Can I renew a passport issued for a minor who is now 16?

Question: My son's passport was issued when he was 11. He is now 16. Can I renew that passport or do I now apply for a passport for him as an adult? I think, from reading the website info, that applying as an adult is the right answer, but I want to confirm (because that seems to cost more).

Answer: You are correct. Passports issued to minors cannot be renewed by mail. At age 16, your son will apply for a new passport in the same manner as adults do with the following considerations.

All Minors Age 16 and 17 shall:

* Appear in person at the time of application

* Have a parent or guardian present photo identification IF the minor does not have identification of his or her own

* Provide a photocopy of the same ID document that will be presented at the time of application (applicant or parent/guardian).

* Establish parental consent (You may be requested to provide written parental consent for a child age 16 or 17 IF it is not implied on the application)

The application fee for an applicant age 16 and up is $110 (paid to the Department of State) and the execution fee is $25 (paid to agent at passport application acceptance facility). It takes 4-5 weeks to process applications. Expedited service takes 2-3 weeks but costs an additional $60.

For faster service, schedule an appointment at a regional processing center or apply for the services of an authorized expediter such as Fastport Passport.