Must BOTH parents be present when renewing a passport for 16-year-old minor?

by DIanna
(Seattle, WA USA)

Question: Our daughter is turning 16 on Wednesday and we are traveling on June 16. We want to wait until she is 16 so her passport will be valid for a longer time.

Do both parents need to accompany her for the renewal? If not, does the other parent have to provide notarized consent? Can we make an appointment for the expedited service even though we will be traveling in 3 weeks (not two)? Will we be turned away from the appointment?

Please advise. Thank you in advance.

Answer: Both parents are not required to appear when a minor age 16 submits an application for a passport. Only one parent is required. This parent must also present valid photo ID if the minor does not have his or her own .

Concerning parental consent, the State Department states that minors age 16 or 17 must "establish parental consent." They go on to say that this should be "implied on the application." When it is not, the minor "may be requested to provide written parental consent."

Regional passport agencies only attend applicants whose departure date is within two weeks. The only way you can submit the application sooner is if you also need to obtain travel visas. In this case, the agency allows you to make an appointment up to four weeks before your departure date.

Click the link below for information about the agency that serves your state.

Seattle Passport Agency