APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT FOR A CHILD TO BE ADOPTED

APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT FOR A CHILD TO BE ADOPTED

Sometimes, the adoptive family may need to travel internationally before the adoption is finalized, and an amended birth certificate is issued after finalization.

In Florida, to obtain a passport before finalization, you will need:

1. A certified copy of a court order giving permission from the court to apply for a passport,
2. The original birth certificate, and
3. A certified copy of the placement order.

Tate Healey Webster will obtain and provide these documents to assist you in applying for the passport.

Because confidentiality is sometimes an issue, these documents may be provided to the adoptive parents in sealed envelopes, to be opened only by the passport agency. In addition, you will need to complete Form DS-11 (do not sign) found on the Department of State website. Some agencies require color passport photos, but this may vary by agency. The child’s former name and the name they will have on the passport must be correct and match other corroborating documents.

You also need to ensure your names are exactly as they appear on your proof of identification and/or passport, or the passport office may reject your request. The original birth certificate is needed to link the child’s former name to their new name. The passport will be issued in the child’s intended adoptive name.

Depending on how soon you need the passport, you can make an appointment at the nearest passport acceptance facility or, if one is offered, at the regional passport agency in your state. To obtain an expedited passport at the regional passport agency, you must provide proof that you will be traveling internationally within 2 weeks to justify the urgent request, such as a flight itinerary or hotel reservation. If only one parent is applying for the passport without the other parent present, the absent parent must complete form DS-3053. If your adopted son or daughter doesn’t have a social security number, which is requested on the DS-11 form, put zeros on the form and create a signed, dated statement reading, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: (Child’s full name) has never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”

Please note that you will not be able to renew a child’s passport (under 16) because it is valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed. Instead, you will apply for a new passport at that time.

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