Helping Clients Navigate Passport Rules for Minors

A Family at a Passport Acceptance Facility:

The Attorney’s Cheat Sheet: Passport Rules for Minors Explained

I had to research the passport rules for minors for a client on a recent divorce case. I quickly learned that this process is very detailed and complicated.

Every U.S. citizen child is entitled to a U.S. passport, with no minimum age requirement. This entitlement stems from federal law and the Department of State’s regulations.

  • 8 U.S.C. § 1185(b) requires that U.S. citizens present a valid passport to enter or leave the country.
  • 22 C.F.R. § 51.4(b) confirms there is no age bar on passport issuance.
  • 22 C.F.R. § 51.4(b)(2) specifies that passports issued to applicants under 16 are valid for up to five years only.
Why Passport Rules For Minors Are Important:

Every child can get a U.S. passport, but the law has extra rules for kids under sixteen. These passport rules for minors are in place to help prevent abduction or travel without permission.… View Full Article → “Helping Clients Navigate Passport Rules for Minors”