A 16- or 17-year-old applying for a first adult U.S. passport uses Form DS-11 and applies in person. The applicant must show that one parent or legal guardian is aware of the application. That differs from the two-parent consent process for a child under 16.
If the teenager’s old passport was issued before age 16, do not treat the next application as a DS-82 renewal. The old passport’s five-year validity is the clue that a different application route is needed.
What changes at 16?
Under the State Department’s 16–17-year-old application rules, the first adult passport normally has ten-year validity. The applicant signs their own application when instructed by the acceptance agent.
| Requirement | Under 16 | Age 16 or 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Normal passport validity | Five years | Ten years |
| First adult passport form | Not applicable | DS-11 |
| Parent requirement | Normally both parents’ consent | Show one parent or guardian is aware |
| Applicant attendance | Required | Required |
Read this graphic as text
- Apply in person: Use DS-11; sign when the agent instructs you.
- Prove citizenship: Bring accepted evidence and required copies.
- Show identity: Bring physical ID and any additional evidence.
- Parent awareness: Show that one legal parent or guardian is aware.
Normal validity is ten years; the old under-16 book is not renewed by DS-82.
How to show parent awareness
The simplest arrangement is often for one parent or legal guardian to attend, bring identification and follow the acceptance agent’s instructions. Official guidance also describes other ways to show awareness, including a signed parent statement with an ID copy or a parent paying the application fee.
Do not assume that traveling alone, having a driver’s license or paying with your own money removes the awareness requirement. Passport Services may request additional evidence, including notarized consent, in a particular case.
If the applicant cannot present their own acceptable photo ID, a parent or guardian may need to identify them. Resolve that before booking an appointment the teenager plans to attend alone.
The appointment checklist
- Prepare DS-11 without signing it. Use the teenager’s details, Social Security number and current contact information.
- Bring citizenship evidence. A qualifying previous U.S. passport or another accepted citizenship document may be used. Include the required photocopies.
- Bring physical photo identification. Check the State Department’s accepted ID guidance if the applicant has a learner’s permit, temporary license or no driver’s license.
- Prepare parent-awareness evidence. Bring the parent’s ID and copies if they are attending or supplying a statement.
- Bring one recent passport photo. A school photo is not automatically a passport photo.
- Arrange payment. The application fee and acceptance fee go to different recipients.
Keep originals and copies in separate sections of the folder so the agent can find each item without sorting through the whole packet.
Fees for a 16- or 17-year-old
The adult passport-book application fee is $130 and the acceptance fee is $35. Expedited processing adds $60. A book-and-card application, photo service, mailing or private expediting can change the total. The official fee schedule separates these charges.
The application is still a DS-11 application even though the fee and the passport’s normal validity are adult amounts. Do not use DS-82 solely because an “adult passport” is being issued.
School travel and family travel
For a school trip, establish the school’s document deadline as well as the departure date. Organizers may need passport details before tickets, visas or group arrangements are finalized.
Check the name against the student’s booking and any visa application. If an eighteenth birthday is approaching, do not delay an otherwise complete application just because age 18 sounds simpler; compare the actual appointment options and travel deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 17-year-old renew a passport by mail?
A passport issued before age 16 does not qualify for DS-82. A 16- or 17-year-old’s first adult passport requires DS-11 in person.
Do both parents need to attend?
The normal requirement at 16 or 17 is evidence that one parent or guardian is aware. This differs from the standard under-16 rule, though additional documents can be requested.
Can I get help if the trip is soon?
Contact 24 Hour Passport & Visas with the applicant’s age, old passport issue date and departure date. We can discuss preparation and available private expediting options while keeping the required in-person step clear.
Tell us your destination, departure date and application status. Call first to arrange a visit to our Los Angeles office.
Call (310) 913-7804