While cash is the most immediate form of payment and accepted everywhere (in fact preferred in a number of cases), credit cards and traveller's checks can be an alternative. But there are pitfalls.
Passports issued to children under age 16 are valid for 5 years. Children under 16 must renew their passports in person and follow the same guidelines as when the passport was first issued, including being accompanied by parents or guardians. Two current passport-sized photos must be included with the application.
My former spouse is not involve in my children lives, however I need passports for them. Do they still need to give consent for them to get a passport? Yes. Under federal laws, both parents are required to give consent for children under the age of 16 yrs when applying for a passport. Only one parent's consent is needed for a passport applicant that is either 16 or 17 years old.