Can I renew my 17 yr old's passport while he is away at school?

by Susan
(Colorado)

Question: We are traveling mid April 2010 and my son is away at school. What do I need to do to renew his passport? It expires this month. Does he have to sign or can we sign for him? Do we have to go to a passport office with him to renew? That is not physically possible as he is in a boarding school that does not allow travel except once every four months.

Thank you for you help.

Answer: All minors age 16 and 17 must appear in person in order to submit a passport application. Besides the regular requirements, your son will be required to present a written consent form signed by both parents and notarized. This is usually required for minors under age 16 but also for minors age 16 & 17 whose parents cannot appear.

Requirements to Get a New Passport

1. Completed application form DS-11 (He should not sign the form until requested to do so by an acceptance agent.)

2. Proof of citizenship (This can be his previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate.)

3. Proof of ID (This can be his previous U.S. passport or a valid driver's license.)

4. Photocopy of identification document (Copy must be on 8 1/2" x 11" white paper. Both sides of the ID document must appear on one side of the paper.)

5. Two passport photos (Photos must be recent - taken within last 6 months.)

6. Pay applicable fees. (Passport book - $60 application fee plus $25 execution fee)

Your son may be required to establish his relationship with his parents. This can be done by presenting a certified birth certificate.

For more details, visit the web pages below.

How to Get a New Passport

Form DS-3053 - Parental Consent Form
(Each parent should complete a form)

Your son should take the application and supporting documents to the nearest passport application acceptance facility. Regular processing takes 4-6 weeks. It can take less or more time depending on the demand. Expedited service takes 2-3 weeks. There is an additional $60 fee for this service.

List of Passport Offices by State