Understanding the requirements for a child’s passport is the first hurdle. The rules are in place to prevent international parental child abduction and require proof of parental relationship and consent. This means a more detailed application process compared to an adult’s first-time passport.
Who Needs a Child’s Passport?
Any U.S. citizen under the age of 16 traveling internationally, even infants, requires their own passport. There are no exceptions based on age; a newborn needs a passport just as much as a 15-year-old. This is a common misconception, so it’s vital to clarify this from the outset.
For children aged 16 and 17, slightly different rules apply, often allowing for parental consent to be less stringent or even waived in some circumstances if the minor can prove emancipation or significant independence. However, for those under 16, the
two-parent consent
rule is almost always in effect, which we will detail shortly.
Gathering Your Essential Documents
1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship
- Original Birth Certificate: A certified copy issued by the city, county, or state of birth. This must be an original, not a photocopy.
- Previous U.S. Passport: If the child has had one before.
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad: For children born outside the U.S. to U.S. citizen parents.
- Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization: If applicable.
2. Proof of Parental Relationship
This is typically the child’s certified birth certificate, which lists the parents’ names. Other acceptable documents include a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or an adoption decree. The purpose is to clearly establish who the legal parents are.
3. Parents’ Identification
Both parents must present valid, government-issued identification. This usually includes a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or a previous U.S. passport. Photocopies of the front and back of each ID are also required, which you will submit along with the originals for verification.
4. Parental Consent: The Two-Parent Signature Rule
This is arguably the most critical aspect of a child’s passport application. Both parents (or legal guardians) must appear in person with the child and present their valid IDs to the passport acceptance agent. Both parents must sign Form DS-11 in front of the agent.
- Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053): The absent parent must complete, sign, and have Form DS-3053 notarized. This form explicitly grants consent for the passport to be issued. A copy of the absent parent’s identification (front and back) must be submitted with the form.
- Primary Parent with Sole Legal Custody: If one parent has sole legal custody, they must provide the original or a certified copy of the court order granting them sole custody.
- Death of One Parent: If one parent is deceased, the surviving parent must provide the original or certified copy of the death certificate.
- Inability to Locate Absent Parent: If you cannot locate the other parent, you may submit Form DS-5525,
Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.
This is typically for urgent situations or when proving attempts to contact the other parent have failed.
The Passport Photo: Getting It Right
- Recent (taken within the last six months).
- 2×2 inches in size.
- In color.
- Taken against a plain white or off-white background.
- Full-face, front view, with a neutral facial expression or a slight natural smile.
- Both eyes open and visible.
- No glasses (unless medically necessary with a doctor’s note).
- No hats or head coverings (unless for religious purposes, with a signed statement).
- For infants, ensure no other people are in the photo, and the child’s eyes are open. You may lay the infant on a plain white sheet or place them in a car seat covered with a plain white sheet.
Filling Out Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
This form cannot be signed until you are in front of a passport acceptance agent. You can fill it out online and print it, or obtain a physical copy. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents. Do not make any errors, as this could delay the process significantly.
Where to Apply: Passport Acceptance Facilities
You cannot mail in a first-time child’s passport application. It must be submitted in person at a designated passport acceptance facility. These are typically post offices, clerks of court, or other municipal offices. You can find the nearest facility using the U.S. Department of State’s online search tool.
Scheduling an Appointment
It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment with your chosen acceptance facility. Walk-ins are often not accommodated, especially during peak travel seasons. An appointment ensures you have dedicated time with an agent to process your application correctly.
The Application Submission Process
- Your completed, but unsigned, Form DS-11.
- All original supporting documents (proof of citizenship, parental relationship, parental IDs).
- Photocopies of all supporting documents (front and back for IDs).
- The child’s passport photo.
- Any necessary consent forms (DS-3053, court orders, death certificates).
- Means to pay the fees.
The acceptance agent will review all your documents, verify your identities, witness both parents (or the sole parent/guardian with proper documentation) sign Form DS-11, and collect the fees. They will then seal the application package to be sent to a passport processing center.
Understanding the Fees
- Application Fee: Paid to the U.S. Department of State.
- Execution Fee (Acceptance Fee): Paid to the acceptance facility.
These fees can change, so always check the official Department of State website for the most current fee schedule. Expedited processing and overnight delivery options will incur additional costs.
Processing Times and Expedited Services
Standard processing times can vary significantly, often ranging from several weeks to a few months, depending on demand. It is always advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
If you have urgent travel plans, you can opt for expedited service for an additional fee. This significantly shortens the processing time. For extremely urgent travel (within a few days), you may need to make an appointment at a regional passport agency, which requires proof of immediate international travel.
Tracking Your Application
Once your application is submitted, you can track its status online using the Department of State’s passport status tracker. You will need the last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of the Social Security Number provided on the application.
Receiving Your Child’s Passport
The passport book will be mailed to the address provided on the application. Your original supporting documents, such as the birth certificate, will be returned to you in a separate mailing, usually a few weeks after you receive the passport itself. Keep these documents safe!
Passport Validity for Minors
Unlike adult passports which are valid for 10 years, a child’s passport (for those under 16) is valid for only 5 years. This shorter validity period is due to the significant changes a child undergoes in appearance during their formative years, making identification more challenging over a longer period.
Renewal of a Child’s Passport
When a child’s passport expires, it cannot be renewed by mail using Form DS-82 like an adult passport. A new application (Form DS-11) must be submitted in person, following the same procedures as the original application, including the two-parent consent rule. The old passport should be submitted with the new application.
Important Tips and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Apply Early: Do not wait until the last minute. Allow ample time for processing, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Double-Check Everything: Review all forms and documents for accuracy before your appointment.
- Original Documents: Always bring originals of required documents. Photocopies are only for submission, not for verification of the originals.
- Be Prepared for the Photo: Especially with infants and toddlers, it might take a few tries to get a compliant photo.
- Know the Consent Rules: The two-parent consent rule is the most common reason for application delays. Understand it thoroughly.
- Keep Copies: Make copies of all submitted documents for your records.
Beyond the Passport: Preparing for Travel
Once your child has their passport, remember to keep it in a safe, accessible place. Before traveling, check the entry requirements of your destination country, as some nations may require additional documents like visas or specific health clearances for minors. It’s also wise to have copies of passports and birth certificates stored separately in case the originals are lost or stolen while abroad.
Obtaining a child’s passport for international travel is a structured process designed to ensure the child’s safety and proper authorization. By carefully following these steps, gathering all required documents, and understanding the specific consent rules, you can navigate the application with confidence. Soon, you and your little traveler will be ready to explore the world together, passport in hand, creating cherished memories for years to come.
