1. What is the minimum age to apply for a passport in West Virginia?
The minimum age to apply for a passport in West Virginia is 16.
2. How do I renew a passport for a minor in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, you can renew a passport for a minor by filling out Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport, and submitting it with two recent passport photos, evidence of the child’s identity and citizenship, a photocopy of the parent or guardian’s government-issued photo identification, and the passport fee. Applicants under the age of 16 must submit the consent of both parents or guardians in order to apply. The application, documents, and passport fee should be sent to the National Passport Processing Center for processing.
3. Do I need parental consent to apply for a passport for a minor in West Virginia?
Yes, you do need parental consent to apply for a passport for a minor in West Virginia. The parent or legal guardian must appear in person with the child and present valid identification. The parent or guardian must also sign the application form in front of a passport agent.
4. What documents are needed to apply for a passport for a minor in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, to apply for a passport for a minor (under the age of 16), the following documents are needed: the signed and completed application form, proof of U.S. citizenship, such as an original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, proof of identity for the parent/guardian signing the application form such as a valid driver’s license or passport, a photograph of the child, and payment for all applicable fees. In addition, both parents must be present and must provide proof of their relationship to the child. If only one parent is present, he or she must provide documentation that they have sole custody of the minor or that they have permission from the other parent to apply for the passport.
5. What are the requirements for minors to obtain passports in West Virginia?
Minors aged 16 and 17 must apply for a passport in person and must present a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or a Social Security card. Minors under 16 must apply with both parents present with valid identification. If the minor is under 16 and only one parent is present, the absent parent must provide notarized parental consent. If only one parent has legal custody of the child, the custodial parent must provide proof of sole custody.
6. Is there an expedited process for obtaining a passport for minors in West Virginia?
Yes, there is an expedited process for obtaining a passport for minors in West Virginia. The process is the same as the regular passport application process, but the application needs to be submitted in person at a passport agency or center. The applicant also needs to provide proof of travel plans and a letter of consent from both parents.
7. Do I need to provide proof of parentage when applying for a passport for a minor in West Virginia?
Yes, you need to provide proof of parentage when applying for a passport for a minor in West Virginia. Acceptable documents are the child’s birth certificate, court order establishing custody, or adoption papers.
8. Can I apply for a passport for my child in West Virginia if I am not the legal guardian?
No. In order to apply for a passport for a minor under 16 years of age, both parents or legal guardians must be present at the time of application. If one parent or legal guardian cannot be present, they must complete a DS-3053 form and have it notarized before the other parent or guardian can apply.
9. Are there any guidelines regarding passport photos for minors in West Virginia?
Yes, the guidelines for passport photos for minors in West Virginia are the same as for adults. The photo should be a color photo taken against a plain white background and should show the full face and shoulders of the subject, with their eyes straight ahead. The photo should be printed on quality photographic paper and must be no more than 6 months old. The photo should be free from shadows, glare, or reflections, and there should be no other objects or people visible in the background.
10. Is there any fee involved in applying for a passport for a minor in West Virginia?
Yes, there is a fee involved in applying for a passport for a minor in West Virginia. The fee is $80 for the application and execution fee, plus an additional $35 for the passport fee.
11. Does my child need to have his/her own Social Security Number to apply for a passport in West Virginia?
No, your child does not need to have his/her own Social Security Number to apply for a passport in West Virginia.
12. Is there an additional fee if I need to expedite the process of obtaining a passport for my child in West Virginia?
Yes; the additional fee for expediting a passport for a minor in West Virginia is $60.
13. How can I change the name on my child’s passport if it was issued in West Virginia?
To change the name on a passport issued in West Virginia, you will need to submit a written request to the West Virginia Bureau of Vital Statistics along with an original or certified copy of a court-ordered name change or the original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate reflecting the new name. Additionally, you will need to provide a photocopy of the current passport, a copy of the child’s identification (e.g., driver’s license) and an application form. The application form and other requirements can be found at https://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/documents/Passport_Name_Change_Checklist.pdf.
14. Who should sign the application form when applying for a passport for my child in West Virginia?
The parent or legal guardian of the child usually must sign the application form when applying for a passport for a minor in West Virginia.
15. How long does it take to obtain a passport for minors in West Virginia?
It typically takes 4-6 weeks to obtain a passport for minors in West Virginia.
16. Are there any restrictions on travelling abroad with minors who have passports issued in West Virginia?
Yes, the US Department of State recommends that minors traveling abroad without both parents or guardians have a notarized letter of consent from any non-traveling parent or guardian. Additionally, a minor may need to provide additional documentation at the point of entry to the country they are visiting. It is advised to contact the foreign embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting before traveling for their specific requirements.
17. Does West Virginia allow dual citizenship when applying for passports for minors?
Yes, West Virginia allows dual citizenship when applying for passports for minors.
18. How can I get my child’s existing passport replaced with one issued from West Virginia?
To get your child’s existing passport replaced with one issued from West Virginia, you must first contact the U.S. Department of State Passport Services. You can call them at 1-877-487-2778 or visit their website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/apply-in-person.html for more information. Once you have received the necessary forms and documents, you must then submit them to the nearest West Virginia passport acceptance facility, which can be found by visiting the State Department’s website at https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.
19. What information do I need to provide when applying for a passport card for a minor in West Virginia?
When applying for a passport card for a minor in West Virginia, you will need to provide proof of the minor’s identity, such as a certified copy of their birth certificate, and proof of the minor’s U.S. citizenship, such as a certificate of Naturalization or U.S. citizenship. You will also need to provide a valid form of photo identification for the parent or guardian applying on the minor’s behalf. The minor must also appear in person with the parent or guardian at the time of application.
20. Can I submit an application form and documents online when applying for a passport for my child in West Virginia?
No, you cannot submit an application form and documents online. To apply for a passport for your child in West Virginia, you must submit the completed application form, documents, and fee in person at a designated passport acceptance facility.