Can a Minor Renew a U.S. Passport? Child Application, Fees, and Photo Rules (2026)
Children under 16 cannot renew a U.S. passport. Learn the DS-11 process, the two-part fee, parent-consent rules, and photo tips.
Children under 16 apply in person—they do not renew
A child under 16 cannot renew a U.S. passport by mail or online. Each time, the child must apply in person using Form DS-11 at an authorized passport acceptance facility. A child's passport is generally valid for five years, while most adult passports are valid for ten years. The State Department's child-passport instructions are the controlling source for the current process.
Who must attend
Bring the child and, normally, both parents or legal guardians. If one parent cannot appear, follow the official instructions for parental consent, which may include Form DS-3053 or evidence supporting sole authority to apply. Do not assume that an old passport or a prior application removes the in-person requirement.
Child passport fees in 2026
For an applicant under 16, the total is made up of an application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State plus a $35 facility acceptance fee. The table prevents a common double-counting error:
| Document | Application fee | Acceptance fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport book | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Passport card | $15 | $35 | $50 |
| Book and card | $115 | $35 | $150 |
Optional expedited service is an additional $60. If you request 1–3 day return delivery for an issued passport book within the United States, the fee is $22.05; it does not apply to a passport card by itself. Confirm the amount before filing with the official fee table.
Photo requirements for babies and children
The photo must meet the same core requirements: recent, in color, clear, and against a plain white or off-white background. No other person, hand, toy, or pacifier should be visible. The State Department allows limited flexibility for infants who cannot keep their eyes open or face perfectly forward, but a usable photo should still show the child alone and as front-facing as possible.
For a young infant, laying the child on a plain white or off-white sheet and taking the photo from above can help keep another person out of frame. Take several original photos in even light. If a photo has shadows, blur, an obstructed face, or a visibly altered background, retake it rather than editing the child’s appearance.
Processing time and planning
Current State Department processing times are 4–6 weeks for routine service and 2–3 weeks for expedited service, and the agency notes that mailing time is separate and can add time before and after processing. Times may change, so check the current processing-time page before making travel plans.
Bottom line
For a child under 16, plan for a new DS-11 application, in-person submission, consent documentation, the two-part fee, and a current photo. A photo review service may help you spot photo issues before you print or submit, but the State Department makes the final decision on the application and photo.