To travel internationally, one requires a passport from the country of citizenship. Even children need a passport. Be it an airline or a cruise line, the same rule applies provided you are leaving the country. This same rule is applicable for those travelling on land. However, if you are caught unaware, there are expedited passports for children as well as adults.

Timetable

The application for a passport takes about six weeks. Sometimes, it might take less time but never below four weeks. Expedited service is available for those who want to speed up the processing period. This can shorten the duration of wait from six weeks to two weeks. This expedited service is available at the US Department of State.

Expedited Service

The cost of an expedited passport differs from the standard cost. The variation in the price depends on the speed at which you want the passport. There are independent agencies that provide this service. They have the passport available within a day to 12 days. However, if the passport is not needed urgently, the cost of this service is low.

Government Licensing

Online and offline expediting services are available. Both providers need to get a license from the government in order to operate. This license should be the yardstick used to make a decision. For those that opt for an online agency, provide a valid email address along with other data that you present. This will be used to convey essential information to you. The offline service providers will require a contact phone number.

Payment

The method of payment also varies in regard to the choice of service provider. PayPal, credit card, bank wire and other electronic means of payment are available for the online passport agencies. The offline agencies have the option of bank deposits, credit cards, bank wire, checks, money orders and credit/debit cards. The most convenient payment plan can assist in choosing an agency to patronize.

Additional Charges

The fees you will pay include both the government-approved cost for a passport and the service fee. The service fee is based on the discretion of the agency helping you obtain the passport. There might be additional fees based on other service that the agency might offer such as traveling arrangements.

Parental Involvement

Irrespective of the agency that helps you obtain the child’s passport, the parents/ guardian will be involved in all steps of the application. Their roles include applying for the passport on behalf of the toddler, child or teen. They will also be responsible for all applicable fees. The laws currently require that all minors below the age of 15 have either parents or guardian present when the application is submitted.

Book or Card

When applying for infant American pass port, you need to specify the nature of passport you want. There is the passport book and the passport card. With the passport book, a minor gets to travel by any means of transportation to any part of the world. The passport card is valid only for land and sea travels. This limits the travel destination to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Bermuda. The fees applicable to each of the passports also vary.