But not all birth certificates are acceptable proof of US citizenship to get a passport. Is your birth certificate the right kind?

Long Form Birth Certificates

Long form birth certificates are the gold standard for proof of US citizenship for passports. They may also be referred to as “official birth certificates” or “full size birth certificates.” The long form contains all the recorded details about your birth, including:

• Your full name
• Your date and time of birth
• Your precise place of birth (such as the hospital address)
• Your gender
• The name of the doctor or midwife who attended your birth
• Your parents’ full names, including your mother’s maiden name
• Your parents’ dates and places of birth

Long form birth certificates are issued by the Department of Vital Statistics in the state where you were born. Your official long form should bear a registration number and a seal. If you need to order a new copy of your birth certificate to get a passport, make sure to request a long form certificate!

Short Form Birth Certificates

There are many varieties of short form birth certificates, from ones that look very much like long form certificates to small cards the size of a driver’s license. In some states, such as Texas, short forms are the default form of birth certificate and are known as “standard size.” Short form birth certificates are also often called “abstracts,” because they only provide a portion of the information included on the long form. In essence, the short form serves as proof that a full birth certificate has been filed for you.

Most short form birth certificates can not be used to get a passport. In order to be used to get a US passport, your birth certificate must show your full name; gender; precise time, date, and location of birth; and your parents’ full names, dates of birth, and places of birth. Card-sized birth certificates can never be used to apply for a passport.

Hospital or Heirloom Birth Certificates

Many hospitals will prepare charming certificates for the parents of newborn babies to take home, often with baby’s tiny footprints inked on to them. Similarly, some states also offer “heirloom” birth certificates on special paper with decorative details. These certificates are suitable for framing or scrapbooking, but are not valid proof of US citizenship to get a passport.

Amended Birth Certificates for Adoptees

Were you adopted as a child? You may have been issued an Amended Birth Certificate that lists your adoptive parents as if they were your biological parents. These are absolutely acceptable for passport applications. On your passport application, you will also list your adoptive parents in the spaces for your parents’ information.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Did you know that the State Department also issues birth certificates? They do! If you are born outside the US to US citizen parents, you can be issued a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240). These are issued at the US Embassy or Consulate in the location where you were born. When you apply for a new US passport, you will need to submit the Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead of your locally-issued birth certificate.

Photocopied or Notarized Birth Certificates

The most important thing to remember is that the birth certificate you submit with your passport application must be an original document. You can’t use a photocopy or even a notarized photocopy.

In this case, “original” doesn’t mean first. It simply means that it is the official document issued by the government agency, not a photocopy or scan. It’s OK if you no longer have the first copy of your birth certificate that was issued right after you were born. You can get a new version of your long form birth certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state where you were born, or you can order it online from VitalChek.com.

What Happens if You Don’t Have the Right Kind of Birth Certificate?

Any time you have to apply for a passport using Form DS-11, you will need to go to a Passport Acceptance Facility before you send your application to G3. If you don’t have the right kind of birth certificate, the Passport Acceptance Agent will tell you. You won’t be able to have your application prepared for submission until you return with an original long form birth certificate.

Not certain if your birth certificate will pass muster? We’re here to help. Just reach out to your G3 passport specialist to confirm if you have the right documentation to get your new passport.

The post Birth Certificates: Do You Have the Right Kind to Get a Passport? appeared first on G3Passports.

The Basics of Minor Passport Requirements

Any time you apply for a US passport for a child under age 16, you’ll need to prove two things:

• Your child is a US citizen.
• You are the legal parents of your child.

If you’re the biological parents of a child born in the US, your child’s birth certificate is all you need to show.  It will prove that your child is a US citizen, thanks to being born on US soil.  It also proves that you are the parents, and documents your child’s age.  The birth certificate additionally shows that your child is under age 16, and thus needs a minor passport and not an adult passport.

For an adopted child, you may need to show a combination of documents to prove citizenship and parenthood.

US-Born Adoptees with Amended Birth Certificates

Adopted children born in the United States are usually issued an “Amended Birth Certificate” after the adoption is finalized.  Your adopted child’s Amended Birth Certificate (ABC) will list you, the adoptive parents, as the mother and father.

If you adopted your child as a baby, and the Amended Birth Certificate was issued before your child’s first birthday, you’re in good shape.  An Amended Birth Certificate issued within one year of birth is all you need to prove citizenship and parenthood.

