Should I enter our child's name on her passport application?

by Cary
(Japan)

Question: We are planning to get a first passport for our 1-year-old daughter. At the top of page 1 of the application, shall I enter my daughter's name or my own name (applying on her behalf)?

The boxes at the top of page 2 ask specifically for "Name of Applicant", but at the top of page 1 there is no such specific indication of whose name to list.

Thank you for your time.

Answer: The name you should write at the top of page 1 is that of your daughter. The application is for her passport and it will be issued in her name. The reason that you have to write the name again on page 2 is in case the two pages get separated at the agency.

Remember, minors must appear before an agent with both parents. Also, you should not sign the application until requested to do so.

Since you are in Japan, you must submit the application at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. For more information, click the link of the one nearest you.

• U.S. Embassy in Tokyo


When the passport arrives, you will have to sign it for your daughter. In the space provided for the signature, the mother or father must print the child's name and sign their own name. Then, in parenthesis by the parent's name, write the word (mother) or (father) so the State Department knows who signed for the child.