Important: Processing times recently changed for both routine and expedited passport applications.

Does a 17 year old need both parents' consent to be issued a passport?

Question: My 17-year-old has not seen his biological father in 14 years.

Answer: While the U.S. Department of State requires applicants ages 16 and 17 to establish parental consent, their website states, "You may be requested to provide written parental consent for a child age 16 or 17 if it is not implied on the application." However, it does not state how one might imply consent on the application form. We have been told that consent is implied if the minor pays the fees with a parent's check. There is inconsistency with how such cases are treated. In most cases, a 17-year-old can apply without the presence of a parent.

Comments for Does a 17 year old need both parents' consent to be issued a passport?

Click here to add your own comments

Not clear Instructions
by: Michael

Question: It should be made more clear for those applying for a renewal passport for minors and also if the child is age 17 if the form 3053 is required. I lost my scheduled appointment because of no clear or specific instructions on having a DS-3053. The post office says one thing and the internet says something different. Furthermore, I waited one month for an appointment to go for the renewal of my passport.

Answer: Hi, Michael. Form DS-3053 is not required for applicants aged 16 and 17 provided that they can present their own government-issued ID.

Passport at 19
by: Anonymous

Question: I’ve learned that I’m a US citizen from my father. He became a citizen when I was under the age of 18. I’m over 18 and I applied for a US passport. Weeks after the application, I was mailed that they need custody papers but I’m already over the age what do I do?

Answer: The custody papers they are referring to should date back to when you were underage. Custody under the U.S. citizen parent must be established in order to transmit citizenship.

Please contact the USCIS for more information regarding citizenship.

Passport for a 16 year old
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is 16. His father is on the birth certificate but got deported to Mexico in 2007. We haven’t sent him seen him and he's not in the picture. Can we get him a passport at 16?

Answer: At 16, your son can apply for his own passport with just your signed statement of awareness and consent for the application. He needs his own government-issued ID to present with his application.

Consent statement
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter is 17 and provided her ID with her application. The passport office never told us we needed a statement of consent to accompany her application. Is this a specific form to be used or just a general statement that we get notarized?

Answer: The typed/handwritten and signed statement of awareness and consent should suffice. It also does not need to be notarized.

17 year old passport renewal
by: Edina

Question: My daughter is 17 and her passport recently expired. Can we apply for a renewal passport online or does she need to apply for a new passport? I am not able to get an appointment. We travel in mid-July of this year so we will need to expedite the passport. Thank you for your help.

Answer: Since her last passport was issued when she was under the age of 16, you cannot apply for a renewal. The application for a new passport needs to be submitted in person. She may complete the application form online but she needs to print it out and submit it with the rest of the requirements.

1. Form DS-11
2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship (original/certified copy plus photocopy)
3. Proof of identity (present ID, submit a photocopy)
4. One passport photo
5. Payment for fees
-application: $110
-execution: $35 (paid separately)
-expedite: $60
-1 to 2 days delivery: $18.32
6. Signed statement of consent for the application by at least one parent

If you cannot secure an appointment with a local facility, please get back to us with your zip code so we can help you look for a nearly walk-in facility.

Passport at 17
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello. I’m trying to get my passport. I’m 17 and I have all the necessary documentation. However, my mom was recently deceased and my dad is incarcerated. How would they go about issuing my passport as I currently don’t have a legal guardian?

Answer: Your dad may write a statement saying that he is aware of the application. At 17, that's all you need as you can present your own government-issued photo ID.

17yo stepson to a deceased American father
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 17 yrs old, my mother got married to my American stepdad when I was 6 yrs old. He passed on in 2021. My mother is applying for a widow visa. My brothers have American passports. Can I also get an American passport? Can I also join them in traveling to the USA?

Answer: Only U.S. citizens may apply for an American passport. If you were legally adopted by your stepdad, there is a chance that you will be given citizenship when you are admitted to the United States.

If this is not the case, you may still travel to the United States with a foreign passport and the appropriate visa.

