Increases to U.S. Passport Fees and New Parental Signature Requirements for U.S. Minors (February 1, 2008)
CONSULAR WARDEN MESSAGE
On February 1, 2008, the U.S. Government increased its fees for certain U.S. citizen passport services. For adult applicants renewing a passport, the total fee increased to $75. For first-time applicants age 16 and over, the total fee increased to $100. The fee for minors under 16 years of age is $85.
Effective February 1, 2008, passport applicants who are U.S. citizen minors under the age of 16 must appear personally with their parents to establish identity, proof of citizenship and proof of relationship. Regarding parental permission required for the application, both parents must appear together and sign, or one parent may appear, sign and submit the other parent's notarized statement, or one parent may appear, sign, and submit primary evidence of sole parental authority. Minors age 16 and 17 may apply in person with their own identification, but for security reasons, parental consent may be required. If your child does not have identification of their own, a parent will be required to accompany the child and present identification.
Please refer to the Department of State's website at http://www.travel.state.gov/ for complete information on all new requirements, including downloadable revised forms that must be used as of February 1, and the U.S. Embassy website at http://bahrain.usembassy.gov/ for complete U.S. passport application instructions.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's website http://bahrain.usembassy.gov/ and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at http://www.travel.state.gov/ , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
Citizens living and residing in Bahrain are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov/. U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via e-mail or by calling 1724 2700. This complete message is available on the Embassy's website at http://bahrain.usembassy.gov/.