All children under the age of 16 need their own valid passport to travel abroad or to the United States.
Canadian Child Passport Application
Canadian child passports are items that require more attention than a standard passport, especially in regard to photos. We would like to shed some light on the requirements involved with a child’s passport, its importance when traveling abroad, and a checklist we hope you find useful as you anticipate your international travel.
As of June 2009, anyone who is a Canadian citizen residing in the U.S. needs a passport if they are re-entering the United States. Regardless of age, everybody must present a valid passport to entre the United State by air. Hence the importance of maintaining your child’s passport if they are traveling with you.
There are few issues requiring special attention when applying for a child passport
- There is no renewal option for a passport issued for a child under the age of 16.
- The applicant must be one of the child’s parents, the custodial parent in cases of separation or divorce, or the legal guardian in order to apply for a passport for a child. If you are the custodial parent, you must provide a copy of your divorce decree and a statement from the judge certifying you are the custodial parent. In cases of joint custody, both parents must sign the child application for the passport.
- If the child birth certificate recorded both parents’ names on it, both parents information should be provided on the passport application regardless of the custody status.
- A child passport application also requires a declaration of the guarantor, much like an adult passport application. A parent with a valid Canadian passport could act as the guarantor. However, in this case, the other parent should be the application regardless of their citizenship.
- Canadian passport pictures must be taken based on the Passport Canada biometric requirements. A child’s Canadian passport photos are generally under the same scrutiny as adults are, and in most cases, they are more difficult to produce as a result of the inexperience most photographers have with this domain.
You should apply for a new adult passport if
- A child passport application has different requirements than an adult passport.
- A legal parent or guardian must act as the applicant. A child application requires a guarantor to confirm the identity of the applicant.
- There is no renewal child application. Each time a full application must be submitted.
Let our readily available passport experts ensure that your Canadian passport renewal application is done effectively to avoid rejection, delays, hassles, and headaches. We’re here to help!
To get a child passport outside Canada you can click the link and get more information.
This application requires a guarantor
A guarantor is a person who confirms the applicant identity; has known the applicant for more than two years; lives in Canada or the United States; can communicate in English or French. In regard to the guarantor, there are three options.
- Canadian guarantor: The guarantor must have a valid Canadian Passport.
- Professional guarantor: The guarantor should be a member of one of the designated professions identified by Passport Canada.
- No guarantor: The applicant should complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor.
Questions? Call us at (888) 998-9797 or contact us.
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