Where you might run in to trouble is if your child’s Amended Birth Certificate was issued more than one year after his birth. It still is proof positive that you are the parents of your child.  However, the US State Department considers an ABC issued more than a year after birth to be a “delayed birth certificate.”  Delayed birth certificates are not sufficient proof of US citizenship.  You will also need to get your child’s Original Birth Certificate, the one that lists the biological parents.  Another option is to submit the ABC along with the original Adoption Decree that shows the date of the adoption and the biological parents’ names.

Passports for Your Internationally Adopted Child

Was your adopted child born outside the United States?  In that case, your child doesn’t claim her US citizenship because of where she was born.  Instead, her claim on US citizenship is because she was adopted by US citizens.  Your child automatically becomes a US citizen once she has moved to the United States and her adoption is finalized.

You will need to submit your adoption decree to prove you are the legal parents of your child.  The best way to prove your child’s US citizenship is to submit her Certificate of Citizenship.  Certificates of Citizenship are issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Like a Naturalization Certificate, it proves that your child has become a US citizen.  How can you get a Certificate of Citizenship for your child?  It will depend on how your child came to the United States:

• Children with IR-3 or IH-3 visas: If your child’s adoption was finalized overseas, he would have been granted an IR-3 or IH-3 visa.  Once you get back to the United States with your child, USCIS will send you his Certificate of Citizenship.  You won’t need to file any extra paperwork to get the certificate.
• Children with IR-4 or IH-4 visas: If your child’s adoption was finalized in the United States, you’ll need to file for his Certificate of Citizenship.  After the final adoption or “re-adoption,” you can file Form N-600 to get the Certificate of Citizenship.

Second Parent Adoptions

What if your child has one biological parent and one adoptive parent?  The issue here isn’t proving your child’s US citizenship.  You’ll have an original birth certificate that shows your child was born in the US.  Instead, the concern is with parental consent.  All of your child’s legal parents need to give official consent for the passport application.

You’ll need to submit both your child’s birth certificate and your second parent adoption decree.  Both parents will need to go with your child to the Passport Acceptance Agent.  If one parent can’t go, she’ll need to fill out and notarize Form DS-3053.

One nice thing is that the passport application, Form DS-11, no longer has the spots for parents’ signatures marked as “Mother” and “Father.”  Instead, they are marked “Parent 1” and “Parent 2,” in recognition that some children have two moms or two dads!

Getting a passport for your adopted child can be a little bit tricky, but the experts at G3Passports.com are here to help!  Contact us if you have questions about your situation.

The post Get a Passport for Your Adopted Child appeared first on G3Passports.

One of the biggest myths about US passports is that newborn babies do not need passports to travel with their parents.  This is absolutely not true. Every traveler needs to have their very own passport, and that includes newborn babies!

Whether you are planning to travel internationally with your young baby, or whether you want to get your baby a passport just to prove her US citizenship, there are some special considerations for passports for newborns.  Newborn babies are subject to all the same passport requirements as any other minor passport applicant.  Today, we’ll look at some of those requirements in depth and learn what’s a little different about getting passports for newborns.

Getting a Birth Certificate for Your Newborn

The birth certificate showing your child was born in the US is the most important requirement for a minor passport.  Usually, when we talk about getting a birth certificate for a passport, we’re talking about how to get an official copy of a birth certificate.  For a newborn baby, we need to talk about how to get a birth certificate issued for the very first time!

Birth certificates are issued by the Vital Statistics Office in each US state or territory.  It’s your responsibility, as a parent, to file for your baby’s birth certificate.  You’ll need to have decided on your baby’s name before you file.  You’ll also need to provide the full names of both parents and their city, state, and date of birth.   Part of the birth certificate form will also be completed by the medical practitioner who attended your birth.  The way you’ll file for the birth certificate will depend on where your baby was born.

• Hospital birth – Every hospital has employees on staff who go around the maternity ward to help new parents file for their baby’s birth certificate.  They will give you a form to fill out, and then they will collect the form and file it for you.
• Freestanding birthing center – The staff at the birthing center will help you file for your baby’s birth certificate. much like the staff at a hospital would.
• Birth at home with a registered midwife – Your midwife will help you fill out and file the form to get your baby’s birth certificate.
• Unassisted homebirth – Some people choose to give birth without medical assistance… and for others, it’s a huge surprise when baby decides to arrive in a hurry at home or in the car!  If you are planning an unassisted homebirth, we recommend you check in advance with your state’s Vital Statistics Office to find out if any additional documents are needed.  Some states require that you provide “proof of pregnancy,” such as records of your prenatal care or affidavits from people who saw you during your pregnancy.

