Most applicants who are age 1617 must apply in person using Form DS11. Passports for applicants 16 and older are valid for 10 years.Fill out a Form DS-71 in the presence of a passport agent. For Minors Under the Age of 16. For detailed instructions on how to apply, please see Applicants Age 16 and 17. Find out how to apply for or renew a passport for an adult or a minor under 18. Know what to do if a passport is lost or stolen. Applicants and relevant parties: All applicants must be present. 6. If you are applying for a child under 16, both parents and child must be present to apply. If your child is 16 or 17 years of age they may get a passport with only one parent present.