Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

Can a 16-year-old get her passport without father's permission?

by Angela
(Phoenix, Az United States)

Question: I am 16 and my parents are separated. My father is living in a different state, he never fought for custody, and I live with my mother. My mother, sister, brother (both of legal age), and I want to go to Mexico in the summer. Do I need my father's permission to get a passport and leave the U.S.?


Answer: If your mother has sole legal custody, then the father's consent is not required. Even if she does not have sole legal custody, your father's consent may not be required.

There has been inconsistency in relation to this issue. Some acceptance agents require the presence of both parents or the presence of one parent and notarized consent from the non-applying parent. Others will accept a passport application from a 16-year-old accompanied by only one parent.

Contact the nearest Phoenix passport office for more information about specific requirements.

Many countries require minor children traveling with only one parent to carry notarized consent to travel from the non-traveling parent. Contact Mexico's Secretary of Tourism for more information. The number is 1-866-640-0597.

For a list of requirements to obtain a passport, click the link below.

New Passport Requirements

For a list of location where you can apply in Phoenix, click the link below.

Phoenix Passport Offices

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Need passport without father's consent
by: Nataly

Question: I live with my mother and all my siblings, no father present. He lives with his family in Portland. We live in Salem. We stopped seeing him because he is tiring and not responsible, especially with his wife there to interfere with bonding time. Me and younger brother really want our passports and dual citizenship before its too late, but our dad just won't give it to us. He says no unless he gets joint custody of us. He blackmails my mother saying it's the ONLY way he will do it. But that will NEVER happen because we don't want him to have any decision making and control of our lives. I'm going to be 17 soon, and feel that I am running out of time. I'm extremely tired of fighting with him and feel hopeless. My mother agrees with getting my passport and especially my dual citizenship because I need that before I turn 18 and can't afford the fees every time I want to travel when I do turn 18. I don't know what to do anymore. HELP PLEASE!!

Answer: At 16, you can already apply for your passport without your father's consent. Minors age 16 and 17 who already have their own government-issued ID may apply with only one parent. Your mother can either accompany you to the acceptance facility or provide a signed consent plus a photocopy of her ID. Consent may also be implied if she writes a check for you to pay the fees.

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COVID-19 UPDATE: Mailing delays are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility. Standard service may take between 8 and 11 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

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Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 business days).

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