Do You Need a New Passport When You Turn 18

Being eighteen is a significant turning point in anyone’s life. It means the entry into adulthood and is accompanied by increased duties and opportunities. When you get 18, you may be wondering whether you need a new passport or not. In this post, we will explain everything you should know about a new passport for minors. Keep reading to obtain answers here.

Do You Need a New Passport When You Turn 18?

👉 If your prior passport is still valid: Children’s passports are valid for five years after they are issued. So you can continue to use the current passport if it’s still valid.

👉 If the passport has expired: Obtaining a new passport is needed if the old one is no longer valid. You will receive an adult passport that is valid for ten years.

How Long is a Passport Valid for Minors?

The validity period of a child’s passport will vary depending on the age of the applicant. Check the following table to check the passport validity for minors.

When Do Minors Need to Get a New Passport?

In the following cases, minors need to get a new passport:

• There are signs of damage or alterations beyond normal wear and tear on your prior passport.
• You lost your passport.
• Your passport has been stolen.
• Your passport is going to be expired.
• You have changed your name and your passport does not show your new legal name. 
• If you want an adult full-validity passport, you can also apply for a new one.

How to Get a New Passport for Minors?

As for minors of different ages, there are different requirements to get a new passport. In this section, learn how to apply for a new passport under 16, between 16 to 17, and older or equal to 18 separately.

How to Apply for a Child Passport Under 16

Requirements to Apply for a Child Passport under 16

1. A child’s passport can only be issued with the consent of both parents or guardians, who must also accompany the kid when they apply in person. If one or both parents or guardians are unable to accompany their child, they need to provide additional documents.
2. Fill out Form DS-11 and print it. But don’t sign before a passport acceptance agent or employee asks you to do so.
3. Evidence of US citizenship.

Original or certified physical copies of your evidence are required. Any copy of a document bearing the official issuing authority’s seal or stamp is certified. For your child, you have to turn in one of the following paperwork:

Option 1. Documentation of birth in the United States that satisfies the following criteria: 

• provided by the state, county, or place of birth
• includes the full name, birth date, and place of the application.
• gives the complete name of the parent or parents
• possess the date (which ought to be within a year of birth) filed with the registrar’s office.
• includes the seal or stamp of the city, county, or state that issued it, as well as the signature of the registrar.

Option 2. Birth Certification Certificate of Citizenship or Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Option 3. A Certificate of Citizenship

Option 4. Undamaged, fully valid U.S. passport. Complete validity denotes that the document is valid for five years for minors under sixteen and ten years for adults. 

Please be aware that you will also need to submit a document, such as a birth certificate, listing the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

4. Evidence showing your relationship to your child

A paperwork naming the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is required. For instance, you can provide:

• US birth certificate
• certificate of birth abroad
• Decree of adoption
• custody order or divorce
• A court order

Certain records, such as a U.S. birth certificate, demonstrate both parentage and U.S. citizenship. Originals or certified copies of these documents—not photocopies—must be submitted.

5. Photo ID

Both legal guardians need to bring a photocopy of their ID as well as the original. Bring an additional photo ID if the one on your ID is from a different state than the one to which you are applying. 

At least one of these picture IDs must be presented:

• Undamaged U.S. passport book or card, valid or expired 
• A current, in-state driver’s license or an improved license with a photo
• The Naturalization Certificate 
• A Certificate of Citizenship 
• ID of a public servant (city, county, state, or federal)
• ID from the US military or a military dependent
• Currently valid foreign passport
• Parent’s Mexican Consular ID, or Matricula Consular, used for a kid applicant who is a U.S. citizen
• Application for U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) utilized by a parent of a U.S. citizen child
• Trusted Traveler IDs
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs

6. A biometric passport photo of your child

You need to offer one passport photo of your child when submitting the application. The photo will be examined by the acceptance agent or passport staff before being stapled to your form.

How to Apply for a Child Passport under 16

Step 1. Download Form DS-11 and fill it out, then print it. Prepare other required documents mentioned before.

Step 2. Go to the local office to apply for a new passport for minors. If you want to travel for more than 3 weeks, go to a passport acceptance facility, like a post office, library, or other local government office. If you just travel in less than 3 weeks, go to a passport agency or center.

Step 3. Track the application status by email. It may take 2 weeks to complete your application.