We recommend that you contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for further assistance regarding citizenship and possible travel to the United States.

17
by: Anonymous

Question: My cousin is trying to get her passport. She's 17 & both her parents are not available to accompany her to the agency. She has her school ID, her health insurance card & birth certificate. What are the chances of her obtaining her passport?

Answer: She needs to present her own government-issued ID plus a signed consent from at least one parent. We cannot guarantee that she will be issued a passport with the documents you listed.

Im 17 and need help
by: Anonymous

Question: My mother just got back from abroad to fix and help me renew my passport. As said years ago when we tried to renew my passport, at the age of 17 it is okay if only one parent accompanies me.

I am 17 now and we plan on fixing it now. But her leave for work is only a month and I was not able to schedule an appointment within the month. My father accompanying me is not an option as he passed away recently. What should I do to be able to renew my passport?

Answer: Your mother does not have to be present when you submit your new passport application. Consent/awareness may be shown through a signed statement (no need to notarize) or implied by her writing a check for your passport fees. We recommend both.

Passport for Minors Age 16 and 17

17 and need Help ASAP
by: Anonymous

Question: I have my appointment for the renewal of my passport in 2 days. Only my mother will accompany me as I'm 17. My father is out of the city and I haven't gotten the DS-3053 form signed by him, will my application be accepted? Or do I have to get the DS-3053 form submitted for sure for my application to get accepted?

Answer: At 17, you will only need one parent's consent/presence to apply for your passport. You no longer need your father's notarized consent. Please make sure that you have your own government-issued photo ID to present as proof of identity.

ID
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 17 but I don’t have a non-driver’s ID/permit. Would I be able to apply using my school-issued ID card?

Answer: A student ID is acceptable proof of identity if you submit it with another secondary ID like the following:

-Social Security card
-Voter registration card
-Employee ID
-Selective Service (draft) card
-Medicare or other health card
-Membership card in a local social organization or club
-Rental contracts
-Mortgage documents
-Auto registrations
-Traffic tickets & violations

At least one of your parents can also accompany you when the application is submitted.

Help
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I helped my brother-in-law apply for a passport, he’s 17 years old and he had his own identification.

However, his brother and I are not his legal guardians. He’s living with us and his Dad's in jail and his Mom is in Mexico. Is it possible for him to be able to get his passport without any parental consent? This was almost 6 weeks ago when we sent out the application at the post office and we haven’t received a letter from the Passport agency saying they need parental consent or any other information?

Answer: Have you checked the application status online?

Check the Status

If it is already "in process" then the documents you submitted were likely sufficient. Parental consent is not a requirement. The applicant must only establish parental awareness of the application being submitted. This may be shown by a check for the fees written by a parent or a signed letter stating awareness.

You may contact passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Passport for 17 year old who needs it renewed
by: Anonymous

Question: Does my 17-year-old need to apply with parents at a passport location as it’s a renewal of a minor passport he had 5 years before?

Answer: At 17, your child may now apply for a passport without a parent present as long as he already has a government-issued ID. One of the parents may provide a signed statement conveying awareness of the application or you may imply consent by writing a cheque for the fees.

17 year old
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello. My daughter is 17 and has to go to the passport agency. I am her father. Am I allowed to go and get a passport for her by myself or does she need to be with me? Thank you.

Answer: The applicant has to be present in order to apply for her passport. She also needs to present her own government-issued ID now that she is 17 and applying for an adult passport.

17 and need help
by: Anonymous

Question: Dad was deported to Mexico when I was 2 and my mom just passed in May of 2020. I currently live with my aunt and uncle and want to go on vacation with them. Can they sign for my passport?

Answer: We're sorry to learn about your loss.

At 17, you may apply for your passport without a parent present if you already have your own government-issued ID. What you will need implied consent from your custodians. This can be in the form of a signed consent (no need to notarize) or they may simply write a check to pay for the passport fees.

Crisis
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is 16 years old and I have custody and his mom lives in Dubai. She wants him to travel but he does not have a passport or ID. I don't want him to travel. Can he get a passport without my permission? I have custody and he lives with me.

