Applying for your Child's U.S. Passport
Updated: Jun 22
If you are anything like me, you knew before you even had your child that you would need to apply for a passport soon after Baby was born.
Or maybe you’re not like me and you had no plans to apply for Baby’s passport and now you need to figure out what to do. Either way, here is how we went about this process...
As of March 23rd, 2023 routine processing for a United States Passport is 10 to 13 weeks; and expedite processing (for an additional $60) is 7 to 9 weeks. Processing times begin the day they receive your application at a passport agency, not the day you mail your application or apply for a passport at a local acceptance facility. Mail times vary across the country so...
Plan ahead and apply early.
Step 1: Fill out the Forms & Print them Out
All children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or guardians using Form DS-11. Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years. A few important notes:
You can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both documents but in order to travel internationally, you must have a passport book. You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages for your child, at no additional cost, by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-11.
In the application, you will need to provide your child’s social security number. If your child does not have a Social Security number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: (Child's full name) has never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
Step 2: Gather and make copies of all supporting documents
Evidence of US Citizenship
- Your evidence must be an original or certified, physical copy. - Can be one of the following forms: - Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired) - US Birth Certificate - Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth - Certificate of Citizenship
Photocopy of the Evidence of US Citizenship
You will submit both. The original document will be mailed back to you at a later date
Photocopies must be: - Legible - On white 8.5”x11” standard paper - Black and white - Single-sided
Documentation of both parental relationships and their consent
It is best to have both the original and photocopy of this evidence with you when you apply.
Parental relationships can be proven by: - U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship) - Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (also evidence of U.S. citizenship) - Foreign birth certificate - Adoption decree - Divorce/Custody decree
Parental consent must be proven by both parents. If a child only has one parent or guardian you can find more information on the documentation that you would need here.
Photocopy of both parent/guardian IDs
Parents may use a photocopy of any of the following forms of identification: - Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card - In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo - Certificate of Naturalization - Certificate of Citizenship - Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal) - U.S. military or military dependent ID - Current (valid) foreign passport - Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant - U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant - Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards) - Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
Other documents: 1) In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo, 2) In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo, or 3) temporary driver's license with photo. Note: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these three documents.
Photo of Child
The correct size of a passport photo is: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
An explanation of how we did this for our one-month-old is detailed on our blog here.
Check or Money Order
Paid to the Order of the U.S. Department of State
Step 3: Make an appointment at your local Acceptance Facility.
These locations include post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices. At this point in time (June 2023), acceptance facilities do not accept walk-in appointments. You must schedule an appointment in advance to submit your documents. We applied at our local post office and we were able to make appointments online using the USPS website at least one day in advance. You can find your local acceptance facility here.
If you are outside of the United States, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy and Consulate for how to submit your child's documents, since processes vary.
Step 4: Go to your appointment with all of the above documents and apply!