How to Apply for a Passport Between 16 to 17 Years Old

Requirements to Apply for a Child Passport between 16 to 17

1. Most 16–17-year-old applicants must apply in person. One legitimate parent or guardian must attest to your application’s awareness. 
2. Fill out Form DS-11 and print it.
3. Evidence of US citizenship. Proof documents mentioned above can be used.
4. You must provide proof that a legitimate parent or guardian knows your application in one of the following ways:

• Parent applies with you: Fill out Form DS-11 and sign it on behalf of one of your legal parents or guardians. Bring a copy of the ID belonging to that parent or guardian.
• Parental indications note: Enclose a signed note and a photocopy of your legal guardian’s identification.
• Parent pays costs: Provide evidence that the person paying your fees is your legal parent or guardian.
• Notarized statement: If your legal parent or guardian notarizes a statement stating that you are eligible to obtain a passport, we may request that you provide it. Enclose a copy of the ID belonging to that parent or guardian.

5. Photo ID. You must bring both a physical photo ID and a photocopy of it, along with your parent or legal guardian. Bring an additional photo ID if the one on your ID is from a different state than the one to which you are applying.
6. Your passport photo.

How to Apply for a Child Passport between 16 to 17

The steps for a 16 to 17 child applying for a new passport are the same as those under 16 children. Just Fill out Form DS-11, prepare related documents, go to the local office, and make an application.

How to Apply for a Passport as 18 Year Old

Requirements to Apply for a Passport as 18 Years Old

1. Make sure you are eligible to apply for an adult passport. One of the following criteria needs to be satisfied:

• You are applying for the first U.S. passport.
• You are applying with your child who is under age 16.
• Your most recent U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16.
• Your most recent U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Your most recent U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago.

2. Fill out Form DS-11 and print it.
3. Evidence of US citizenship. Your proof needs to be an original, certified copy, or physical copy. The documents mentioned before can be used as evidence of US citizenship.
4. Your photo ID. Provide a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of it.
5. Your passport photo.
6. Further details and supporting documentation are required if:

• You are applying for a child, ages 0 to 15
• Your 16–17-year-old child is applying
• Your legitimate passport has been lost or stolen (you also need to provide Form DS-64)
• There is damage to your valid passport. (Damage does not include “wear and tear” items like folded pages or minor bends. Liquid stains, large tears, unauthorized markings on the data page, missing visa pages, and hole punches are examples of damage.)
• You owe the child support above $2500.
• You’re choosing a different gender marker. 
• You are requesting a passport with a special issue.
• You are under International Megan’s Law as a sex offender.

How to Apply for a Passport as 18 Years Old:

Step 1. Download Form DS-11, fill it out and print it. Do not sign it before the passport acceptance agent or employee asks you to do so.

Step 2. Prepare all required documents and go to the local office in person.

Step 3. Make the application then track your status by email.

How to Make a US Passport Photo

As mentioned before, a passport photo is a necessity when applying for a new US passport. How to make a US passport photo at home at the lowest cost? Here are the effective instructions.

Step 1: Take a photo with your phone or digital camera. Make sure it is compliant with the US passport requirements, including the position, clothes, background, lighting, etc.

Step 2: Upload the taken photo to the online passport photo maker, AiPassportPhotos. Wait for the auto adjustments of this tool.

Step 3: Check the result, save your US passport photo, and print it to use.

Passport Application Fee

Check the specific passport application fees for different ages here:

• Passport application fee for children under 16

• Passport application fee for children between 16 to 17

• Passport application fee for adults

FAQ

• Does a child’s passport expire when they turn 18? 

It depends on the validity of your child’s passport. If you apply for the passport before 16, the validity is 5 years. On the other hand, if you apply for it after 16, the validity is 10 years. You can still use it if it is not expired.

• Can I travel with an expired child’s passport? 

No, you can’t travel with an expired passport. You must travel with a valid passport. When your child’s passport is expired, you can apply for a new adult passport if you are over 18.

• Can I renew my child’s passport before it expires? 

No. Only an adult passport can be renewed. You can apply for a new adult passport after 18 if your child’s passport has expired.

The Bottom Line

This ultimate guide has introduced all the things applicants should know about minor passport applications. For applicants under 16, between 16 to 17, and over 18, there are different requirements and steps to apply for a new US passport. Just find the requirements that apply to you and follow the instructions to apply for a new passport.