Does my 16yo son need a passport book or a card to travel to Canada?
by Kathleen
(New Ulm, MN)
My now 16-year-old son was born in Germany and needed a passport to return to the US. Since then all our passports were either lost or missing. I am pretty sure they have expired.
Question: Do I need to file as lost/missing/stolen?
Answer: You only need to report the lost/missing/stolen passport if it has not expired. Otherwise, there is no need. You can file the report by calling 1-877-487-2778.
Question: Do I just file for a new passport for him?
Answer: All minors must apply for a new passport whether their previous one was lost or not. Click the link below for a complete list of requirements. Note, applicants age 16 must be accompanied by at least one parent.
New Passport RequirementsQuestion: His father was in the Army in Germany as well, so it was a military issue passport - does that make a difference?
Answer: No, it does not matter. He still needs to apply for a regular, tourist passport.
Question: Can we get a Passport Card for him? We are going on a trip to Toronto, Canada middle of June - is there enough time?
Answer: Passport cards can only be used for travel by land or sea. If you plan to travel by air, then you must obtain a passport book.
There is enough time to get the passport if you apply right away. Routine processing takes 4-6 weeks. If you need to
get the passport faster, you can request expedited service. There is an additional fee of $60 but the application is processed in 2-3 weeks.
Question: Since he is going with a school group, it is my understanding that if he has his picture ID along with his Application for Citizenship and Certificate of a Naturalized Citizen he will be OK. However - he is a Type 1 Diabetic and we may have to leave the group. Heaven forbid - but it is always better to be safe then sorry!
Answer: It is true that he can present a photo ID and the Certificate of Naturalization if traveling by land or sea. If the group will be traveling by air, then a passport book is required.
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.
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