Rules for Minors Under 16 Explained

The U.S. Department of State mandates that children under 16 years old cannot renew their existing passports. Instead, families must submit a fresh application using Form DS-11 for every new passport requested, regardless of whether the child previously held a valid document.

In most cases, the child is required to appear in person at an authorized facility during the submission process. Both parents or legal guardians must also participate, providing evidence of their relationship to the child and their own physical identification.

If one parent is unable to attend, they must provide formal consent, such as a notarized statement or specific legal documentation proving sole authority. In instances where a parent is located outside the United States, they may need to use a U.S. embassy or consulate to complete the required authorization forms.

Applicants must provide physical proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a previous passport, as digital versions are not permitted. The Department of State recommends that families account for both processing and mailing times when planning travel, noting that routine service typically takes four to six weeks.