Navigating the transition from a child passport to an adult passport can be confusing and stressful for many applicants and their families. Understanding when and how to renew a child’s passport into an adult passport is essential to avoid travel disruptions and delays. This guide aims to clarify the process, set clear expectations, and provide step-by-step instructions to help you smoothly transition from a child passport to an adult passport. Whether you are approaching your 16th birthday or turning 18, knowing the correct forms, documents, and procedures to follow is crucial. The key question many ask is, “how do I renew a child to an adult passport?” This article answers that question and offers practical advice to ensure your passport application is processed efficiently. By following these guidelines, you can avoid common pitfalls and be well-prepared for your upcoming international travel.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 16 cannot renew their passports and must apply for a new child’s passport in person using New Passport Application Form DS-11.
- At age 16 or older, individuals may be eligible to renew their passport by mail using Passport Renewal Form DS-82 if they meet specific criteria.
- Eligible adults may also be able to renew online, offering added convenience for those who qualify.
- A child’s passport issued at age 16 is valid for 5 years, while adult passports issued at 16 or older are valid for 10 years.
- Parental or legal guardian consent is required for applicants under 18, with specific forms needed if one parent is absent.
- Expedited services are available for faster processing, and application status updates can be tracked online through the Department of State.
- Many services now allow you to manage applications and track status through passports online systems, making the process more convenient.
- Proper submission of all required documents, including proof of citizenship and identity, is essential to avoid delays.
- It is important to check current processing times before applying to plan your application and travel accordingly.
- Upon turning 18, you must apply for a new adult passport; renewal of a child passport is not possible at this stage.
Introduction to Adult Passport
When you turn 16 or older, you become eligible to apply for an adult passport, which is valid for 10 years and is essential for traveling internationally. Whether you need a passport book for air travel or a passport card for land and sea crossings to certain countries, the process starts with submitting a passport application to the Department of State. First-time applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, and provide proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity—such as a driver’s license—and evidence of age.
If you already have a valid passport issued after your 16th birthday, you may be able to renew a passport by mail using Form DS-82. This is a convenient option for many adults, as you simply mail in your most recent passport, the completed application form, new passport photos, and the appropriate fee. Eligible adults may also have the option to renew online through the Department of State’s digital platform, making the process even more convenient. For those who need their passport quickly, expedited service is available for an additional fee, reducing the processing time from several weeks to as little as a few days.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to ensure your passport is valid before making any international travel plans. The Department of State provides detailed instructions and requirements for both new applications and renewals, helping you avoid delays and travel disruptions. Using passports online systems allows you to submit applications, schedule appointments, and track your progress with ease.
Comparison Table: Child Passport vs Adult Passport Renewal
Feature | Child Passport (Under 16) | Adult Passport (16 and Older) |
|---|---|---|
Renewal Eligibility | Cannot renew; must apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11 | Eligible to renew by mail using Form DS-82 if criteria met |
Validity Period | 5 years | 10 years |
Application Submission | In person with both parents/legal guardians present | Can renew by mail or in person depending on eligibility |
Parental Consent Required | Yes, both parents or legal guardians must consent | Not required if applicant is 18 or older; under 18 requires parental consent |
Required Documents | Proof of citizenship, proof of identity, parental consent forms | Most recent passport, completed renewal form, new photos, fees |
Expedited Service Availability | Yes | Yes |
Fees | $100 for passport book, $15 for passport card | |
Application Tracking | Online status updates available | Online status updates available |
Special Notes | Parent or guardian must sign application; appointment may be required | Renewal by mail possible only if passport meets specific criteria |
Renew Passport From Child to Adult – What To Do When You Turn 18:
When it comes to U.S. passports, children under 16, those at age 16, and those turning 18 each have different requirements. A child’s passport is issued to children under 16, and these children cannot renew their passport—instead, they must apply for a new one using form DS-11. To apply for a passport for children under 16, both the child and their parent or guardian must appear in person, and an appointment may be required at a passport acceptance facility. The process involves submitting the completed application, all required documents, and supporting documents, such as proof of citizenship and parental consent.
A renewal application is only possible for those who meet specific criteria, such as adults with an undamaged, recently expired passport. If you do not meet these criteria, you cannot renew and must apply for a passport in person using form DS-11. Those who are 16 years of age or older may be eligible to apply by submitting form DS-82, provided they meet the renewal requirements and include all necessary documents.
Moreover, a 16-year-old’s child’s passport is only valid for 5 years, while individuals who are age 16 or older will receive a passport valid for 10 years.