Filing for the birth certificate is only the first step!  You will not automatically be sent a copy of your baby’s birth certificate.  You will either need to order a copy by mail, or you will need to go to a local Vital Statistics Office in person to get a copy of your baby’s birth certificate.  You’ll need to prove that you are your baby’s parent, usually by showing your driver’s license or passport, and you’ll have to pay for the birth certificate copy.  Most places offer a large discount on a second copy of the birth certificate — if you are offered the chance to get a discount on two copies, we highly recommend you get an extra!

Social Security Number

A new law that went into effect in December 2015 means that you have to list your Social Security Number on your passport application.  This is even true for passports for newborns!  You’ll need to include your baby’s Social Security Number on her passport application… which means she’ll need to get a Social Security Number before she gets her first passport!

You’ll be able to request your baby’s Social Security Number at the same time you file for the birth certificate.  You’ll get your baby’s Social Security Card in the mail as soon as it is issued.  It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the card to arrive.

Passport Photos for Babies

Your newborn baby is going to need a passport photo!  Getting an appropriate passport photo for a tiny baby can pose some challenges.  We actually think it works best to take your baby’s passport photo yourself!  Here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Try to get a photo with your baby’s eyes open, if you can… but if you can’t, don’t sweat it.  The State Department understands that it’s hard to keep a newborn’s eyes open, and they will accept baby passport photos with eyes closed.
• Don’t have anything on your baby’s head — no hats, headbands, or hairbows.
• No pacifiers, toys, parents’ hands, or other objects can be in the photo with the baby.

Visiting the Passport Acceptance Agent

Yes, even babies have to go in person to the Passport Acceptance Facility!  But it’s totally fine if baby sleeps through the whole visit to the Passport Acceptance Agent.

Do you have other questions about passports for newborns? Ask us in the comments, or call us today!

The post Passports for Newborns – What Does Your Tiny Traveler Need? appeared first on G3Passports.

Parental Consent: The Basics

The US State Department has firm rules in place for children’s passport applications.  They will not issue a passport to a child under age 16 unless they have proof that all of the child’s parents and legal guardians want the child to get a passport.  These rules are in place to prevent international child abduction.

There are two ways to prove parental consent for a minor passport.  Parents and guardians can either:

1. Go in person to the Passport Acceptance Facility along with the child, or
2. Sign and notarize Form DS-3053, the “Statement of Consent.”

Please note that at least one parent/guardian must accompany the child to the Passport Acceptance Facility… and yes, the child does need to show up in person, too!

Now we’ll consider a few scenarios, and explain what parental consent requirements are needed for each.  If you don’t see your situation listed below, contact us!

I’m divorced, and have full custody of my children.  Do I still need parental consent from the non-custodial parent?

Yes, parental consent is needed from both parents, whether they have custody of the child or not.

My child doesn’t have a father listed on her birth certificate. 

A single mother whose child does not have a father listed on the birth certificate doesn’t need to get parental consent from the father.  All that is needed is for the mother to take the child in person to the Passport Acceptance Facility.

My child’s father is deceased.

Widowed parents will need to bring an original copy of the death certificate to show why parental consent will be given by only one parent.

My child’s mother abandoned us, and I have no way of contacting her.

If you have no way of getting consent from your child’s other parent — either because you cannot locate them, or because they are imprisoned or incapacitated, or because they are overseas and you need to get your child a passport urgently — you have the option of filing Form DS-5525, the “Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.”  On this form, you’ll explain why it’s not possible for you to get consent from the other parent.  If you hold sole custody of your child, you should also submit original or certified copies of your court documents granting you custody.

I adopted my child.

You will need to provide an original or certified copy of the adoption decree, along with your child’s birth certificate.

I’m remarried.  Can my current husband give his consent, as the stepfather?

No, stepparents can not give parental consent for a child’s passport application, and do not need to. Parental consent must still be given by both parents who are listed on the birth certificate.

I am the legal guardian of a child whose parents have had their parental rights terminated by the court.

Please bring an original or certified copy of the guardianship order that shows that the biological parents no longer hold parental rights.  You’ll also need the child’s original birth certificate.

I am a foster parent, and would like to get my foster child a passport so he can join us on a family trip.

This one is going to be tricky!  Fostering a child is a form of temporary guardianship.  Unless the child’s parents have permanently lost their parental rights, they will need to give their consent for the passport application.  This will include having at least one parent go with the child to the Passport Acceptance Agent.

I’m worried that my child’s other parent will take him out of the US without my consent.  Is there any way to ensure that my child can not be issued a passport?

Parents or guardians who are concerned about the possibility of international child abduction can request to be enrolled in the “Child’s Passport Issuance Alert Program” by filing a form with the State Department.

