Editorial Quill - March, 2004
New Passport Requirement
Dear Readers:
This month, we use this opportunity to tell you about a new requirement that
has been instated, as it regards obtaining a passport for your adopted minor child.
This change has been made in order that the State Department ensures the validity
of a passports' issuance.
We hope this helps....
Kind regards,
Kate
Important
Notice
U.S.
Department of State
Bureau
of Consular Affairs
Passport Services
New
U.S. Passport Requirement
All
Minors Must Appear in Person
To enhance the accurate identification of passport applicants
and aid in the prevention of international child abduction and trafficking,
the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has begun requiring
the personal appearance of all minors applying for U.S. passports.
This applies to all regular,
official and diplomatic passports for children under the age of 14, even if
the child has previously been issued a passport. Prior to the introduction
of this requirement, parents were not routinely required to bring a child
under the age of 14 with them when they applied on the child’s behalf.
Now, when applying for a passport on behalf of a minor under the age of 14,
parents are required to have their child present and submit documentation
of parental relationship and consent, as well as comply with all other documentation
requirements for the issuance of a passport.
The personal appearance
requirement for all minors is a further step towards ensuring the integrity
of the passport application process. This change will help to verify the identity
of minor applicants and aid in the prevention of international child abduction
and trafficking.
For additional information
about passport application requirements, please visit
the Passport Information page at: http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html
or call the National Passport Information Center.
National
Passport Information Center
Toll-free: 1-877-487-2778
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time
npic@state.gov
Note:
To make an appointment at a Passport Agencies, please see Passport
Agencies.
Go
to Passport Services Page
Be sure to check out "House Call"and this month's medical question! Ask the Doctor
"May the Road Rise to Meet You,
May the Wind be Always at Your Back.
May the Sun Shine Warm Upon Your Face;
The Rains Fall Soft Upon Your Fields,
And, Until we Meet Again,
May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand"
~ An Irish Blessing
God Bless America!
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