How Does a 16 or 17 Year Old Apply for a U.S. Passport?

The 16 and 17 rule in one table

| Form | DS-11, in person, at an authorized acceptance facility | | Who files here | 16 and 17 year olds applying for a first adult passport | | Parental awareness | Exactly one parent or legal guardian must be shown aware, in one of four ways | | Citizenship evidence | One of: a U.S. birth certificate, a full-validity undamaged U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or other State-issued birth document, or a naturalization or citizenship certificate. Physical paper only | | Fee, book | 130 dollars plus a 35 dollar facility acceptance fee, 165 dollars in total | | Fee, card | 30 dollars plus 35 dollars, 65 dollars in total | | Fee, book and card | 160 dollars plus 35 dollars, 195 dollars in total | | Validity | 10 years, the adult validity period | | Processing | Routine 4 to 6 weeks, expedited 2 to 3 weeks, mailing times excluded |

What makes 16 and 17 different

The defining fact of this track is parental awareness, and it is lighter than the under-16 rule but not optional. Exactly one parent or legal guardian must be shown aware, in one of four ways: the parent applies with the teen, presents acceptable photo ID, and signs the form, plus a photocopy of the parent's ID; a signed note from the parent, plus a photocopy of the parent's ID; the parent listed in the emergency-contact section of the application; or a fee check bearing the parent's name. If awareness is not clear, the State may ask for a notarized DS-3053 statement from the parent plus a photocopy of the parent's ID.

The second difference is the teen's own identification. A fully valid driver's or enhanced driver's license with a photo is the most common form. An out-of-state ID requires a second photo ID, and a fully valid learner's permit may require a second ID. With no acceptable ID of their own, the teen applies with a parent who presents acceptable ID and signs with them.

The process, step by step

1. Complete Form DS-11 with the Form Filler on a computer and print it single-sided only. Double-sided forms are not accepted. Do not sign until the agent asks.
2. Settle the parental-awareness element with one of the four ways in the table, and bring the matching proof.
3. Gather one citizenship document from the table, plus a photocopy, and a physical photo ID, plus front-and-back photocopies. First-time applicants with an Alien Registration Number include it on the application.
4. Get one photo, sized 2 by 2 inches, with the head 1 to 1 and 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Do not attach or staple it. The agent staples it.
5. Appear in person at an acceptance facility. The agent verifies ID, administers the oath, and witnesses the signature.
6. Pay the two-fee split by check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State for the application fee, with the applicant name and birth date in the memo. Acceptance-fee payment methods vary by facility. Expedited service adds 60 dollars. Return delivery in 1 to 3 days adds 26 dollars and 87 cents.

A teen enrolled in the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program will have the enrolling parent contacted before issuance. A lost or stolen current passport goes through the DS-64 report track, and a damaged valid passport needs a signed damage statement plus the damaged passport.

Related passport guides

A child under 16 follows a stricter rule, with both parents approving: see U.S. Passport for a Child Under 16. Photo size and composition rules live on the passport photo page. For every passport track side by side, see the U.S. Passport Guides by Situation directory.

Source

The parental-awareness ways, the evidence rules, the fees, and the processing times on this page come from the U.S. Department of State: the 16 and 17 year old application page. Photo size comes from the State Passport Photos page. Facts verified 2026-10-27.

This page explains how the process works and what the official rules say. It is general information, not legal advice. For a dispute about your specific situation, talk to a lawyer or your government agency.