Expired child's passport

by June Sloane
(Boca Raton, Florida)

Question: My granddaughter has an expired passport. She is now 14 & I want to take her to Europe when she is 15. Can I apply for a passport for her or does she need to go in person with her mother?

Answer: Passports issued to minors cannot be renewed. Your granddaughter must apply for a new passport.

The first step is to complete form DS-11. The application should not be signed until an agent asks your granddaughter to do so. This is done at a passport application acceptance facility.

Your granddaughter will also need to submit proof of U.S. citizenship (can be her expired passport) and two passport photos.

When applying for a minor under age 16, both parent(s)/guardian(s) must submit evidence of their relationship to the minor applicant and must also present acceptable personal identification at the time of application. A photocopy of the identification document should be submitted as well.

If one parent cannot be present, the one who is must submit the second parents' notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053).

For complete instructions on getting a passport for a minor, click the link below.

How to Apply for a Child's Passport