CONSULAR WARDEN MESSAGE  

Increases to U.S. Passport Fees and New Parental Signature Requirements for U.S. Minors 

On February 1, 2008, the U.S. Government will increase its fees for certain U.S. citizen passport services.  For adult applicants renewing a passport, the total fee will increase to $75.  For first-time applicants age 16 and over, the total fee will increase to $100.  The fee for minors under 16 years of age will be $85. 

Effective February 1, 2008, for children under age 16, at the time of application, Presence of both parents is required unequivocal consent to passport issuance must be provided by signing the application form in front of the Consular Officer.

If there are extraordinary circumstances and both parents cannot attend, such as one parent not present in country, an English language, notarized Statement of Consent must be submitted from the absent parent.

If the parent has sole custody, an original or court certified copy of the custody order granting sole custody must be submitted with the application

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://germany.usembassy.gov/ for complete U.S. passport application instructions.

 

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website http://germany.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 Germany 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 Sections in:

Berlin via e-mail at ACSBerlin@state.gov or by calling 030-832-9233 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Mon-Fri),

Frankfurt via e-mail at Frankfurtpassports@state.gov and

Munich via e-mail at ConsMunich@state.gov or by calling 089-2888-0.

This complete message is available on the Embassy’s website at http://germany.usembassy.gov/