Passport for Kids: How to Get a Child's First U.S. Passport
Prepare a first US passport application for a child: DS-11, citizenship evidence, parental consent, separate fees and a compliant photo.
Quick Answer
To get a child's first U.S. passport, the child must apply in person, normally with both parents or guardians, or with the required alternative consent or custody evidence, to a passport acceptance facility. You complete Form DS-11 (don't sign it until the agent tells you to), and bring the child's proof of citizenship, proof of the parent-child relationship, both parents' photo IDs with photocopies, one 2x2 passport photo, and two separate payments. For a passport book for a child under 16, the fees are $100 to the State Department plus a $35 acceptance fee, and the passport is valid for 5 years. If one parent with shared custody cannot attend, the usual route is a notarized Form DS-3053 plus the required ID copy. Sole-custody and other situations have different evidence requirements.
Scope of this guide: this article is about a child who has never had a passport. If your child already has one that is expiring, see our guide to renewing a child's passport. Fees and rules change, so confirm them on travel.state.gov before you go.
First Passport vs. Renewal: Which Guide Do You Need?
| Your situation | Which guide |
|---|---|
| Child has never had a passport | This guide |
| Child's previous passport is expiring or expired | Child passport renewal |
| Child's passport was lost, stolen or damaged | Replacing a lost or stolen passport |
| Teen is 16 or 17 and applying for a first passport | See the "Ages 16 and 17" section below |
One important point that surprises many parents: children under 16 can't renew by mail. The State Department says they must apply in person each time, so a child's "renewal" uses the same in-person process described here, not the online or mail renewal that adults can use.
Who Must Be There?
Both parents or guardians must be present with the child, or give approval in writing. The child must also appear. The State Department also notes that the application is signed under penalty of perjury, so a parent signs for a child under 16.
| Scenario | What you need |
|---|---|
| Both parents can attend | Both appear with the child and both bring photo ID |
| One parent can't attend | The attending parent brings a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) from the other parent, plus a photocopy of that parent's photo ID, front and back |
| You can't find or reach the other parent, but they still have custody | A written statement or Form DS-5525 explaining the circumstances, as described on the DS-11 instructions |
| A grandparent or other adult is applying with the child | A notarized statement or DS-3053 from both parents or guardians authorizing that person, plus photocopies of both parents' photo IDs |
| One parent has sole legal authority | Documents showing that, such as a court order. Check the State Department's page for the exact evidence accepted |
The State Department says it accepts electronically notarized consent statements where state law allows. Submit DS-3053 and other notarized consent statements within 90 days of signing or notarization, with the required ID copies. Some countries require notarization at a U.S. embassy or consulate. A library or other facility's FAQ also lists a birth certificate with only one parent named and a sole custody court order among the ways to show one parent's authority. Check the State Department's under-16 page for your exact case.
What to Bring: Document Checklist
Bring originals plus photocopies. Photocopies should be on plain white 8.5" x 11" paper, single-sided, in black and white.
- Form DS-11. Complete it online with the State Department's form filler and print it, or fill it in by hand in black ink. Do not sign it yet. A parent signs in front of the acceptance agent. Print it single-sided on 8.5" x 11" paper.
- The child's proof of U.S. citizenship. Usually a certified U.S. birth certificate (with the registrar's seal, filing date and the parents' names), a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Hospital keepsake certificates are not accepted.
- Proof of the parent-child relationship. This is often the same birth certificate, as long as it lists the parents' names. If you present a different document as citizenship proof, a library guide says you also need a birth certificate that shows the parents' names to prove the relationship. Adoption papers or court documents can also serve as proof, as one passport office's checklist notes.
- Both parents' (or guardians') valid photo ID, plus photocopies of the front and back. A driver's license, passport, military ID or similar. One passport office adds that an out-of-state driver's license may require supplemental ID, so check with your facility.
- One 2x2 inch color passport photo of the child, taken within the last 6 months. See the baby photo section below.
- Two payments. One to the U.S. Department of State and one to the acceptance facility (see below).
- Form DS-3053 or DS-5525 and the photocopied ID, if one parent can't attend or if you are using a third party.
- The child's Social Security number, which is requested on the application.