How Do I Renew My Passport if I Was Under 16 when Issued
Children under 16 with a child’s passport cannot renew and must apply for a new passport. To apply for a passport for children under 16, the process requires using form DS 11 and submitting all required documents and supporting documents in person. Parents or guardians must sign the application for children under 16 to complete the process.
Getting a new passport is generally a much more hectic task than renewing an older passport. For example, it involves a lot of documentation, in-person appearances, and a higher chance of mistakes. When transitioning from a minor to an adult passport at age 18,
Passportsandvisas.com makes the process easy and minimizes the burden of documentation and other rules and regulations. We ensure:
- Fulfillment as quick as 3 business days
- Smooth and error-free documentation to save time
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Do You Need a New Passport When You Turn 18?
Yes, as discussed above, you cannot renew a child’s passport once you turn 18. Instead, you must apply for a new adult passport, as a renewal application is only possible for those who meet specific eligibility criteria. Children under 16 have different requirements and must apply for a child’s passport, which is valid for 5 years. When you apply for a passport, especially for children under 16, an appointment may be required for in-person submission. Be sure to submit all required documents and supporting documents to ensure your application is processed smoothly. After you turn 18, your new passport will be considered an adult passport with a validity of 10 years.
Process to Get a New Child Passport:
Official Identification
First thing, regardless of the secondary school, up-and-comers should show official unmistakable confirmation while applying for a U.S. passport restoration. Young people ought to exhibit their personality by introducing a copy of one of the going with documents:
- A child’s passport (even if expired)
- A passport book, no matter what the remote possibility that it is slipped by at this point
- A driver’s license (parent’s or applicant’s, as applicable)
- A non-driver ID (student ID card, youth card, etc)
All required supporting documents must be submitted with the application to ensure successful processing and compliance with travel regulations.
Application form to be submitted
Structure DS-82 is possibly required assuming the last time your Child Passport was renewed after they turned 16. In this case, your child may be eligible to renew by mail by submitting a renewal application along with all required documents and supporting documents.
However, if you need to renew a child’s passport before they turn 16, you cannot renew by mail. In this situation, you cannot renew and must apply in person using form DS 11. The applicant must visit a U.S. government official and submit the application form along with all necessary documents and supporting documents.
Consent of Both Parents
Kids who are 16 and older must submit the required documents, including supporting documents such as a copy of a parent’s driver’s license, to illustrate parental consent. Parents or guardians must sign the application and provide all necessary documents to ensure successful processing. If only one parent can accompany the child to the office, you will be expected to complete and sign Form DS-3053, which communicates the other party’s consent.
Kids above 18 can apply for a U.S. passport without full parental consent; however, they should present the appropriate documents, including a parental care record and any required supporting documents, such as a signed and stamped letter to the U.S. passport office. Remember, at least one parent should attach a copy of their driver’s license as part of the supporting documents. A parent’s ID is important for continuing with the application process.
A Child Passport Application Fee
- On the off chance that a child is under 16 years of age, a Child Passport book fee is $100, while a passport card fee is $15. These fees can be paid by check or money order, payable to the appropriate authority, such as ‘Postmaster’ at the Post Office.
- Kids who are 16 or more seasoned need to pay a fee of $130 for a Passport book and $30 for a passport card. When paying in person, you may use a money order as an accepted payment method.
Passport services include processing applications, renewals, and expedited service options for U.S. travelers.
Required Documentation for Renewal of A Child Passport
- A copy of U.S. citizenship proof (make sure to include all required documents and supporting documents as specified by the passport agency).
- A copy of the candidate’s ID
- Announcement of parental mindfulness or assent, contingent upon the high school (parents or guardians must sign the application and any required consent forms for minors).
- An appropriately finished identification application (the applicant or parent must sign the application where indicated).
- Receipt demonstrating that the candidate has paid the corresponding fees
- U.S. identification photograph
Note: Ensure all documents are properly prepared and submitted to avoid delays. The print features of your passport, such as the data page and printed visa pages, are essential for identification and travel compliance.
Travel Considerations When Transitioning to an Adult Passport
When moving from a child’s passport to an adult passport, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your travel plans go smoothly. Since a child’s passport is only valid for 5 years, you’ll need to apply for a new passport before your current one expires—especially if you have upcoming international trips. The Department of State strongly recommends that you begin the process of obtaining your adult passport at least 6 weeks before your intended departure date. This allows enough time for standard processing and helps you avoid last-minute stress or travel delays.
