This guide explains the child passport application process step by step, including the documents needed for a child passport, parent consent rules, fees, processing times, and common mistakes that can delay a minor passport application.
Quick Summary: Steps to Get a Child Passport
- Complete Form DS-11 for the child, but do not sign it before the appointment.
- Gather the child’s proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of parent or guardian relationship.
- Prepare parent or guardian photo ID and any required consent documents.
- Take a passport photo that meets U.S. Department of State rules.
- Prepare payment for child passport government fees.
- Bring the child to an in-person passport appointment with the required documents.
- Track the application and wait for the child’s passport and supporting documents to be returned by mail.
My Passport Hub can help prepare a child's passport application materials before the appointment, but the child must still appear in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility or passport agency when required.
Do Children Need a Passport?
Yes, U.S. citizen children need their own passports for international air travel. A child cannot travel internationally on a parent’s passport.
For children under 16, the U.S. Department of State requires an in-person application using Form DS-11. Once approved, a child passport may be needed for:
- International flights
- International cruises, depending on the cruise itinerary
- Land or sea travel to countries that require a passport book or passport card
- Any trip where the destination country requires a valid U.S. passport for entry
A passport book is the standard option for international air travel. A passport card is more limited and cannot be used for air travel outside the United States.
What Is a Child Passport Application?
A child passport application is the process used to request a U.S. passport for a minor.
For a child under 16, a parent or legal guardian must complete Form DS-11 on the child's behalf. They must also bring the child to an in-person appointment, prove the child’s U.S. citizenship, prove their relationship to the child, and provide the required parental consent.
The same process applies to baby passport applications, and for all minors under the age of 16.
What Documents Are Needed for a Child Passport?
The documents needed for a child passport include verification of their identity and citizenship, as well as proof of parentage or guardianship.
For a child under 16, prepare:
Child’s application documents
- Completed Form DS-11, but do not sign it before the appointment
- One passport photo that meets U.S. Department of State requirements
- Payment for government passport fees
Proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship
- Certified U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Citizenship, or previous full-validity U.S. passport
- Photocopy of the citizenship document, if required
Proof of parent or guardian relationship
- Birth certificate showing parent names
- Adoption decree
- Court order or custody document, if applicable
Parent or guardian identity and consent
- Original physical photo ID for each parent or guardian attending
- Photocopy of each parent or guardian ID
- Consent form or legal authority document if one parent or guardian cannot attend
How to Complete Form DS-11 for a Child Passport
Form DS-11 is the required passport application form for children under 16. The form can be completed online or printed and filled out manually.
Do not sign Form DS-11 before the passport appointment. The acceptance agent must witness the signature at the appointment. Only sign it when instructed.
Information required for DS-11
- Child’s full legal name
- Child’s date and place of birth
- Child’s Social Security number, if issued
- Parent or guardian information
- Mailing address
- Emergency contact
- Travel plans, if available
For a baby or newborn passport application, the same DS-11 form is used. Parent information and citizenship evidence are especially important because the child may not have other long-term identity records yet.
A common mistake is entering a child’s name differently from the birth certificate or citizenship document. The name on the application should match the child’s legal documents exactly unless you also provide certified proof of a legal name change.
My Passport Hub can help parents prepare Form DS-11 and review the information before the in-person appointment. This does not replace the official appointment or the Department of State’s review.
What Counts as Proof of U.S. Citizenship for a Child Passport?
Proof of U.S. citizenship for a passport application for kids may include certain types of birth records. Only original or certified documents are suitable. Regular photocopies are not accepted as primary citizenship evidence.
The U.S. Department of State lists the following documents as acceptable citizenship evidence for a child's passport:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or other U.S. Department of State birth document
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Full-validity, undamaged U.S. passport previously issued to the child
A certified birth certificate should generally include the child’s full name, date and place of birth, parent names, registrar's signature, filing date, and official seal.
Hospital birth certificates, keepsake birth records, and unofficial copies are not accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship. You need a certified copy.
How Do You Prove the Parent or Guardian Relationship?
To get a child passport, the parent or guardian must prove the legal relationship to the child. This is separate from proving the child’s citizenship.
The U.S. Department of State says it must verify the legal relationship between every child and parent or guardian. If the child’s U.S. birth certificate does not prove both citizenship and parental relationship, another relationship document may be required.
Accepted relationship documents
- U.S. birth certificate showing parent names
- Foreign birth certificate showing parent names
- Adoption decree
- Divorce or custody decree
- Court order establishing guardianship
The names on the parent or guardian documents should match the adult IDs presented at the appointment. If a parent’s name has changed, certified proof of name change may be needed.
Do Both Parents Need to Be Present for a Child Passport?
In most cases, both parents or legal guardians should appear in person with the child when applying for a passport for a child under 16.
Both parents or guardians must bring physical photo identification. If one parent or guardian cannot attend, additional consent documents are usually required.
If one parent cannot attend but both parents have custody, the absent parent usually needs to provide Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent. The form must be signed and notarized, and the applying parent must submit a photocopy of the absent parent’s photo ID.
