Minors under the age of 16 must renew passports in person.
The U.S. Department of State website has explicit directions for passport applicants of different ages. Minors 15 and under must renew their passports every five years; minors under the age of 16 must renew their passports in person; and 16- or 17-year olds, who must show photo ID, must also renew their passports every 10 years.
Instructions
Renewing a Minor's Passport
1. Complete Form DS-11 (see Resources for a link) and bring it to a passport office.
2. Present documentation. If you don't have your old passport, you may present one of the following: certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad/certification of birth, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship.
3. Present evidence of the relationship between minor and parent or guardian. This can include one of the following:
Minor's certified U.S. birth certificate with both parents' names
Minor's certified Foreign Birth Certificate with both parents' names
Minor's Report of Birth Abroad with both parents' names
Adoption decree with adopting parents' names
Court order establishing custody
Court order establishing guardianship
4. Present legal ID for the parent or guardian. This includes one of following:
U.S. passport
Naturalization certificate
Valid driver's license
Current government employee ID (city, state or federal)
Current military ID (military and dependents)
5. Present a photocopy of the parent's (or guardian's) ID. Both sides of the ID must be copied and enlarged.
Additional Steps
6. Provide consent by signing Form DS-11. Single parents must provide evidence of sole custody. Parents who share custody must bring a notarized statement of consent, linked below.
7. Submit two passport photos of the minor.
8. Pay the $35 fee.
