The passport process for 16-17 year olds falls into a unique category between child and adult rules. Whether a 16-17 year old can renew by mail (DS-82) or must apply in person (DS-11) depends on when their previous passport was issued.
12 steps across 3 sections
1. Can Use DS-82 (Renew by Mail) If:
- The previous passport was issued when the applicant was 16 or older
- The passport is in their possession
- It was issued within the last 15 years
- It was issued in their current name (or name change can be documented)
2. Must Use DS-11 (Apply In Person) If:
- The previous passport was issued before the applicant turned 16
- This is the most common scenario for 16-17 year olds, since most had a child passport issued before age 16
- The passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged
- They have never had a passport before
3. If Using DS-3053 (Statement of Consent):
- Must be notarized
- Must be signed and notarized on the same day
- Cannot be more than 3 months old
- Must include a front and back photocopy of the consenting parent's government-issued photo ID