Answer: It's a tricky situation because of the minor's age. As a general rule, 16 and 17-year-old minors may apply with only one parent's consent. However, the said minor must also present a valid government-issued ID. Since your son does not have an ID, he needs a parent to present identification on his behalf. Since the other parent is overseas, she cannot help your son apply.

So in a nutshell, your son cannot apply for his own passport without you or the other parent's presence and ID. You may contact passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Need answer asap
by: cesar

Question: I am 16 and my dad left to Mexico when I was 9 because he got divorced from my mom. My mom doesn't have full custody so they need both of my parents signature. What would I have to do to travel?

Answer: At 16, you can apply for a passport on your own if you already have a government-issued ID. You will then only need a signed consent from your mother.

Confused
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is autistic and he's 17 now and of course he doesn't have an I.D. What documents does he need to get a passport?
He had a passport 16 years ago.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Answer: The parents or legal guardians can provide identification instead. Please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Does a 16 year old need both parent consent to get a passport?
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 16 and my parents are not together. Do you need a both their permission to get a passport and leave the country?

Answer: At 16, you may apply for your passport with just one parent's consent if you already have your own government-issued ID. As for leaving the country though, you need to check with your destination's government if they require parental consent for traveling minors.

Passport for Minor
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 17 years old and need to get a new passport. Am I able to get it myself? If not, can I only go with one parent if the other isn’t around anymore?

Answer: At 17, you no longer require a parent to appear with you in person when the application is submitted. This is IF you already have your own government-issued photo ID. You will only need a statement of awareness/consent from one parent and a photocopy of his/her ID and the rest of the requirements for an adult passport.

Passport renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm 17 years old and my passport will be expiring after I turn 18. My parents live in Mexico, and I don't live with my legal guardians. So can I wait til I'm 18 and renew it or should I renew it in Mexico where I can have my parents come with me. And if so, how long should I wait til I renew my passport and what documents should I fill out.

Answer: You can wait until you turn 18 so you will be of legal age and no longer require parental presence or consent to apply for your new passport.

No ID
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter is 17 she doesn’t have a ID card yet. We are going on vacation in 8 days, can she get a passport without a ID ? What other documents can we use to get her a passport?

Answer: Your daughter must present secondary proofs of identity when she applies. Please apply at a regional passport agency to get the passport in time for your trip. Bring proof of immediate international travel in addition to the new passport requirements.

I need help
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm 17 years old and I don't have my parents, I need to get an ID so I can work in any place at least part-time. I don't want to know if I need my parent's sign I just wanna know where can I get my ID.

Answer: We specialize in passport issuance. Since you need an ID to get a passport, you need to take care of that first. I suggest you contact the DMV to apply for a driver's license or a non-driver state ID.

Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can my 17-year-old get her own passport with a parents' consent?? If so, how do we get one? I am her legal mother so I am giving her permission to go on this trip, will that be enough for her to get her passport?

Answer: At 17, your daughter may apply with just your signed consent and ID photocopy in addition to the requirements for an adult passport if she already has her own government-issued ID like a driver's license. She needs to submit the requirements in person at an acceptance facility. Schedule an appointment here.

Get my own passport at age 17
by: Luis M

Question: Can I apply for a passport at the age of 17? I’m about to turn 18 on November 18 this year and I do not have my parents with me. They live in Mexico and I live with one of my mom's aunts. Is it possible I can apply by myself?

Answer: You may apply without parental presence if you already have a government-issued ID. You will then only need to present a signed consent plus ID photocopy from at least one parent. Your parent/s may mail the consent to you from Mexico.

If you are not in a hurry to travel, you may wait until you turn 18. You will then not need any parental consent or presence to apply for a passport.

Passport info
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m going to be 17 this year. Will I need parental consent or a parent with me to get a passport?

Answer: At 17, you may apply for your new adult passport without both parents' presence or notarized consent if you can present your own identification document. You then only need a signed statement of consent from at least one parent and a photocopy of that parent's ID.

Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I’m 16, will be 17 August 2nd of 2018 and I wanted to apply for a passport to go on a cruise July 29-August 5th. I don’t speak with my mother and live with my father but they both have shared custody.

I have a passport but it’s expired so I’m assuming I need to either renew it or apply for one. My father is okay with me going but I don’t want to talk to my mother. Do I have to have her signed consent that I can get a passport and go on the cruise or do I just need one parent?

Answer: At 16 or 17, you will only need a signed statement of consent from at least one parent plus a photocopy of that parent's ID. Your father can supply these.

You need to apply for a new passport in person. You will be issued an adult passport that will be valid for 10 years.

Traveling
by: Anonymous

Question: I am currently 15 and living with only my mom because my dad is in Yemen which is another country and he is unable to come to the U.S. I am a citizen and I was wondering if I were to travel to Mexico for vacation from the U.S, would I only need my moms consent or do I need my fathers too? I asked this before but didn’t get a clear answer.

Answer: A consent from at least one parent should suffice.

Traveling
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I am currently 15 and living with my mom because my dad is living in another country. They are married but for some reason my father can’t come to the U.S. I am a citizen and I was wondering if I were to travel out of the U.S, would I need both parents consent or just my mothers?

Answer: It depends on the requirements of the country/countries you are traveling to. Some countries have stringent rules for minors traveling without parents or legal guardians while others do not have any. Please contact the embassy of the country you are traveling to for specific information regarding entry by unaccompanied minors.

Passport for 17-year-old
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 17 years old. My mother killed my father an she is no where to be found. I've been living with my aunt since I was 5 years old. Can I have a passport? Cystal

Answer: You can obtain a U.S. passport on your own if you have a government-issued ID like a driver's license. However, you need a letter from your legal guardian stating that he/she is aware of the application.

If your aunt was assigned as your legal guardian, she can provide this letter. We recommend that you call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for advice.

Consent to Travel
by: Anonymous

Question: I have sole decision making of my 17-year-old son (will be 18 in 3 months), he hasn't seen his father in more than 6 months. We don't even know where he is. We were able to get his passport with no problems with my presence. We have a flight to the middle east with a stop in Germany in 4 weeks. How concerned do I need to be to have a consent to travel form signed by his dad?

Answer: If you sole custody of the child, there should be no problems traveling. Also, a travel consent is usually required for minors under the age of 15. We recommend that you contact the airline you are flying with to verify travel document requirements.

I don't have my parents and I am homeless
by: I can't say my name

Question: Hi I am 17 years old and I want to know how can I get a passport. I don't have my parents and I don't have a custody guardian and I want to get my passport. My family is in Mexico so I am asking, how do I get my passport?

Answer: Minors age 16 and 17 who have their own government-issued ID may apply for U.S. passports without the presence of their parents. However, implied consent is may be required. This can be in the form of a signed statement of consent from at least one parent accompanied by a copy of that parent's ID. One of your parents may mail the statement and ID photocopy from Mexico.

17 year old traveling with out parents.
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 17 years old and I don't live with my parents. I want to travel to Mexico, do I need a consent form in order to go there?

Answer: Minors traveling alone to and from Mexico will be required to present a document showing the consent to travel from at least one parent (or legal guardian) in order to leave. You need to secure this document from your parents to avoid issues while you travel.

17 yr old needed parental consent
by: Anonymous

Question: My 17-year-old son applied for a passport with me in attendance used my check, his driver's license and his birth certificate. We just received a letter stating that his father and I need to submit in writing a consent for him to apply for a passport. It's been almost 6 weeks since we applied. Why don't they just ask for the consent at the start? Now the passport will be delayed another 4 weeks pushing us way to close to travel dates!

Answer: You may register a formal complaint at the National Passport Information Center. You may also call 1-877-487-2778 to speak with a customer service representative.

Apply for passport at age 17
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I'm 17 and I want to apply for passport but they say I need at least 1 parent. My father passed away recently and I don't really have a legal guardian. So, what can I do?

