How To Get A Passport For A Child?

Planning an international family trip is exciting, but before you book flights and pack your bags, make sure your child has a valid passport. Unlike adult passports, obtaining a passport for a child requires additional documents and steps, especially for children under 16.

The good news is that the process is manageable once you know what to expect. This guide explains how to get a passport for a child, what documents you need, and how to avoid delays.

Who Needs a Child Passport?

Every U.S. citizen, including infants and newborns, must have their own passport to travel internationally by air. Children cannot travel on a parent's passport.

Children under age 16 receive a passport valid for 5 years. Once the child turns 16, they can apply for an adult passport with a ten-year validity period.

Step 1: Complete Form DS-11

The first step is filling out Form DS-11, the official passport application for first-time applicants and children under 16.

You can complete the form online using the Form Filler tool or print a copy and fill it out by hand. However, do not sign the application until instructed to do so by the passport acceptance agent.

You can choose to apply for:

• Passport book

• Passport card

• Both a passport book and a card

A passport book allows international air travel, while a passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to certain destinations.

Step 2: Provide Proof of U.S. Citizenship

Your child's passport application must include proof of U.S. citizenship. Accepted documents include:

• U.S. birth certificate

• Certificate of Citizenship

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad

• Certificate of Naturalization

• Full-validity U.S. passport

The document must be an original or a certified copy. Photocopies or digital copies are not accepted. You'll also need to provide a photocopy of the citizenship document on standard letter-size paper.

Step 3: Show Your Relationship to Your Child

Parents or legal guardians must provide proof of their relationship to the child.

Acceptable documents include:

• U.S. birth certificate

• Foreign birth certificate

• Adoption decree

• Divorce decree

• Custody order

• Court order

It's perfectly acceptable if your last name is different from your child's as long as the relationship document shows your full legal name. If your name has changed, bring legal proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Step 4: Bring Valid Identification

Parents or guardians applying for the child's passport must bring a government-issued photo ID and a photocopy of the ID.

Accepted forms of identification include:

• U.S. passport

• Driver's license

• Certificate of Citizenship

• Certificate of Naturalization

• Government employee ID

• Military ID

• Current foreign passport

• Permanent Resident Card

• Trusted Traveler cards

If your ID was issued in another state, you may be asked to provide a second form of identification.

Step 5: Understand the Parental Consent Rules

One of the most important parts of getting a passport for a child is parental consent.

Both Parents Can Appear

This is the easiest situation. Both parents attend the appointment and sign the application.

One Parent Cannot Attend

The absent parent must complete Form DS-3053 and have it notarized.

One Parent Has Sole Custody

Provide one of the following:

• Sole custody order

• Birth certificate listing only one parent

• Death certificate of the other parent

• Adoption decree

Cannot Locate the Other Parent

Submit Form DS-5525, which explains your circumstances.

Neither Parent Can Attend

Both parents can authorize another adult to apply with the child by submitting notarized statements and copies of their IDs.

These rules help protect children and prevent international parental child abduction.

Step 6: Provide a Passport Photo

Your child must submit one passport photo.

The photo must:

• Be in color

• Measure 2 x 2 inches

• Have a plain white background

• Be taken within the last six months

• Clearly show the child's face

Infants can be photographed lying on a white blanket or sitting in a car seat covered with a white sheet. Do not staple the photo to the application. The passport acceptance agent will attach it.

Step 7: Pay the Required Fees

There are two fees for a child's passport application.

Application Fee

Paid directly to the U.S. Department of State.

Execution Fee

Paid to the passport acceptance facility.

Current fees are:

Additional fees may apply if you request expedited service or faster shipping.

Step 8: Find a Place to Apply

Where you apply depends on your travel plans.

Traveling in More Than Three Weeks

Visit a passport acceptance facility, such as:

• Post offices

• Libraries

• Local government offices

Some locations require appointments.

Traveling Within Three Weeks

You may need an expedited appointment at a passport agency if you have urgent travel.

Applying Outside the United States

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions.

Step 9: Track the Application Status

After submitting the application, it may take up to two weeks for the status to change to "In Process."

You can track the application online through the U.S. Department of State's passport status system. Checking the status periodically can help you stay informed and identify any issues early.

Tips for a Smooth Child Passport Application

A little preparation can make the process much easier.

• Gather all documents before your appointment.

• Make copies of important records.

• Check that your child's photo meets all requirements.

• Review your application carefully for errors.

• Apply early if you have upcoming travel.

Many parents wait until the last minute and end up rushing through the process. Starting early gives you more flexibility and less stress. If your trip is coming up quickly, you may need an expedited child passport application to receive your child's passport in time for travel. 

Final Thoughts

Learning how to get a passport for a child is easier when you understand the requirements in advance. From gathering citizenship documents to obtaining parental consent, every step plays an important role in getting your child's passport approved. Applying early and making sure your paperwork is complete can help you avoid delays and keep your family's travel plans on schedule.

Getting Ready for Your Child's Next Adventure?

Chicago Passport & Visa Services helps families with child passport applications and expedited passport services. Our team can guide you through the paperwork and help ensure everything is prepared correctly before submission.

If your family has upcoming travel plans, contact us today or schedule an appointment to get started on your child's passport application.

FAQs

Are both parents required for a child's passport application?

In most cases, yes. Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person or provide written consent because the U.S. government has strict rules to protect children from international parental abduction.

Can I get a passport for my child if the other parent is unavailable?

Yes, but you may need additional paperwork. Depending on your situation, you may need Form DS-3053, a custody order, or Form DS-5525 if you cannot locate the other parent.

How long does it take to get a child's passport?

Processing times vary throughout the year. Routine service can take several weeks, while expedited processing may shorten the timeline if you need the passport sooner.

Does my child need a passport if they are a baby?

Yes. Every U.S. citizen, including newborns and infants, needs their own passport for international air travel.

Can a child's passport be renewed?

No. Passports issued to children under age 16 cannot be renewed. Once the passport expires, you must submit a new application using Form DS-11 and provide all required documents again.