How to Renew a Minors Passport? For Kids & Older Children

Did you know that a child’s and an adult passport expire differently? Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years; passports for applicants 16 and older are valid for 10 years. Did you also know that the requirements for U.S. passport renewal for minors of 16-17 years old are slightly different?

Since its a good sum of money, let’s explore how to renew a passport for a minor in 2026 and ensure the process goes smoothly.

Renew passport for minor in the US

You’ve gathered by now, that renewing a passport for a minor does need just a little bit more additional information. We’ve put together all the key points so you can look up no further and apply with confidence.

Remember: you cannot renew a passport for a child under 16 by mail. You must apply again in person each time with Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility (fill out the form in advance, but don’t sign until the agent instructs you).

Step 1: Documents for minor’s passport renewal

When in the acceptance facility, you’ll meet the acceptance agent. Here’s a list of docs you need to put together for the agent to renew a passport for minors if they are under 16:

Proof of citizenship for the child

You can use your child’s birth certificate or their expired passport if it’s undamaged or a certificate of naturalization. You can find the full list of accepted proofs of citizenship here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/citizenship-evidence.html

You will need the original and a photocopy which should be legible, printed on white 8.5”x11” standard paper, in black and white ink, and single-sided.

Proof of your relationship to the child for renewing a minor’s passport

You can provide a U.S. birth certificate or a report of birth abroad to prove your parental relationship or an adoption decree with both parents’ names in each case, or a court order establishing custody or guardianship. If you don’t have a copy of your child’s birth certificate, you can visit the US Government’s vital documents website for instructions on how to obtain one in your state.

If you cannot submit evidence of U.S. citizenship but your child previously had a U.S. passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad, you may request a file search and include that request with the application. If the record was issued before 1994, pay the $150 file search fee with the application; if it was issued in 1994 or later, do not pay $150 upfront (the Department may ask for it later if an electronic search fails).

Proof of identity for both parents for minor’s passport renewal

You can use a federally compliant photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license, REAL ID, permanent resident card, and government and military IDs to satisfy the passport identification requirement.

You’ll need the original and a photocopy which can’t be double-sided or decreased in size. However, you’re allowed to enlarge it.

Parental consent

Both parents must consent for a child under the age of 16. In cases when it appears impossible for both parents to be present, you can provide a notarized statement of consent from the absent parent or proof of sole custody.

In the event that one parent or guardian is missing or cannot attend the passport acceptance agency and their notarized consent cannot be obtained, DS-3053 or DS-5525 is used respectively alongside DS-11. The Department of State has provisions if the parent has sole legal authority or the other parent can’t be found.

Recent Passport photo

Make sure the photo for your passport renewal for minors is government-compliant. You’re required to submit a picture taken not earlier than six months before. Here’s a life hack that will save you time and money to accomplish the task.

DS-11

Fill out the required paperwork to renew minor’s passport online using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Do it on the US Department of State website: https://pptform.state.gov/PassportWizardMain.aspx Then print it where it’s convenient for you. In case of any trouble, you can download a PDF and complete it by hand in black ink.

Once you’ve printed the filled document, leave it unsigned until instructed to sign by an employee of the passport acceptance facility.

Other rules for renewing passport for minors

The procedure to renew a passport for a minor can vary depending on your child’s age.

Children 16 or 17

The process is slightly different for teens of 16 and 17 years old. When renewing a passport, everyone aged 16 and older receives an adult document with a ten-year validity. The only difference is that your child can submit their own proof of identity. For example, their driver’s license or use a parent’s ID instead. For parental consent with minors of 16-17, only one parent may be present to give consent.

Step 2: Acceptance facility to renew passport for minor

Whether you’re planning to go to the Virgin Islands or Alaska, there are a few acceptance facilities where you can submit your paperwork for renewing a passport for a minor. They are: post offices, local government buildings, some libraries. Here you can choose the acceptance facility next to your place: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

The passport office agent reviews your documents, accepts payment, and makes sure you sign the paperwork. Then, they send the completed paperwork to the Department of State for processing.

Step 3: Fees

To check the fees for US passport renewal for minors, use the federal fee calculator: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees/fee-calculator.html or check the fees below. The payment consists of two parts and differs for passports for minors of different ages.

Minors under 16:

• Passport book: $100 and a $35 execution fee.
• Card: $15 and a $35 execution fee.
• Book and card: $115 and a $35 execution fee.
• For an expedited passport renewal for minors, the additional $60 government expediting fee is applied.

Minors over 16:

• Passport book: $130 and a $35 execution fee.
• Card: $30 and a $35 execution fee.
• Book and card: $160 and a $35 execution fee.
• The expedited government fee is $60, if applicable.

How long does it take to renew a passport for a minor?

Current processing times can change depending on the volume of applicants and are about 4–6 weeks for routine service, or 2–3 weeks if you pay for expedited processing. Mailing times are separate and can add up to 2 weeks each way—check travel.state.gov before you book travel.

If you need your document faster, you can check if you qualify for Emergency or Urgent Travel on the US Department of State website. Additionally, an expediting company like RushMyPassport can be of help if you need it even faster than the average expedited times.

FAQ

Do both parents need to be present for a minor passport renewal?

Both parents or legal guardians must be present when a minor is renewing their passport. In case of particular circumstances, a special statement can be filled in (please read the Parental consent section) which still can’t guarantee the document issuance. For older children of 16-17 years old, only one parent can be present.

What are the expiration rules for renewing minor’s passport?

Your document has to be valid for more than 6 months so you can fly freely to another country. Make sure that your child’s passport doesn’t need to be renewed. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions mentioned above.