Passports

Parent/Legal Guardian has sole legal authority

Parent/Guardian has sole legal authority

Parent or Legal Guardian must submit evidence of this with the application.
Please Note: U.S. Passports for children under 16 are only valid for 5 years

Things You Will Need:

1. A Completed UNSIGNED DS-11 Form
2. The Minor’s Birth Certificate
3. Sole Legal Authority Document
3. A Valid ID
4. The Minor’s 2×2 Passport Photo

FEES

ROUTINE | 10-13 WEEKS
U.S. Department of State
Application Fees:
Passport Book: $100
Passport Card: $15
Both: $115
(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
Adult Application Fees:
Passport Book: $160
Passport Card: $75
Both: $175
(check or money order)
Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court
Execution Fee: $56
(cash, check, credit or debt)
Postage (optional):
Expedited Delivery: $23.50
1-2 Day Return Delivery: $18.32

– If the minor’s name does not match the name on the Birth Certificate, you must provide evidence of a legal name change.
– The minor’s Birth Certificate will be mailed off with a copy we will make at our office, but will be returned to you at the same time as the passport.

NOTE: You can get a valid copy of the minor’s Birth Certificate here in our office.

Sole Legal Authority Examples Include:

– Complete court order granting you sole legal custody of the child, such as a divorce decree or other custody order
– Complete court order specifically permitting you to apply for your child’s passport (photocopy is acceptable)
– Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate listing you as the only parent
– Certified copy of an adoption decree listing you as the only parent
– Certified copy of the judicial declaration of incompetence of the parent that cannot appear in person
– Certified copy of the death certificate of the parent that cannot appear in person

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 Relationship
Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) must submit documentation that lists the relationship of the minor they are applying for.
The following may be used to show parental relationship:

  • The Minor’s U.S. Birth Certificate
  • The Minor’s Adoption 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).

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 parents/guardians must present one of the following identification documents (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

Please note: The application fee and the execution fee are paid separately

ROUTINE | 4-6 WEEKS

U.S. Department of State
Passport Book: $80
Passport Card: $15
Both: $95
(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: $140
Passport Card: $75
Both: $155
(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
  • Parental Relationship Documentation
  • 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 the Clerk of Court Office?

We accept walk-ins and do not require appointments, although making an appointment with us will reduce your waiting time..

Can I mail in my child's application or apply online?
No, children applicants under 16 are not eligible to mail in their passport applications. Additionally, the Department of State does not currently have the option to submit passport applications online.
Will my and my child's passports be mailed back together?
No, your passports will be mailed back separately. In addition, your citizenship evidence generally will be mailed back separately from your new passport.

Newly-issued passport books are delivered using Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation, unless you pay for Priority Express return service when you apply.

All passport cards are mailed using First Class Mail. Passport cards cannot be delivered using Priority Express.

When completing your child’s passport application, we recommend you add your name in the “In Care Of” part of the Mailing Address section on Form DS-11.

Can I pay for my and my child's passports with one payment?
Families may write one check or money order to the U.S. Department of State for their passport application fees if they are applying in person at the same time. The check or money order must include the name and date of birth of each applicant.

All other applicants must submit individual checks or money orders to the U.S. Department of State for their passport application fees. Please include the applicant’s name and date of birth on the check or money order.

What if my child and I have different last names?
You and your child may have different last names, as long as the parental relationship document lists your full name. If your name has changed from that on the parental relationship document, please submit proof of your legal name change (e.g. marriage certificate or court order).
It states on my child's U.S. birth certificate that is it 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 child’s birth certificate. We will keep this second certified copy for our records.
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