The Department of State has rules to prevent children from being issued U.S. passports without the consent of both parents. It also has programs to protect children involved in custody disputes. They work to prevent a parent from taking a child abroad without the other parent's consent.  Most Children Must Apply for Passports in Person  Except for some 16 and 17-year-olds, all children must apply for a U.S. passport in person at a passport acceptance facility.  Children Under 16 Children under 16 need consent from both parents. The best way is for both parents to go with their child to apply.   If one parent can not go, the parent in attendance must provide either: The absent parent’s statement of consent or Evidence of why the absent parent is not there  See step 7, Show Parental Consent on the State Department's Children Under 16 passport page for forms to use and documents to provide. Children 16 or 17 Years Old Sixteen and 17-year-olds can: Renew their passport by mail if it was issued when they were 16 or older Go alone to apply for a passport if they: Have their own identification document (ID) and Provide a signed, notarized statement from one legal parent saying they approve of the teen getting a passport Applying for a Child's Passport From Outside the U.S. If you're living overseas, contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you're in for information on how to apply for your child's passport. Protections for Children in Custody Disputes  If you think your child has been abducted internationally, call the Department of  State at 1-888-407-4747. Ask to speak to a prevention officer. The Department of State has other resources to help parents and children in custody disputes.  Learn about the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) and how to enroll your kids.   Find out how to protect your child if they have, or may have, dual nationality.  Be Aware of Passport Expiration Rules for Your Destination Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months.  Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the Department of State's country information page. On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box. On that country's page, look for "passport validity."