Changes to U.S. Passport laws, effective February 1, include the following:
"To protect children from abduction, and to address concerns regarding runaway children, beginning February 1, both parents will be required to personally appear at a passport acceptance facility, passport agency or U.S. consular section abroad with minor applicants under the age of 16 (up from age 14) and sign the application."
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/jan/99809.htm
"To protect children from abduction, and to address concerns regarding runaway children, beginning February 1, both parents will be required to personally appear at a passport acceptance facility, passport agency or U.S. consular section abroad with minor applicants under the age of 16 (up from age 14) and sign the application."
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/jan/99809.htm