How to Get Your Child’s Passport as a Single Mom
What mom doesn’t want to show her kids the world? I a a firm believer that giving them front row seats to see the world is the best gift a mom can give a child. It opens their eyes to new ways of thinking and challenges their current beliefs. For many of us single moms, traveling can be a little tricky. Below you will find the steps to apply for a passport for your child as a single parent. As single parents we know all about finding a way and making things happen. Hopefully this will help!
How to Apply
1. Fill Out Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
There is a great new feature called the form filler. USE IT!
The Form Filler will select the correct form for you based on the information you input. It may generate a different form from what you expect. Do not sign your child’s application until instructed to do so by the acceptance agent. You must provide your child’s Social Security number, if they have been issued one. You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages for your child, at no additional cost, by checking the ’52 page’ box at the top of the DS-11.
2. Provide U.S. Citizenship Evidence
You must submit one of the following U.S. citizenship documents for your child. Your evidence must be an original or certified, physical copy. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.
Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
Lists applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth
Lists the parent(s)’ full names
Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
Has the registrar’s signature
Has the seal of the issuing authority
Certificate of Citizenship
Please note you cannot submit digital evidence of your child’s U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document.
3. Bring a Photocopy of U.S. Citizenship Evidence
Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re submitting.
Photocopies must be:
Legible On white 8.5”x11” standard paper Black and white Single-sided If you don’t want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which we will keep. If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.
4. Show Parental Relationship
You must submit documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child applying for a passport. The following may be used to show parental relationship:
U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
Foreign birth certificate
Adoption decree
Divorce/Custody decree
Please note: Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).
5. Present ID
The parents/guardians must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent:
In-state, fully-valid driver’s license
Valid or expired, undamaged, U.S. passport
Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
Valid foreign passport
Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)