The post Minor Passports: Parental Consent for Single Parents appeared first on G3Passports.

How long will my new passport be valid?

Your new adult passport will be valid for ten years… or technically, ten years minus one day!  If your passport is issued on January 5, 2017, it will expire on January 4, 2027.

Although your passport will be valid for 10 years, we recommend that you don’t wait until the last minute to renew it.  Many countries require that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport, so we suggest you renew your passport at least six months before it expires.

Do I have to submit my birth certificate to get a new passport?

An original copy of your birth certificate showing you were born in the US is a great way to prove your US citizenship when you apply for a new passport.  But there are other documents you can submit instead, such as your naturalization certificate or an old US passport.  Check out our article on proof of citizenship for more options and information.

Will I get my birth certificate back?

You might be worried about sending out your original birth certificate or naturalization certificate.  It is a valuable document!  But you will get it back when your new passport is issued.  One of the advantages of applying through G3Passports is that your original proof of citizenship will be sent back in the same FedEx package as your new passport.  If you apply for your passport directly through the Department of State, they mail back your birth certificate in a separate First Class envelope. You may need to wait a week or more for your proof of citizenship to show up!

What form is used to apply for a new passport?

You will use government form DS-11 to apply for your new passport.  This form is used for first-time applicants, minor applicants, and replacements of lost or stolen passports.  When you apply for expedited services through G3, you’ll need to fill out your DS-11 form online and print it out.  Check out our article to find out what information you’ll need to complete your application!

How can I get an appointment at a Passport Acceptance Facility?

Before you send your passport application to G3, you’ll need to go to a passport acceptance facility to have your new passport application sealed into an official envelope.  You can find locations near you at http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.  This site will tell you whether the location you want to visit requires appointments.  If an appointment is needed, just call the phone number provided to schedule your visit.

Not all facilities require appointments.  In our experience, many acceptance facilities in government offices like Clerk of the Court offices provide walk-in service.  Most acceptance facilities in Post Offices do require appointments.

How quickly can I get a new passport?

With G3Passports.com, you can get a new passport in as little as two business days with our Mission Critical service!

Do you have any other passport questions?  Ask us below!

The post New Adult Passport Questions and Answers appeared first on G3Passports.

Birth Certificate Requirements for US Passports

You’ll need to make sure that the birth certificate you submit with your passport application meets all the following criteria:

• Issued by a US state, city, or territory.  You must submit a government-issued birth certificate.  Hospital-issued birth certificates or other commemorative certificates won’t work.
• Original document with a raised seal. When we say “original,” we don’t necessarily mean the very first copy that your parents got when you were a baby!  You need to submit a certificate issued by the government agency, with a raised seal.  Photocopies, scans, or photographs are not accepted.
• “Long Form” certificate showing your parents’ names.  Some states have an option for a “short form” or card-sized birth certificate.  These aren’t accepted for passport applications.  You need to have a “long form” certificate that shows your parents’ names.  (Don’t have a father listed?  That’s OK.  As long as the certificate has a space for the father’s name, it’s fine if that space has been left blank.)
• Shows birth in a US state, federal district, or territory. Yes, if you were born in Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, you can use your birth certificate to get a US passport!

When you go to the Passport Acceptance Facility, the Passport Acceptance Agent will be checking your birth certificate to ensure it meets all these requirements.

How to Get Your Birth Certificate

It’s an important document… but that doesn’t mean it won’t get lost!  Many passport applicants have trouble locating their original birth certificate.  Luckily, there are a few simple ways to get an official copy.

• Visit the Vital Statistics Office in your state of birth. If you are still in your state of birth, you can go in person to the Vital Statistics Office.  For a small fee, they will print out original copies of your birth certificate for you.  You’ll need to have proof of identity, such as your driver’s license.  While you’re at it, you might as well get two copies of your birth certificate — most places give a discount if you get two copies, and both will be completely official original documents.
• Write to the Vital Statistics Office. Most locales allow you to order your birth certificate by mail.  Processing may take a while, so this is not the best option if you’re in a hurry to apply for your new passport!  Make sure to check the ordering instructions closely.  You may need to pay via money order, or submit a photocopy of your valid ID.
• Order your birth certificate online. You can order your birth certificate right now, without even leaving your chair!  VitalChek.com is a reputable website that works with US government agencies to get you your official birth certificate quickly and easily.

What If Your Name Has Changed?

Your birth certificate was issued when you were a newborn baby.  You’re applying for your first passport as an adult.  It’s quite likely that your legal name has changed!  If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or court order, you’ll need to submit an original copy of the marriage certificate, divorce degree, or court order to prove your new legal name.

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