Complete Form DS-11 for a Child – A Detailed Walkthrough

When it comes to traveling abroad with your child, it is important to have all the necessary documents in order. One of the most important documents you will need is a passport for your child. To obtain a passport for your child, you will need to fill out Form DS-11, which is the application for a U.S. passport. This form is specifically designed for children under the age of 16. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of filling out Form DS-11 for your child.

Step 1: Begin by downloading Form DS-11 from the official website of the U.S. Department of State. Make sure to download the form specifically for children under the age of 16. You can also pick up a copy of the form at your local passport acceptance facility.

Step 2: Once you have the form, read through the instructions carefully. It is important to understand all the requirements and guidelines before filling out the form. This will help ensure that you provide accurate and complete information.

Step 3: Fill out the form using black ink and capital letters. Make sure to provide all the required information, including your child’s full name, date of birth, and social security number (if applicable). It is important to be as accurate as possible when filling out the form to avoid any delays or issues with your child’s passport application.

Step 4: Once you have completed the form, review it carefully to make sure all the information is correct. Any mistakes or missing information can result in delays or rejection of your child’s passport application. If you need to make any corrections, use a single line to cross out the incorrect information and write the correct information next to it.

Step 5: After reviewing the form, you will need to sign and date it. If your child is old enough to sign their own name, they should also sign the form. If your child is too young to sign, you can sign on their behalf as the parent or legal guardian.

Step 6: Finally, you will need to submit the completed Form DS-11 along with the required supporting documents to a passport acceptance facility. These documents may include proof of your child’s U.S. citizenship, proof of your relationship to the child, and a passport photo of your child. Make sure to bring the original documents as well as photocopies.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily fill out Form DS-11 for your child and ensure a smooth passport application process. Remember to double-check all the information and provide all the necessary documents to avoid any delays or issues. Once your child’s passport application is approved, you can start planning your exciting international adventure!

Section 1: Gather Required Documents

When filling out Form DS-11 for a child, it is important to gather all the required documents beforehand. This will ensure a smooth and efficient application process. The following documents are necessary:

– Proof of U.S. Citizenship: You will need to provide evidence of your child’s U.S. citizenship. This can be in the form of a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship.

– Evidence of Parental Relationship: You must also provide documentation that establishes your relationship to the child. This can be a certified birth certificate, an adoption decree, a court order establishing custody, or a report of birth abroad.

– Parental Consent: If both parents are listed on the child’s birth certificate, both parents must provide consent for the child’s passport application. This can be done by both parents appearing in person at the passport acceptance facility or by submitting a notarized consent form.

It is important to note that if only one parent is listed on the child’s birth certificate, additional documentation may be required. This can include a court order granting sole custody to one parent or a death certificate of the non-applying parent.

By gathering these required documents in advance, you can ensure a smooth and efficient application process for your child’s passport. It is always recommended to check the official website of the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date information and requirements.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

When filling out Form DS-11 for a child, you will need to provide proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship. This is an important requirement to establish the child’s eligibility for a U.S. passport.

There are several documents that can be used as proof of U.S. citizenship for a child:

It is important to note that the proof of U.S. citizenship document must be an original or certified copy. Photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.

If the child does not have any of the above documents, there are alternative documents that can be submitted as evidence of U.S. citizenship. These include a Delayed Birth Certificate, Early Public Records, or a Letter of No Record.

When submitting the proof of U.S. citizenship document, make sure to include the original or certified copy along with the application. The document will be returned to you by mail once the application process is complete.

Providing the correct proof of U.S. citizenship is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful application process for a child’s U.S. passport. Make sure to carefully gather the required documents and follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State.

Evidence of Parental Relationship

When filling out Form DS-11 for a child, it is important to provide evidence of the parental relationship. This is necessary to establish the child’s eligibility for a U.S. passport. The following documents can be used as evidence:

• Child’s birth certificate: A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate is the most common document used to establish parental relationship. It should include the names of both parents.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad: If the child was born outside of the United States and one or both parents are U.S. citizens, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad can be used as evidence of parental relationship.
• Adoption decree: If the child was adopted, an adoption decree or court order establishing the adoption can be used as evidence of parental relationship.
• Court order establishing custody or guardianship: If the child is in the custody or guardianship of someone other than the parents, a court order establishing custody or guardianship can be used as evidence of parental relationship.
• Parent’s valid identification: In addition to the above documents, the parent or parents must also provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to establish their own identity.

It is important to note that all documents provided as evidence of parental relationship must be original or certified copies. Photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.

When submitting the evidence of parental relationship, it is recommended to include a cover letter explaining the relationship and why the documents are being submitted. This can help expedite the processing of the passport application.

By providing the necessary evidence of parental relationship, you can ensure that your child’s passport application is processed smoothly and without any delays.

Parental Consent

When filling out Form DS-11 for a child, parental consent is required. This means that both parents or legal guardians must provide their consent for the child to obtain a passport.