Proof of sole legal authority
If one parent has sole legal authority, they may need to show documents such as:
- Court order granting sole custody
- Court order giving one parent permission to apply
- Certified birth certificate or adoption decree listing only one parent
- Certified death certificate of the other parent
- Judicial declaration of incompetence for the other parent
If neither parent can attend, the person applying with the child needs notarized permission from both parents or guardians.
Consent rules are one of the most common reasons child passport applications become complicated. Parents should review these documents before the appointment rather than trying to resolve consent issues at the facility.
What Photo ID Do Parents Need for a Child Passport?
Parents or guardians must bring original, physical photo ID when applying for their child’s passport. The ID is used to verify the identity of the adult applying on behalf of the child.
Accepted parent or guardian photo ID
- Valid driver’s license
- State-issued photo ID
- Military ID
- Federal government employee ID
- U.S. passport book or passport card
- Permanent resident card
- Other government-issued photo ID accepted by the Department of State
The State Department notes that if a parent’s ID is from a different state than the state where the child is applying, the parent should bring a second photo ID.
Parents should bring the original ID and a photocopy. Digital IDs are not a substitute for the physical document.
What Are the Passport Photo Requirements for Children?
A child passport application must include one passport photo that meets U.S. Department of State requirements.
The photo must show the child clearly and must not be attached or stapled to the application by the parent. The acceptance agent or passport employee will review the child’s photo and staple it to the application if accepted.
Child passport photo requirements
- Photo must be 2 x 2 inches
- Background must be plain white or off-white
- Photo must be recent
- Child’s face must be clearly visible
- No filters or digital alterations
- No eyeglasses unless a medical exception applies
- No shadows across the face or background
For babies and infants, the child should be photographed alone. No parent, hand, toy, pacifier, or car seat should appear in the photo.
A newborn passport photo can be difficult because the baby may not hold their head still. The safest approach is to use a plain white or off-white background, keep the baby’s eyes open if possible, and make sure the full face is visible.
How Much Is a Child’s Passport in 2026?
A child passport book for a child under 16 costs $135 in 2026. This includes a $100 application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order, and a $35 acceptance facility fee paid separately to the passport acceptance facility where you apply.
The check or money order for the application fee should be made payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Write the child’s name and date of birth in the memo section.
The acceptance facility fee is paid directly to the facility. Accepted payment methods for that fee may vary by location, so check with the facility before the appointment.
A child passport card costs $50 total, including a $15 application fee and a $35 facility acceptance fee. A child passport book and card together cost $150 total, including a $115 application fee and a $35 facility acceptance fee.
Optional services fees
- Expedited service: $60
- 1 to 3 day return delivery for a passport book: $22.05
- Faster mailing to the Department of State: varies by acceptance facility
Government passport fees are separate from any optional third-party document preparation service fees charged by My Passport Hub.
How Long Does a Baby Passport Last?
A minor passport issued to a child under 16 is valid for 5 years. Child passports cannot be renewed in the same way as adult passports.
When a child’s passport expires, the child usually needs a new DS-11 application, a new in-person appointment, updated documents, and parent or guardian consent.
This 5-year validity period applies even if the child was a newborn or infant when the passport was issued.
Where Do You Apply for a Child Passport?
You must bring the child and submit the child passport application in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility, unless you qualify for a passport agency or center appointment due to urgent travel.
Common passport acceptance facilities
- Participating USPS locations
- County clerk offices
- Local government offices
- Selected public libraries
- Some courthouses
Where you apply depends on how soon the child is traveling. The Department of State says applicants traveling in more than 3 weeks can usually go to a passport acceptance facility. Those traveling internationally in less than 3 weeks may need an appointment at a passport agency or center.
Many passport acceptance facilities require appointments. Parents should confirm appointment availability, photo services, and accepted payment methods before going.
What Happens at a Child Passport Appointment?
At a child passport appointment, the passport acceptance agent verifies the application, reviews the documents, confirms parent or guardian identity, witnesses the required signature, and submits the application package for processing.
The child must be present. The parent or guardian cannot apply for a child's passport without bringing the child to the appointment.
Passport appointment process
- Confirm the child is present
- Review Form DS-11
- Check proof of U.S. citizenship and parent or guardian relationship
- Review parent or guardian photo ID
- Confirm consent documents, if needed
- Review the child’s passport photo
- Witness the parent or guardian signature
- Collect or confirm fee payments
What to bring to the appointment
- Completed but unsigned Form DS-11
- Child’s original or certified citizenship evidence
- Proof of parent or guardian relationship
- Parent or guardian photo ID
- Photocopies of required documents
- Child passport photo
- Consent documents, if one parent cannot attend
- Payment for child passport fees
- Appointment confirmation, if required
How Long Does It Take to Get a Child Passport?
Routine child passport processing currently takes 4 to 6 weeks, not including mailing time. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, not including mailing time, and requires an extra $60 fee.
