Traveling With Minors: Passports Needed For Children?

If you're planning to travel by land with children under 16, it's important to be aware of the documentation requirements for seamless entry and exit across borders. While passport requirements for children can vary depending on the country of travel and mode of transportation, having a valid passport is generally recommended and often mandatory for international travel. In the context of land travel, let's explore the necessary documents to ensure a smooth journey for children under 16.

Children under 16 must appear in person to apply for a passport

Documents Required for Passport Application

• Evidence of U.S. Citizenship: This can include an original or replacement copy of a U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Citizenship, or an undamaged U.S. passport. The document must have the official seal or stamp of the issuing office.
• Proof of Relationship to the Child: This can be in the form of a U.S. birth certificate, foreign birth certificate, divorce or custody decree, or other similar documents. These documents must be originals or certified copies.
• Photo ID for Parents or Guardians: Both parents or guardians must bring a physical photo ID, such as a valid or expired U.S. passport, driver's license, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, military ID, etc. A photocopy of the photo ID is also required.
• Additional Documents if One or Both Parents Cannot Apply: If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person, additional documents are needed. This can include a Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053), court orders, birth certificates, or other relevant documents.

Travel Documents for Children Under 16

When travelling internationally, including to Canada and Mexico, children under 16 are required to have certain travel documents. For land or sea travel, children under 16 must present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. For air travel, a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card is required for children of all ages.

A parent or guardian must approve the passport application

When applying for a passport for a child under 16, both parents or guardians must approve the application and go with the child to apply in person. This is done to prevent international child abduction. If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child, additional documents must be submitted.

If one parent or guardian cannot be present, they must complete a Statement of Consent: Form DS-3053. This form must be signed and dated in front of a certified notary public, and a photocopy of the photo ID provided to the notary public must be submitted. If the non-applying parent or guardian is deployed by the military, they should provide a notarized Form DS-3053 in most cases.

In the rare case that the non-applying parent or guardian cannot be contacted, you must provide military orders with a Form DS-5525, showing that the non-applying parent or guardian cannot be contacted because they are on a special assignment for more than 30 days outside of their duty station, or a signed statement from the non-applying parent's commanding officer that they cannot be reached.

If neither parent or guardian is able to appear in person, a Statement of Consent: Form DS-3053 or a notarized statement from both parents or guardians must be provided, giving permission for another person (e.g., a grandparent) to apply for the child. This must include a photocopy of the photo IDs for both parents or guardians. If the statement is from only one parent or guardian, proof that that parent or guardian has sole custody of the child must also be provided.

The Statement of Consent: Form DS-3053 or notarized statement from both parents or guardians must be submitted within three months of signing. In some countries, Form DS-3053 must be notarized at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Passports for children under 16 are only valid for 5 years

When travelling with children, it is important to carry the correct documentation. While the rules have changed over the years, it is currently the case that all children, including infants, must have their own travel documents when entering the US. This can be a passport or a visa.

If a child is travelling outside of the US, they will need a US passport. Children under 16 must appear in person to apply for a passport, and both parents must be present and sign the application. Passports for children under 16 are only valid for 5 years, and cannot be renewed. If a child's passport has expired, or will expire soon, a new application must be submitted in person.

Children under 16 travelling by land or sea to Canada or Mexico do not need a passport, but they must present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

If a child is travelling alone, with only one parent, or with a guardian, they may need a letter of consent from the other parent. This is particularly important when travelling to or from the US, and when travelling to Canada or Mexico. The letter should be in English and notarized, and should include the sentence: "I acknowledge that my child is travelling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."

Children under 16 travelling to Canada or Mexico by land need a birth certificate

Children under 16 who are US citizens and travelling to Canada or Mexico by land are not required to present a passport upon entry. However, they do need to present certain other documents to prove their identity and citizenship.

Children under 16 travelling to Canada or Mexico by land need to present their original birth certificate, a certified copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. These documents must be presented in their original form and cannot be a photocopy or digital copy.

It is important to note that the birth certificate must meet certain requirements to be considered valid. These requirements include being issued by the city, county, or state of birth; listing the child's full name, date of birth, and place of birth; listing the parent(s)' full names; having the date filed with the registrar's office (within one year of birth); having the registrar's signature; and having the official seal or stamp of the issuing city, county, or state.

In addition to the birth certificate or other acceptable documents, children travelling without both custodial parents may also need to present a letter of consent from the absent parent(s). This letter should be notarized and state, "I acknowledge that my child is travelling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."

While a passport is not required for US citizen children under 16 travelling to Canada or Mexico by land, it is still a good idea to carry one. A passport can serve as a form of identification and can be useful in case of any unexpected travel changes or emergencies.

Children travelling alone may need a letter of consent from parents

Children under 16 travelling by land outside of the US are required to present their original or a certified copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If travelling by air, they must carry a US passport or Trusted Traveller Program card.

When travelling alone, children may need a letter of consent from their parents or legal guardians. This letter of consent demonstrates that the child has permission to travel from every parent or guardian who is not accompanying them. It should be written in English and notarized, and should include the following:

• The name of the child
• The names and contact information of the parents or guardians
• The name and relationship of the person accompanying the child
• Information on where the child is travelling and the duration of the trip

The letter should say: "I acknowledge that my child is travelling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."

If a child is travelling with only one parent, a copy of the custody document should be carried. If one parent has sole custody, they should carry a copy of the court order granting them sole custody. If the other parent is deceased, a copy of their death certificate should be presented.

It is important to note that while a letter of consent is not a legal requirement in Canada, it may be requested by immigration authorities, and failure to produce it may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country. Therefore, it is recommended to carry the original letter rather than a copy, as officials may be more likely to question the authenticity of a copy.

Frequently asked questions