There are a few different ways to provide parental consent:

1. Both parents can appear in person with the child when submitting the application. This is the preferred method and ensures that both parents are present to provide their consent.
2. If one parent is unable to appear in person, they can provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053). This form must be signed and notarized, and the original document must be submitted with the application.
3. If one parent has sole legal custody of the child, they can provide evidence of this custody, such as a court order or legal document.
4. If one parent is deceased, the surviving parent can provide a death certificate as evidence.
5. If one parent cannot be located or their whereabouts are unknown, the applying parent must provide evidence of their efforts to locate the absent parent.

It’s important to note that if one parent is unable or unwilling to provide consent, the applying parent must provide a written statement explaining the circumstances and why the absent parent’s consent cannot be obtained.

Parental consent is a crucial step in the passport application process for a child. It ensures that both parents or legal guardians are aware of and agree to the child obtaining a passport.

Section 2: Complete Form DS-11

Once you have gathered all the required documents, it’s time to complete Form DS-11 for your child’s passport application. This form is available online and can be filled out electronically or printed and completed by hand.

Here are the steps to complete Form DS-11:

1. Start by entering the child’s full name, including first, middle, and last names. Make sure to use the same name as shown on the child’s birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship.

2. Provide the child’s date of birth, including the month, day, and year. Double-check the accuracy of this information to avoid any mistakes.

3. Indicate the child’s gender by selecting either “Male” or “Female” from the options provided.

4. Enter the child’s place of birth, including the city, state, and country. If the child was born in the United States, simply enter the city and state.

5. Provide the child’s Social Security Number, if applicable. This is not a mandatory field, but providing it can help expedite the application process.

6. Enter the child’s current mailing address, including the street, city, state, and ZIP code. This is where the passport will be mailed once it is processed.

7. Provide a contact phone number where you can be reached in case of any questions or issues with the application.

8. If you have any special requests or accommodations, such as a need for expedited processing or a name change, indicate them in the appropriate section of the form.

9. Finally, sign and date the form. If the child is old enough, they should also sign their name in the designated space.

Remember to review the completed form carefully before submitting it. Any errors or missing information can delay the processing of the passport application.

Once the form is completed, you can submit it along with the required documents and fees at an acceptance facility or passport agency. It’s recommended to make a copy of the completed form for your records.

By following these steps and completing Form DS-11 accurately, you will be one step closer to obtaining a passport for your child.

Personal Information

When filling out Form DS-11 for a child, you will need to provide the child’s personal information. This includes their full name, date of birth, and gender. Make sure to write the child’s name exactly as it appears on their birth certificate or other official documents.

In addition to the child’s personal information, you will also need to provide your own contact information as the parent or guardian. This includes your full name, address, phone number, and email address. It is important to provide accurate and up-to-date contact information so that the passport agency can reach you if necessary.

When filling out the personal information section, it is important to write legibly and use black ink. Avoid using any abbreviations or nicknames, and make sure to write the information in capital letters. This will help ensure that the information is clear and accurate.

Remember, when filling out Form DS-11 for a child, you are responsible for providing truthful and accurate information. Any false statements or misrepresentations can result in the denial of the passport application.

Once you have completed the personal information section, double-check all the information to make sure it is correct. Any mistakes or errors could delay the processing of the passport application.

After completing the personal information section, you will move on to providing parental information in Section 8 of Form DS-11. This includes the full names, dates of birth, and contact information of both parents or legal guardians. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information for both parents.

By providing accurate and complete personal information, you can ensure that the passport application process goes smoothly and that your child’s passport is issued without any delays.

Parental Information

When filling out Form DS-11 for a child, it is important to provide accurate and complete parental information. This section requires details about both parents, including their full names, dates of birth, places of birth, and current addresses.

Here is a breakdown of the information required for each parent:

It is important to provide accurate and up-to-date information for both parents. If there are any changes in the parental information, it is recommended to update the information before submitting the form.

Additionally, if one parent has sole legal custody or there are any legal restrictions regarding the other parent’s rights, it is important to provide supporting documentation to prove the legal status.

By providing accurate parental information, you are ensuring that the application process goes smoothly and that the child’s passport is issued correctly.

Question-answer:

What is Form DS-11?

Form DS-11 is an application for a U.S. passport. It is used to apply for a new passport, renew an expired passport, replace a lost or stolen passport, or update personal information on a passport.

Who needs to fill out Form DS-11 for a child?

Form DS-11 should be filled out by a parent or legal guardian on behalf of a child under the age of 16 who is applying for a U.S. passport for the first time.

What documents are required to fill out Form DS-11 for a child?

When filling out Form DS-11 for a child, you will need to provide proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship, proof of the child’s relationship to the parent or guardian, and proof of the parent or guardian’s identity.

What is the process for filling out Form DS-11 for a child?

The process for filling out Form DS-11 for a child involves completing the form with the child’s personal information, providing the required supporting documents, and submitting the form in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency. The parent or guardian will also need to sign the form and pay the applicable fees.