How to Get a US Passport For Your Child

So you just had a child, maybe it’s your first, maybe your fifth, but you are finally ready to explore this beautiful planet with them, but first, you need to get them a US Passport…. How do you do this? What paperwork do you need? Do they need a photo? How do you even do that!?!?

Having a child is exhausting and anxiety-provoking enough on its own; I want to make the passport process as simple and easy as any bureaucratic process can be.

I have broken down the steps and the documents you will need to get your child their first passport.

Step 1: Have a Child (or multiple children)

To get a passport for your child, you definitely need to have a child first. 😛 If you are currently pregnant, you can maybe start step 2, but having the child is really necessary for all the steps.

Step 2: Go to the US Department of State Website and Download and Fill out the Form (DS-11)

Children age less than 17 years old must have the DS-11 form filled out. This form wants information including Name, Date of Birth, SSN, Place of Birth, Address, Marital status (of the applicant), height, eye color, and hair color. You will fill out all the gold sections of the form, which is about 1 page in total. DO NOT SIGN the form until you are told to when you submit it in person! The signature section is in the blue area. Only fill out the gold sections before submitting the form.

Step 3: Get Your Passport Photo

This is NOT something you can do at home. The photo has some pretty strict rules/requirements.

I strongly recommend getting it done by the professionals. This includes most commercial Pharmacies (I went to Walgreens), your local post office (this varies by location), and UPS/UPS Stores. If you plan to get your photos done at the post office, I recommend contacting them first. My local post office requires appointments for the photos and submitting the application, and they do not take toddler photos.

Step 4: Gather Your Documents

Original Proof of Child’s US Citizenship & a Copy of It – this is often their birth certificate, assuming they are born in the US
Proof of Parental Relationship (to the child) – This can be the child’s birth certificate (in NYS it states the parents’ name/relation), but it could also be adoption paperwork or divorce/custody decree. *Note this is not required for children 16-17 years old*
Parents’ ID & Photocopy of It – For children under 16 years old, both parents are required to show ID. This can be a driver’s license, passport (valid or expired), certificate of citizenship, Green Card, and a few other options. See the US Department of State Website for the full list. Children 16-17 must either submit their own ID and/or one parent’s ID (along with a copy of it)

**For children less than 16 years old, if both parents can not be present when they submit their application in person, consent must be submitted – Form DS-3053, which must be notarized. If you are a single parent or have sole custody you must submit the birth certificate or adoption decree or judicial decree granting sole custody **

Your completed form DS-11. DO NOT SIGN the form until you are told to when you submit it in person! The signature section is in the blue area. Only fill out the gold sections before submitting the form.

Step 5: Gather Your Check Book:

If you are applying for a passport in the US they only take checks or money orders – no credit cards or cash! *There are 26 passport Agency’s/Center’s across the US that does accept credit cards and cash*

If you are applying for a child under 16 years old, you must pay two fees: an application fee ($100) and an executive fee ($35) for the passport book. If you want to expedite the process, it’s an extra $60

If you are 16+ years old and applying for a passport for the first time or renewing, you will pay two fees: an application fee ($130) and an executive fee ($35) for the passport book. If you want to expedite the process, it’s an extra $60

Step 6: Make Your Appointment To Submit Your Child’s Application

Now, this step isn’t 100% necessary; you must find out what your area does.

However, it has seemed that since COVID more places are requiring appointments to submit for your passport.

There are several locations where you submit your application: your local post office, clerk’s office (or gov. building), and some libraries. There are also 26 Passport Centers across the US. The US Department of State has a great website to help you identify your closest option.

Step 7: Submit the Application (plus documents):

As stated previously, both parents must be present, in-person to submit the application. For children under 16 years old, if both parents can not be present when they submit their application in person, consent must be submitted – Form DS-3053, which must be notarized. If you are a single parent or have sole custody, you must submit the birth certificate or adoption decree or judicial decree granting sole custody.

Remember all your documents, the Form DS-11, passport photo/photos, and checkbook!

Step 8: Wait For Your Child’s First Passport to Arrive

Honestly, I found this step to be the hardest. I was so excited for my son to get his first passport that I could have sworn it took years to finally arrive when it really only took about 2-3 weeks (we did expedite the process).

Also, be prepared; they will take your original copy of your child’s birth certificate with the application. So you will also have to wait for that to be returned. For us, his certificate got mailed back to us about 2-3 days after receiving his passport.

Step 9: Make Some Incredible Memories Together!