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Emergency Information for American Citizens

Children under 16 – First Time and Renewal
U.S. Citizen Services
By
9 MINUTE READ

Children under 16

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India now accept payments online using pay.gov.  Paying online allows you to avoid long wait times during your appointment.

 

Required Documents:

  • Proof of parent-child relationship  (original + 1 photocopy)
    • U.S. birth certificate
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
    • Foreign birth certificate
    • Adoption decree
    • Divorce/Custody decree
  • Parental Consent for Minors

Children under the age of 16 cannot apply for a passport by themselves. Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of the child’s passport. The best way to do this is for both parents/guardians to go with the child in person to apply for the passport.

What if both parents/guardians cannot appear in person?

  • Parents’ valid IDs  (original + 1 photocopy)
  • Photos Showing Age Progression:
    • If your child’s most recent passport was issued under the age of 5, you should present photos to demonstrate age progression of the child from the age in the previous passport to the present age. One photo per year is sufficient.
  • Name change documents (if applicable) (original + 1 photocopy)

If you would like to change the name on your new passport due to marriage, divorce, or court order, please include proof of your name change.  Documents must be original with English translation if applicable (ex. Marriage certificate, Divorce Decree, Court Order)

 

Instructions for DS-11 Processing by Online Fee Payment – for U.S. citizens residing in India:

Step 1:  Complete the DS-11 Passport Form, but do not sign until your in-person appointment. Step-by-step process to fill an online passport application is available here.

Note: You must provide a Social Security number if you have been issued one.  If you do not have a Social Security number, please click here.

Step 2:  Obtain one WHITE background color passport photo 2” x 2” (5 x 5 cm) taken within the past 6 months; no eyeglasses.  See more information on photo requirements.

Step 3: Pay for the appropriate product fee via the U.S. government’s secure payment site. Please scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Continue to the Form.”  After successfully paying the fee, you must print out the electronic payment confirmation you receive via email and include it in the package in preparation for your in-person appointment to the embassy/consulates. Complete fee information is available on our fee information page.

  • NOTE: Passport fees are NOT refundable except in very limited circumstances. Please write to your nearest embassy/consulate via ACS Navigator to request a refund.

Step 4:  Visit the website for instructions on how to make an appointment to the U.S. Embassy in India.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.  Applicants are subject to screening and may not bring in any electronics.  Review our security guidelines for visiting the Embassy or Consulate.

Passport Book renewal takes 3-4 weeks to arrive. Please carefully read the courier instructions provided to ensure you receive your passport through courier. If you need a new U.S. passport in less than three weeks, please discuss this during your appointment as you may require an emergency passport. Some countries may not accept an emergency passport, and you could be refused entry by immigration officials or denied boarding by airline personnel. Country specific information can be found on the Department of State website.

U.S. Citizen Services