Minor US Passport Renewals: A Case Study from Documitra

At Documitra, we often come across families planning a permanent move back to India, especially those with U.S.-born children. While parents with Indian passports can transition smoothly, their children, holding U.S. passports, face the requirement of renewing their passports every five years. This becomes critical for families returning to India, as an expired passport can cause significant travel disruptions.

The Risks of Not Renewing a Minor’s Passport

1. Travel Restrictions:
   Many countries, including the U.S., require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel. Without a valid passport, children may be denied entry or exit, affecting travel plans.

2. Visa Complications:
   An expired passport means delays in obtaining visas for future international travel, even if the family holds an Indian passport.

3. Re-entry to the U.S.:
   Without a valid passport, a child cannot return to the U.S. without renewing the passport or obtaining emergency travel documents, which can delay urgent trips.

4. Proof of U.S. Citizenship:
   A valid U.S. passport is proof of citizenship. Without it, future processes like applying for visas or enrolling in U.S. institutions could become complicated.

Plan Ahead

To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to renew your child’s passport well before it expires. The renewal process requires submitting a new application (Form DS-11) and supporting documents, which can take 8-11 weeks for standard processing.

Let us walk you through how we handle such cases and ensure families are well-prepared for this critical step.

The Case: A Family Returning to India

Recently, a family reached out to us as they prepared to relocate to India. Both parents, Indian citizens, had been living in the U.S. for over a decade. Their child, born in the U.S., held a minor passport nearing expiration. This situation is typical among our clients and requires careful handling to ensure compliance with U.S. State Department requirements while minimizing stress for the family.

How We Assisted the Family

1. Identifying the Requirements
Since minor passports cannot be renewed like adult passports, the child’s case required a fresh application. We guided the family through the key requirements:

• Completing Form DS-11 for a new minor passport.

• Collecting all necessary documents, including the child’s birth certificate, current passport, parental IDs, and a passport photo.

Note: If a child’s most recent passport was issued before the age of 5, parents must provide photos showing the child’s age progression, with one photo for each year since the previous passport was issued.

• Preparing proof of parental consent, as both parents needed to participate in the application process.

2. Breaking Down the Fees
We clarified the costs involved:

• Passport Book: $100

• Optional Passport Card: $15

• Acceptance Fee: $35

Our team provided fee payment options and ensured the family was aware of expedited service fees in case of tight timelines.

3. Booking Appointments and Filing the Application
The application had to be submitted in person, so we helped the family book an appointment at their nearest USPS passport acceptance facility. Both parents needed to be present, but we also prepared for contingencies, such as providing a notarized Form DS-3053 if one parent could not attend.

4. Tracking Progress
Once the application was submitted, we provided resources for tracking its status. The family opted for standard processing, which takes 8-11 weeks, but we ensured they understood how to expedite the process if needed.

At Documitra, we understand that managing these processes amidst the hustle of an international move can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer end-to-end support—whether it’s completing forms, ensuring accurate documentation, or navigating the complexities of in-person applications.

A Seamless Solution

The family has successfully renewed their child’s passport ahead of their relocation timeline. With everything in place, they could focus on the excitement of their move back to India without unnecessary delays or stress.

If you’re preparing for a similar transition, let Documitra handle the paperwork while you focus on your journey. Reach out to us today to simplify your passport renewal process.