Mailing time can add more time to the total process. The Department of State says it may take up to 2 weeks for the application to reach the agency, and applicants should add up to 2 more weeks after processing for the child’s passport to arrive by mail.
Because of this, parents should not calculate the timeline based on processing time alone. The full timeline may also include the time it takes to find an available passport appointment, send the application to the Department of State, receive the finished passport, and get supporting documents back separately.
If the child has upcoming international travel, apply as early as possible rather than relying only on the listed processing estimate.
How to Get a Child Passport Faster
It’s sometimes possible to get a child passport more quickly than through routine service.
You can request expedited service when you submit the child passport application at the acceptance facility.
For urgent travel or emergency appointments, you must contact the U.S. Department of State and schedule an appointment at a passport agency or center.
My Passport Hub can help prepare the child passport application materials before submission, but expedited processing, urgent appointments, and emergency appointments are handled by the U.S. Department of State.
Common Mistakes That Delay Child Passport Applications
Child passport applications are often delayed because consent, relationship documents, photos, or signatures do not meet U.S. Department of State requirements. Check these issues before the appointment:
- Signing Form DS-11 before the appointment: Do not sign Form DS-11 in advance. The acceptance agent must witness the signature.
- Bringing the parent but not the child: The child must appear in person for a passport application under age 16.
- Missing consent from one parent or guardian: If one parent or guardian cannot attend, the correct notarized consent or legal authority document is required.
- Using an uncertified birth certificate: A certified birth certificate is needed. Hospital birth certificates and keepsake records are not accepted.
- Bringing photocopies instead of originals: Original or certified documents are usually required for citizenship and relationship evidence.
- Submitting an invalid child passport photo: Baby and child passport photos must still meet size, background, visibility, and quality rules.
- Using the wrong payment method: The Department of State fee is usually paid by check or money order, not cash. The acceptance facility fee is paid separately, and payment methods vary by location.
- Having different names across documents: If the parent’s current ID does not match the child’s birth certificate or custody document, certified proof of name change is needed.
What Happens After You Submit a Child Passport Application?
After the passport appointment, the acceptance facility sends the child passport application package to the U.S. Department of State for processing.
- Application submitted by the acceptance facility: After the appointment, the facility sends the child’s passport application package to the Department of State.
- Application received for processing: The Department of State receives the application and begins reviewing the form, citizenship evidence, relationship documents, photo, and payment.
- Additional information requested, if needed: If something is missing or unclear, the Department of State may request more documents or information.
- Passport approved and printed: If approved, the child’s passport book, passport card, or both are produced.
- Passport delivered: The child’s passport is mailed to the address listed on the application.
- Supporting documents returned: Original citizenship and relationship documents are usually returned separately by First Class Mail.
For security, supporting documents are sent separately from the passport. They may arrive up to 4 weeks after the passport book or card.
FAQ: How to Get a Child Passport
How do I get a child passport?
To get a child's passport, complete Form DS-11 and bring the child to an in-person appointment with proof of citizenship and proof of parent or guardian relationship. Parent or guardian photo ID, a passport photo, and payment of fees are also required.
What documents are needed for a child passport?
Documents needed for a child passport include Form DS-11, a passport photo, and parent or guardian ID. Proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship and of parental or guardian relationship is also needed. Most people use a certified birth certificate for this purpose.
Do children need passports?
Yes, U.S. citizen children need their own passports for international air travel. A child cannot travel internationally using a parent’s passport. This includes babies and newborn infants.
Can I submit a baby passport application?
Yes. Parents can submit a baby or infant passport application using Form DS-11. It’s necessary to bring all other supporting documentation to the passport appointment. The baby must appear in person with the applying parent or guardian.
How much is a child’s passport in 2026?
A child passport book for a child under 16 costs $135 in 2026. A child passport card costs $50, and a child passport book and card together cost $150. Optional expedited processing and delivery services cost extra.
How long does a baby passport last?
A baby passport issued to a child under 16 is valid for 5 years. After it expires, the child needs a new application using Form DS-11. The renewal process is the same as for a first-time minor passport.
Can one parent get a child passport?
One parent can apply for a child passport if the other parent gives notarized consent or if the applying parent has legal evidence of sole authority. The required documents depend on the custody and consent situation.
Can a child passport be renewed?
Children under 16 need to apply again in person using Form DS-11 to get a new passport. It’s not possible to do the renewal by mail or online. Parents or guardians need to accompany the child to the appointment with all the supporting documents.
Child Passport Application Checklist
Before the appointment, make sure you have:
- Completed but unsigned Form DS-11
- Child’s certified U.S. birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship
- Proof of parent or guardian relationship, such as a birth certificate, adoption decree, or custody order
- Original physical photo ID for each parent or guardian attending, plus photocopies
- One child passport photo that meets the specifications
- Consent form, custody order, or legal authority document, if only one parent is attending
- Check or money order for the Department of State fee
- Separate payment for the acceptance facility fee
- Appointment confirmation, if required