Information Sheet - 4.02G-Eng-Passport Information - Passport Information

Sep 19, 2026

Passport Information explains what a passport is and outlines how to obtain one for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. It details required documents and personal information for the passport application form (DS-11), including requirements for minor children. It also describes situations involving one parent’s limited ability to apply, consent statements (DS-3053), exigent/special circumstances (DS-5525), and possible court orders or legal assistance for issuance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

What is a passport?

How do I get a passport?

What information is needed for DS-11?

How do I get a passport for a minor child?

What if only one parent can apply?

What if consent cannot be obtained?

What if a passport is not issued?

Resources for Hennepin County residents

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| Volunteer Lawyers Network
Family Preparedness Toolkit
Minnesota 2017 | | --- | --- | | INFORMATION SHEET: 4.02G-Eng-Passport Information | | What is a passport? A passport is an official document issued by the government of a country that identifies someone as a citizen of that country. It is usually needed for travel, when entering or leaving a country. How do I get a passport? If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a passport at one of the passport acceptance facilities. Passport acceptance facilities include your local government center and U.S. post offices. Some locations are listed on this handout and others can be found on the internet at [https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/](https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/) [You will need:](You will need:) • To fill out a passport application form (DS-11) • To have proof of your U.S. citizenship (your U.S. birth certificate or Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization) • An ID • A passport photo • The fee to pay for it. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need to contact the embassy or consulate of your home country to find out how to get a passport. Contact information for various consulates appears at the end of this handout. What information do I generally need to fill out a passport application form? Generally, to fill out a passport application form the applicant will need information such as: Legal name and other names used, date of birth, sex, place of birth, social security number (if for a USA passport), contact information, mailing address, parental information such as dates and places of birth, marital information, physical information, travel information, emergency contact, former passport numbers and dates, etc. How do I get a passport for my minor child? If your child was born in your home country, you need to contact the embassy or consulate of your home country to find out how to get a passport. Contact information for various consulates appears at the end/other handout. If your child was born in the United States, then a parent can apply for a U.S. passport for the child. Usually both parents must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (U.S. Passport Office, U.S. Post Office, or certain other government centers), but there are exceptions. If only one parent is named on the birth certificate, then that parent can apply by herself for the minor child’s passport. What documents do I need to apply for my child’s passport? To apply for your child’s passport, you will need: • The passport application form (DS-11) • An original or certified copy of the child’s U.S. birth certificate (you can request a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate from the Vital Records office of the county that is closest to you; a hospital birth record will not be sufficient) or adoption decree showing you are the legal parent (plus another copy of either of those documents) The information in this toolkit is adapted from a variety of local and national resources. This information is not legal advice. For answers to individual legal questions, you may want to consult with a lawyer. For a complete list of sources please contact VLN at (612) 752-6677. Page 1 INFORMATION SHEET (4.02-Eng): Passport Information Latest Version: May 2017 Volunteer Lawyers Network Family Preparedness Toolkit Minnesota 2017 • Your government-issued ID such as your own valid, unexpired passport or consulate ID (“matricula”)(plus another copy) • A passport photo of the child (many passport acceptance facilities provide photo services for an additional fee) What if only one parent can apply in person but both parents are named on the birth certificate? If the other parent has died or if you have a court order that grants you sole legal and physical custody of the child with no travel restrictions, then you can apply by yourself for the passport. You will need a copy of the death certificate or the court order granting sole legal an

FAQs

What is a passport used for?

A passport is an official government document identifying someone as a citizen. It is usually needed for travel and for entering or leaving a country.

What documents and information are generally needed for a U.S. passport application (DS-11)?

You typically need to complete DS-11 and provide proof of U.S. citizenship, an ID, a passport photo, and the required fee. The form requires details such as legal name, date of birth, place of birth, contact information, and other personal and travel information.

What options exist if you cannot get the other parent to sign the Statement of Consent?

You may fill out Form DS-5525 to explain exigent or special family circumstances for issuing a U.S. passport to a minor under age 16. Filling it out does not guarantee issuance, and you may need to consult legal counsel for court orders if necessary.

Sep 19, 2026

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