Hello,
I want to apply for a SSN for my child since I just received his passport and CRBA; however, the information I was given at the American Embassy in Tokyo states the passport needs to signed.
My child is 4 months old so he cannot sign. Am I supposed to sign the passport on his behalf? I contacted the embassy to inquire further but I got an automatic reply that it would take a week or so for them to reply. I am okay waiting for a response but I figured maybe some other parents have gone through this process and know the answer already.
TIA!
3 comments
Yes you sign on the child’s behalf
I understand your concern. It’s common for parents to have questions about this, especially given the nature of the requirement.
When a child is too young to sign their own passport, a parent or legal guardian can sign for them. Here’s what you should generally do:
Sign the Passport: If your child is too young to sign their own passport, a parent or guardian should sign on the child’s behalf.
Include “By” Before the Signature: In the space provided for the signature, you should write “By” followed by the name of the parent or guardian. For example, if your name is “Jane Doe,” you would sign “By Jane Doe.”
Make Sure Information Matches: The name of the parent or guardian signing the passport should match the name on their ID and the name provided as the parent or guardian in the passport application.
However, it’s always a good idea to wait for an official response from the embassy or consult their guidelines. They may have specific procedures or requirements that you should follow. The process can sometimes differ based on the specific embassy or consulate, even though the general procedure is usually the same.
I hope this helps you navigate the process smoothly!
I signed my daughter’s US passport until she turned 18 as follows: by <my signature> (Father)