Passports
Special Requirements for Children under age 16
Minor Children must apply in Person
All children under age 16 shall appear in person with appropriate documentation, and both parents. Parental consent and signatures are mandatory for passport issuance for minors under age 16 and for renewals. Please make an appointment.
As of Feb. 1, 2009, the two-parent signature requirement for all passport services was extended to all children under the age of16.
All minor children, including newborns and infants, must have their own U.S. passport.
There are special requirements to apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and first passport for newborns and infants.
We suggest that you read the instructions on this page completely and schedule your child’s appointment to renew a passport.
STEP 1: Online Appointment System for American Citizens Services in Paris
For information on scheduling your child’s appointment, click here.
STEP 2: Complete and Submit Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
DO NOT SIGN Form DS-11 until you are instructed to do so by a Consular Officer.
Completing Form DS-11 online: make sure that all entered information is complete and correct before printing. Include emergency contact information and Social Security Number. Print the completed form using black ink on one-sided pages.
Completing Form DS-11 by hand: Use black ink and print legibly. Ensure entered information is complete and correct. Illegible applications may delay application processing time.
Note: online version of the passport application form provides instructions for use in the United States which do not apply to your application in France. Please follow the instructions provided here.
STEP 3: Provide Parental Consent
Both parents should accompany the child. If only one parent accompanies the child the non-applying parent must submit a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16, and a copy of their identification, i.e., passport, driver license.
1. Both parents will appear together and sign the application form (DS-11) in the presence of a Consular Officer or;
2. One parent appears and signs and submits the non-appearing parent’s signed, notarized form DS-3053 “Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16” which authorizes passport issuance for the child, together with the non-appearing parent's signed photo identification (copy or original document). The non-appearing parent’s signature may be certified by U.S. notary public, a French notaire or maire or;
3. One parent with sole legal custody : please refer to the Department of State webpage entry “Provide Parental Consent” (step 5) on http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html.
STEP 4: Submit Evidence of Child’s U.S. Citizenship AND Evidence of Relationship
The minor's primary evidence of U.S. citizenship and relationship must be submitted with Form DS-11. (All original documentation submitted as citizenship evidence will be returned to you.)
You MUST submit:
Your child’s the last issued U.S. Passport AND one of the following:
a. Certified Birth Certificate (showing both parents’ names) issued by the city, county or state if your child was born in the United States;
b. Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Birth Certificate if your child was born abroad;
c. Naturalization Certificate;
d. Certificate of Citizenship.
Evidence of Relationship: you may also submit one of the following (these documents do not provide evidence of U.S. citizenship):
Minor’s certified Foreign Birth Certificate with both parents’ names
Adoption Decree with adopting parents’ names or;
Court Order establishing custody or;
Court Order establishing guardianship.
STEP 5: Child’s social security number
Social Security numbers are mandatory. If you do not have your child’s social security number please contact the Federal Benefits Office in Paris.
STEP 6: Present Identification of Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Both parent(s)/guardian(s) must present acceptable identification at the time of application:
Previously issued, undamaged U.S. or foreign passport;
Naturalization Certificate;
Valid U.S. Driver’s License;
Current Government Employee ID (city, state or federal);
Current Military ID (military and dependents).
STEP 7: Provide Two Identical Passport Photos
Submit two U.S. passport size photos. (Please read and follow the instructions provided in this link on acceptable photo size.)
If the passport being renewed contains a photo that does not clearly resemble the applicant, i.e., baby photo in passport and an older applicant, please provide transition photos. (Transition photos will be returned to applicant.)
STEP 8: Passport Fee
Payment may be made by major credit cards or cash (in dollars or Euros) $85 for children under 16. If you are paying in cash, please refer to this table for the Embassy’s exchange rates.
STEP 9: Provide a Chronopost envelope for the Return of the Passport
All passports are retuned by Chronopost envelope which guarantees faster and more secure return of your minor’s passport. Chronoposts may be purchased at any French post office. Please allow 10 to 14 days for receipt of the new and cancelled passports.
U.S. Embassy
Consular Section
American Citizen Services
Passport and Citizenship Unit
4, avenue Gabriel
75382 Paris Cedex 08
Security at the Embassy
Please do not bring any electronic devices, such as laptop computers, Blackberries, iPods, or large bags, such as backpacks, suitcases or packages to the Consular Section as there are no storage facilities on Embassy grounds. Security guards may hold small tourist cameras and cell phones until your departure, but there is no storage available for any other large items or electronic devices — please do not bring them at the time of your appointment.