New Parental Signature Requirements for U.S. Minors

On February 1, 2008, the U.S. Government increased its fees for certain U.S. citizen passport services. For adult applicants renewing a passport, the total fee increased to $75. For first-time applicants age 16 and over, the total fee increased to $100. The fee for minors under 16 years of age is $85.

Effective February 1, 2008, children under age 16 (formerly 14) at the time of application must appear in person, and both parents also need to be present and to provide unequivocal consent to passport issuance by signing the application in front of the consular officer. Any parent unable to attend the interview must submit a notarized letter of consent. The consent must be in the English language and can be notarized at any American consular representation free of charge. Letters of consent notarized by non-American notaries are also accepted. Alternatively, the parent applying for the passport must submit proof of sole custody.

For additional information please check the travel.state.gov website at, http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html