Replacing an 1-year limited validity passport issued to an adopted child
If your adopted child was issued a passport limited to one year in order to travel before the adoption was final, this passport can be replaced with a full validity 5 year passport by mail and free of charge provided the adoption was finalized and the application is made within the passport’s validity.
If the one-year passport has expired before you can make a new application, the DS-11 application form must be completed and submitted in person. Please see our section on Passports for Minors for further details. You will have to pay the full fee for the new passport.
You may use the following guidance to prepare for your application:
1. Fill out and print FORM DS-5504
Complete FORM DS-5504 online, and print it out single-sided. Back to back printed forms cannot be processed. Do not print the instructions as you are to use this website instead. At ‘Mailing Address’ list your Dutch address, even if it is only temporary. You cannot currently list a “Country” when completing the “Emergency Contact” section on our forms. Please list an emergency contact in the United States. Applications filled out by hand may require longer to process. Either parent/legal guardian may sign the form.
Digital signatures or otherwise electronically signed forms are not acceptable.
2. Social Security Number Requirement
You must provide an answer to question no. 5, even if you do not have a Social Security Number or do not remember it. Do NOT list your Dutch Burger Service Number (BSN). Click here to learn more about passports and the social security number requirement.
3. Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Provide your child’s limited validity U.S. passport, with a photo copy of the biographical information page.
4. One 2"x2" U.S. Format color passport photo
- One U.S. format: 2″ x 2″ (5 x 5 cm.) passport photo. We cannot process the smaller Dutch format photos! Click here for guidance on the perfect U.S. passport photo. Make sure to watch the video.
5. Supporting Documents
- A legible copy of the final adoption decree, listing you as the adoptive parents
- If available you may also present a copy of the Hague Adoption Certificate
- If available you may also present a copy of the amended birth certificate, listing you as the parent(s)
We retain the right to ask to see the original(s) of these documents.
6. Photo copies
Provide a plain photo copy of:
- your child’s passport’s biographical information page,
- both your passports,
- and any supporting documents as applicable to your application.
Copies of the forms are not required.
7. Passport Application Fee
There is no fee for this service.
8. Mail in your application
DO NOT MAIL YOUR PASSPORT TO THE UNITED STATES!
Mail your passport and application to:
U.S. Consulate General
U.S. Citizen Services – Mail-in
John Adams Park 1
2244 BZ Wassenaar
The Netherlands
9. Should you wish to apply in person
Set up an appointment via the link below. IMPORTANT: Print the appointment confirmation page or save it on your phone. You will NOT receive a confirmation e-mail.
ARRIVE ON TIME
Try to arrive at the Consulate at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. If you miss your slot we must ask you to reschedule.
Note that slots open up if we receive cancellations. Check back with our appointment system regularly if you wish for a earlier appointment slot.
10. New passport will be delivered by mail
Prepaid, self-addressed return envelope required
To receive your new passport in due time you must provide with your application a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope. The size should be approximately 23X16cm, or 9″X6″. NO larger envelopes, no padded envelopes, no DHL envelopes! We can only send passports to an address in the Netherlands.
Postage – DHL label or stamps
We recommend using the trackable “waybill” from DHL express, or DHL parcel label. These you must order online at: https://my.dhlexpress.nl/pwa/shipment/package/. When prompted, please select “Mailbox Parcel”, and enter your personal information as the recipient. Check the option “E-mail Notification”. When asked about the sender, enter your own name and the following mailing address: John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar. Use your own e-mail address as sender and receiver so you receive all correspondence regarding your shipment. Print your DHL label and glue or tape it on your return envelope. DHL labels that are only a barcode do NOT work.
Alternatively, you may use 5x regular “1” stamps from PostNL. Please note that by choosing this method you will not be able to track the shipment, nor are you able to retrieve the shipment should it get lost. The Consulate assumes no responsibility for lost mail.
Processing time
Full validity passports are printed in the United States. From receipt of your application by the Consulate General in Amsterdam, you should allow for up to 6 to 8 weeks for your application to be processed.