Answer: You did not mention your mother. Can she appear with you? If that is not possible, you might try applying at a different application acceptance facility. Parental awareness is really just a recommendation. If you have your own valid ID, some facilities will accept the application form without the presence of a parent.

Do I need proof of legal custody?
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I am a US citizen applying for passport for my 17-year-old daughter. They sent me a letter stating I need to get proof of legal custody. She's been living with me here in the US and her father lives in the Philippines. What do I do?

Answer: Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak with a customer service representative about acceptable documents you can submit to prove legal custody of your daughter.

Requirements for 17-year-olds
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I'm 17 years old and my mom has half custody and I'm trying to get my passport. Do I need to have to get my dad's permission to get my passport?

Answer: Minors ages 16-17 with their own identification can apply for a passport by themselves. However, it is recommended that at least one parent appear in person with the minor to identify him/her and to show parental awareness.

passport for 17-year-old
by: Anonymous

Question: I have two kids my son 17 and my daughter 17. I'm a citizen of the USA. I want to get USA passports for my kids. Do I need permission for my 17-year-old son from his father? He is in Peru. What do I do? What about my daughter: They have lived with me for 11 years. Thank you.

Answer: Children ages 16-17 with their own identification can apply for a passport by themselves. However, it is recommended that at least one parent appear in person with the child to identify him/her and to show parental awareness. Since both your children are age 17, the father's consent is not required.

Travel without Parental Consent
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, my father has full custody of me and I don't visit my biological mother. Now I'm 17 and I want to go overseas with my grandfather. Do I have to have permission or written consent from my mother to travel even though I don't have any contact with her whatsoever?

Answer: At 17, you can apply for a passport without your parents. Most airlines allow you to fly alone at that age. Some countries require minors under age 18 carry a parental consent form. Please contact the embassy of the country you plan to visit for details about traveling as a minor.

Quick Question
by: Anonymous

Question: I am currently 17 yrs old, I live with my mother. Do I need a letter of consent to travel with a friend to Mexico for winter break?

Answer: The U.S. Embassy in Mexico recommends all minors traveling without both parents carry a notarized consent letter at all times in the event airline or Mexican immigration officials request one.

B2 us visa application for a 17-year old
by: Zie

Question: Hello, I'm 17 years old and i'm an African studying in the Caribbean. I need a B2 visa to go to the us for my vacation in December. What do I need to have high chances of getting the visa. Do I need a letter of consent from both parents?

Thanks for your support...looking forward to getting your reply :)

Answer: You will find all the information you need about visit the United States here.

Passport ASAP
by: Ashley

Question: I am 16 years old. My grandmother recently passed away. I need to go to Mexico but need a passport. I'm a US citizen. Do I need my father's signiture because I live with my mother. I need a answer ASAP.

Answer: Usually, the consent of one parent is sufficient for an applicant age 16 or 17. There are three ways to establish consent. It can be implied on the application form. A parent can complete the consent form and have it notarized. Finally, you can appear with one parent at the passport office.

Since you need a passort quickly, you will have to expedite the process. Expediting through a passport office can take up to 3 weeks. You can try to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency but there may not be an opening prior to your trip.

An alternative is to employ the services of a qualified passport expediting courier service like Fastport Passport

passport renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm 17 years old and my American passport expired. Do I need my parents consent for a renewal? I live in Peru. What do I need to do?

Answer: To apply for a new United States passport in Peru, you need to visit the U.S. Embassy in Lima. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 11:30am, except American and Peruvian holidays.

For further instructions, please call the Embassy. Telephone inquiry hours for non-emergency American Citizen Services questions are from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except U.S. and Peruvian holidays.

Telephone: [011] (51-1) 618-2000.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Passport for 16 or 17 Year Old FAQ.


Click for fast expedited courier service

More Passport & Travel Information

Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.

Applying at a Regional Passport Agency
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.

Using a Registered Courier Service
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.

Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.

How to Renew a U.S. Passport Fast
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.

Expedite Your Passport Now!