Passports

Children 16-17 (U.S. Citizen)

How to Apply for Children 16-17 (U.S. Citizen)

Applicants age 16-17 must apply in person
Please Note: Issued passports will be valid for 10 years.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED

1. A Completed UNSIGNED DS-11 Form
2. Parental Awareness
3. Applicant’s Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
4. Applicant’s and/or Parent/Legal Guardian’s Valid Identification Document
5. Applicant’s 2×2 Passport Photo

FEES

ROUTINE | 10-13 WEEKS
U.S. Department of State
Application Fees:
Passport Book: $130
Passport Card: $30
Both: $160
(check or money order)
Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court
Processing Fee: $35.00
(cash, check, credit or debt)

EXPEDITED | 7-9 WEEKS
U.S. Department of State
Application Fees:
Passport Book: $190
Passport Card: $90
Both: $220
(check or money order)
Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court
Execution Fee: $35
(cash, check, credit or debt)
Postage (optional):
Expedited Delivery: $23.50
1-2 Day Return Delivery: $18.32

– If the Parent/Legal Guardian’s or Applicant’s name does not match the name on the Parental Relationship Documents you must provide evidence of a legal name change.

– The Parental Relationship Documents will be mailed off but will be returned to you at the same time as the U.S Passport.

Please Note: You can get a valid copy of a Birth Certificate here in our office.

Step by Step Instructions
1. Fill Out the DS-11 Form

Please note:

  • After downloading the DS-11 Form you are able to fill in your information on your computer before printing.
  • Do not sign the application until instructed to while in our office.
  • You must provide a Social Security number, if you have been issued one, in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 2714a and 22 C.F.R 51.60(f).
    • If you fail to provide a Social Security number, you will encounter a delay in processing and/or denial of your passport application. You will also be subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS pursuant to Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6039E). All questions on this matter should be directed to the nearest IRS office.
    • If you do not have a Social Security number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
  • You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages, at no additional cost, by checking the ’52 page’ box at the top of the DS-11.
2. Show Parental Awareness

If you have your own current identification document (ID), you may apply for a passport. You must show at least one parent or guardian knows that you are applying for a passport. Your passport application may be denied if we have received written objection from one of your parents or legal guardians.

How to Show Parental Awareness::

  • A parent or legal guardian appearing with you in person when you apply for your passport. The agent or employee accepting the application will ask your parent or legal guardian to sign Form DS-11.
  • A signed, notarized statement consenting to issuance of a passport from at least one parent or legal guardian (should be accompanied by a photocopy of that parent or guardian’s ID).
3. Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

You must submit one of the following U.S. citizenship documents for your minor. Your evidence must be an original or certified 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
4. 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 providing.
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.

5. Present ID

The applicant (or parent/guardian) must present one of the following IDs:

  • In-state, fully-valid driver’s license
  • Valid or expired, undamaged, U.S. passport
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
  • U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
6. Bring a Photocopy of ID

Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of each ID that you present when you apply.
Photocopies must be:

  • Legible
  • On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
  • Black and white
  • Single sided
7. Provide a Passport Photo

You must provide one photo with your passport application.

  • Minor’s head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
  • Minor must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
  • Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis
  • Taken in the last 6 months
  • Use a plain white or off-white background
  • Be sized correctly:
    • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
    • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
  • Printed in color

Please note: Do not attach your photo to the form before submitting it to the acceptance agent.
Tips for taking photos of infants and newborns:

  • Lay the minor on its back on a white blanket or sheet to ensure its head is supported without the aid of a hand.
  • Alternatively, cover a car seat with a plain white sheet and take a picture of your minor in the car seat.
  • Please make sure no other person is in the photo.
  • A photo with the minor looking at the camera is preferred, although not required.
8. Calculate Fees
ROUTINE | 4-6 WEEKS

U.S. Department of State
Passport Book: $110
Passport Card: $30
Both: $140
(check or money order)
Vermilion Clerk of Court
Processing Fee: $35.00
(cash,check,credit or debt)

EXPEDITED | 2-3 WEEKS

U.S. Department of State
Passport Book: $170
Passport Card: $90
Both: $260
(check or money order)
Vermilion Clerk of Court
Processing Fee: $56
(cash,check,credit or debt)

9. Submit Your Completed Application

Please have the following when coming in for your U.S. Passport:

  • Completed UNSIGNED DS-11 Form
  • Show Parental Awareness
  • Minor’s Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
  • Parent’s/Guardian’s Identification Documents
  • Minor’s 2 x 2 inches Passport Photo
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to make an appointment to apply at an acceptance facility?
We accept walk-ins and do not require appointments, although making an appointment with us will reduce your waiting time..
What if I want both a passport book and a passport card?
You can apply for both a passport book and a passport card at the same time on Form DS-11, but you must pay both fees. Please see Passport Card for more information.
It states on my U.S. birth certificate that it is illegal to make a copy. What should I do?
If you choose not to submit a photocopy, you may submit a second certified copy of your birth certificate. We will keep this second certified copy for our records.
Can I mail in my application or apply online?
When applying using Form DS-11, you are not eligible to mail in your application. Additionally, the Department of State does not currently have the option to submit your passport application online.
How long will it take to get my passport?
For up-to-date information on when you will get your passport, please see Processing Times. If you need your passport quickly, please see Get a Passport in a Hurry.
How will my passport book and/or card be mailed back to me?
Newly-issued passport books are delivered using Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation, unless you pay for Priority Express return service at time of application. All passport cards will be mailed using First Class Mail. Passport cards cannot be delivered using Priority Express. Your citizenship evidence will be mailed back separately from your new passport.
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