Keep in mind that many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. If your child’s passport is nearing expiration, or if you’re about to turn 18, it’s wise to check your passport’s expiration date and start your new passport application early. Submitting your application to the Department of State well in advance ensures you’ll have a valid adult passport in hand when you need it.
If you’re pressed for time, expedited service is available for an additional fee, which can reduce processing times from several weeks to just a few days. However, applying early is always the best way to avoid complications. Remember, a valid adult passport is essential for international travel, and being proactive about your renewal or new passport application will help you meet all Department of State requirements and travel with confidence.
Tracking Progress of Your Application
Once you’ve submitted your passport application, keeping track of its progress is easy and can give you peace of mind. The Department of State offers online status updates, allowing you to check the current status of your application at any time. Simply visit their official website and enter your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to view updates. You can also check current processing times on the Department of State website to estimate how long your application will take and plan your travel accordingly.
You’ll also receive a receipt when you apply in person or by mail—be sure to keep this for your records, as it contains important information for tracking your application. If you’ve opted for expedited service, you can expect more frequent status updates and a faster turnaround. For those who applied through a passport agency or center, or used a courier service like Passports and Visas.com, you may also receive real-time tracking and personalized notifications. Using passports online systems makes it even easier to track your status and receive timely notifications about your application.
If you experience delays or need assistance, the Department of State’s customer service and the congressional liaison department are available to help. Expedited processing may be especially important if you need to travel urgently due to a serious health crisis or death of a family member. Staying informed about your application status ensures you’re prepared for your upcoming travel and can address any issues promptly.
Finalizing the Application: What Happens After Submission?
Once you’ve submitted your completed application for a new adult passport—whether you’re transitioning from a child’s passport or applying for the first time—the next steps are all about patience, preparation, and staying informed. After your documents and fees are received by the Department of State, your application enters a review process where officials verify your identity, citizenship documents, and all supporting materials. This is a critical stage, as any missing or incorrect information can delay your new passport.
During this period, you can track your application status online using the Department of State’s status updates tool. Simply enter your personal details and application information to receive real-time updates on your passport’s progress. If you applied through a passport agency, center, or a trusted expediting service like Passports and Visas.com, you may also receive personalized notifications and support from your account manager.
If the Department of State requires additional information—such as a missing birth certificate, marriage certificate, or clarification on a court order—you’ll be contacted via mail or email. It’s important to respond promptly and provide any requested documents to avoid further delays. Always keep your application receipt and any correspondence from the Department of State or liaison department, as these contain important reference numbers and instructions.
Once your application is approved, your new adult passport (and passport card, if requested) will be sent to you via first class mail or the delivery method you selected. Be sure to check the contents immediately upon arrival to confirm all documents are correct and your passport is valid for your intended travel dates. If you notice any errors or if your passport is lost or stolen after delivery, contact the Department of State or your expediting service right away to report the issue and begin the replacement process.
For those who opted for expedited service, processing times are significantly reduced, but it’s still wise to monitor your application status and plan ahead. In rare cases, if you experience a life or death emergency or urgent travel need, you can reach out to the Department of State’s congressional liaison department for assistance.
By staying proactive, keeping your documentation organized, and using online tracking tools, you can ensure a smooth transition from a child’s passport to an adult passport. Passports and Visas.com is here to help at every step, offering expert guidance, real-time updates, and expedited solutions to get you ready for your next international adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I renew my child’s passport by mail?
No, child passports for applicants under 16 cannot be renewed by mail. A new application must be submitted in person using Form DS-11. - At what age can I renew my passport by mail?
Applicants who were issued a passport at age 16 or older and meet specific criteria can renew by mail using Form DS-82. - Is parental consent required for passport applications?
Yes, for applicants under 18, parental or legal guardian consent is required. Specific forms like Form DS-3053 may be needed if one parent is absent. - What documents are needed to apply for a new adult passport?
You need proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, a completed application form, passport photos, and payment of fees. - Can I expedite my passport application?
Yes, expedited service is available for an additional fee and can significantly reduce processing times. - What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?
You must report the loss immediately and apply for a replacement passport using the appropriate forms and procedures. - How long is a child’s passport valid?
A child’s passport issued under age 16 is valid for 5 years. - How long is an adult passport valid?
An adult passport issued at age 16 or older is valid for 10 years. - Can I renew my passport online?
Eligible adults may renew their passports online through the Department of State’s digital platform. - What if I have a life or death emergency and need a passport quickly?
You can request expedited service or visit a passport agency for urgent processing in cases of life or death emergencies.
