A U.S. passport for ages 16 and 17 follows different rules from passports for children under 16. Applicants generally use Form DS-11 in person, provide citizenship evidence and photo ID, show that one parent or guardian is aware, and receive a passport valid for 10 years.
U.S. passport requirements change once a child turns 16. Applicants ages 16 and 17 generally apply in person using Form DS-11, but unlike children under 16, they do not normally need both parents to approve the application.
Instead, the applicant must show that at least one parent or legal guardian is aware that the passport application is being submitted.
Form DS-11 and Citizenship Evidence
Applicants ages 16 and 17 applying for their first adult passport must submit Form DS-11 in person. The form should not be signed until instructed by the passport acceptance agent.
Citizenship evidence can include a qualifying U.S. birth certificate, full-validity undamaged U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
Physical documents are required; digital citizenship evidence is not accepted.
How to Show Parental Awareness
Only one parent or legal guardian generally needs to be aware of the application.
The State Department lists several ways to demonstrate this. A parent may appear with the applicant and present identification, provide a signed note with a photocopy of the parent's ID, be listed as the emergency contact, or submit payment using a check bearing the parent's or guardian's name.
If parental awareness is unclear, officials may request a notarized Form DS-3053 and a copy of the parent's identification.
Photo ID and Passport Documents
Applicants must present physical photo identification. A driver's license is commonly accepted, while applicants using certain learner's permits or identification issued by another state may need additional ID.
They must also provide photocopies of citizenship evidence and the front and back of their identification, along with one qualifying passport photo.
If the applicant does not have acceptable photo ID, a parent or guardian with acceptable identification may sign the application with them.
Passport Fees and 10-Year Validity
As of 2026, first-time applicants age 16 and older pay a $130 application fee for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both, plus a $35 acceptance fee when applying using Form DS-11.
A major change at age 16 is passport validity. Passports issued to applicants age 16 or older are generally valid for 10 years, compared with five years for passports issued to children under 16.
Families should check the State Department's current requirements and fees before applying, particularly if international travel is approaching.
