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.
Click for fast expedited courier service
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand 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.
Expedited service takes from 5 to 7 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.
Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.
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 3 business days.
If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:
Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET, call 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793)
Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.
For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.
If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. ET.
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