Most applicants who are age 1617 must apply in person using Form DS11. Passports for applicants 16 and older are valid for 10 years.In New York, passport applications for minors require the consent of both parents or legal guardians. Both of you either need to appear in person to apply fir the passport or the ex has to fill out an affidavit that they consent to the passport. Applicants age 16 through 17 must sign their name on the application. Learn how to apply for a US passport for children under 16. Passports for minors are valid for five years. Passports for teens ages 16 and older are valid for ten years. Parental awareness, but not consent, is required of just one parent or a guardian for ages 16 and 17. A valid Driver's License, government identification or previous U.S. passport issued after applicant's 16th birthday which is not more than 15 years old.