Laws regarding obtaining a kid's passport are more complicated than obtaining one for an adult. A child (minor) is considered anyone under the age of 18 and unmarried. Their passport is only good for five years compared to ten years for an adult. Because of problems over child custody, which resulted in children being taken out of the country without a parents consent, strict laws have been passed regarding issuing children’s' passports.

No passport will be issued for a child unless they appear in person when the application is made. Their parents or an authorized representative must accompany them. The application can only be made to an acceptance agent who is located in a post office, county or municipal clerk's office. All children must have a passport, regardless of age.

If a child is born to United States citizens while vacationing or living abroad they must ask for a passport at a U. S. Embassy or Consulate in that country. They face the same requirements as if they were applying in the United States. They must show proof of their citizenship and comply with the two-parent consent law.

In 2001 a law was passed called the two-parent consent law. This was due to the rash of parents taking children out of the country when they had no authority to do so. It is now required that both parents be present and sign the application papers for the child. Proof must be presented that they are the real parents or guardians.

If one parent applies for the child's passport, they must have proof of authorization to do so or have a notarized statement from the other parent that they agree with the application. Other exceptions are court orders, proof of termination of parental rights and others. The parent applying for the child's passport must prove their identity and show the child's birth certificate with the parents’ names.

The two-parent rule also applies to those 16 and 17. They must appear in person accompanied by a parent or parents. If they are under a guardianship or adopted that person or persons must be present. Other papers required are the same as for any child.

Married or divorced couples often have problems regarding who is going to have custody of the children. If one is afraid the other might take a child and leave the country, they can contact an alert program and ask to be informed if any application has been made for the child's passport. They will inform the other parent immediately if this is done.

Getting a passport for minors is much more complicated than getting one for an adult. The acceptance agents will not take the application unless all the necessary documents are present. The child's naturalization or natural birth certificate, pictures taken by a passports photographer, proof of parental relationship and any of the exceptions of the two-parent law.