Fees for a Child's First Passport (Under 16)
For a child under 16 applying on Form DS-11, you pay two separate fees, according to the State Department:
| Product (child under 16) | Fee to the U.S. Department of State | Acceptance fee to the facility |
|---|---|---|
| Passport book | $100 | $35 |
| Passport card | $15 | $35 |
| Passport book and card | $115 | $35 |
Optional extras are added to the State Department payment, for example $60 for expedited service and $26.87 for 1 to 3 day return delivery, according to the current State Department fee schedule. That means a child's passport book with expedited service would be $160 to the State Department plus the $35 acceptance fee. Confirm the current amounts on the State Department's fee page.
How to pay
- State Department fees: a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State," with the child's name and date of birth in the memo section. See our guide to official passport payment instructions.
- Acceptance fee: paid to the facility, which sets its own accepted payment methods. Ask before you go.
- Use a separate payment for each child.
Passport book or passport card?
A child can get a book, a card, or both. The passport card is cheaper but isn't valid for international air travel, so choose the book if there's any chance the child will fly abroad.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Child's First Passport
- Decide whether to get a book, a card or both.
- Gather the child's citizenship proof and the parents' IDs and make photocopies.
- Get the child's passport photo. For a baby, use the tips below.
- Fill out the DS-11 online or by hand, but don't sign it.
- Arrange parental consent. If a parent can't attend, have the other parent complete and notarize the DS-3053 and attach a photocopy of their ID.
- Find an acceptance facility and book an appointment if required. Many post offices, libraries and county offices accept applications.
- Attend together. The child and both parents (or the parent plus the documents above) must appear.
- Sign in front of the agent, hand over documents, photo and payments, and let the agent attach the photo. Don't staple it yourself. (See how to attach a passport photo to the application.)
- Track the application online after a few days to a week, using the State Department's status tool.
How Long Does a Child's Passport Take?
Processing times change, so check travel.state.gov for the current estimate. Allow time for processing and mailing in both directions; the official processing-times page gives the current estimates. For help with timing, see how to expedite a first-time passport, which also explains urgent-travel appointments. Child applications follow the same in-person process.
Baby and Child Passport Photo Tips
The photo is often the hardest part of a child's application. The State Department's core rules are the same for children as for adults: one 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background, with a neutral expression. For infants, there are practical allowances.
- Eyes: sources quoting the State Department say it is fine if an infant's eyes aren't completely open. Older children's eyes should be open and clearly visible.
- Expression: aim for a neutral face or a natural, relaxed expression. Laughing or crying can cause rejection.
- No one else in the photo: you can't hold the baby in the frame, and no hands should be visible.
- Background: a plain white or off-white surface.
How to take a baby passport photo at home
- Lay a plain white sheet or blanket flat, free of wrinkles and patterns. Alternatively, drape a white sheet over a car seat.
- Place the baby face-up, centered, and shoot from directly above. Have an adult supervise throughout the photo session.
- Choose a calm, alert moment, often shortly after a feed, when the baby's eyes tend to be open.
- Use natural, even light and no flash, which can cause red-eye and startle the baby. Avoid casting your own shadow over the sheet.
- Dress the baby in a solid, darker top so the outline contrasts with the white background.
- Keep toys, pacifiers and hands out of the frame. Use a toy held above the camera to get the baby to look forward.
- Take many shots and pick the best one. Only one is needed.
Taking the photo at home is allowed. Print it on matte or glossy photo paper, cut it to exactly 2x2 inches, and bring it loose to your appointment. PhotoOmni can help you size and check a photo before you print, and our guide to printing a passport photo from your own file covers the printing steps. For adult-style rules that also apply to kids, see our US passport photo requirements.
Ages 16 and 17: A Different Path
Teens aged 16 and 17 apply on Form DS-11 in person, but they follow different rules from younger children. The State Department requires them to show that a parent knows about the application, for example by having a parent attend, pay or confirm identification, and the book fee is the adult amount of $130. Teen passports are valid for 10 years rather than 5. Check the State Department's page for ages 16 and 17 for the full requirements.
Common Mistakes With a Child's First Passport
- Only one parent shows up with no consent form. Missing required parental consent or custody evidence can prevent acceptance of the application.
- Signing the DS-11 before the appointment.
- Bringing a hospital birth certificate or one without the parents' names.
- Not bringing photocopies, especially of the absent parent's ID.
- Submitting a photo with a hand, another person or a shadow in the frame.
- Using a photo that is too old, because babies change fast. It must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect how the child looks now.
- Paying with the wrong payee, or combining the acceptance fee with the State Department payment.
- Assuming a child's passport can be renewed by mail.
- Not planning for the time it takes, especially with an international trip coming up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both parents have to be there to get a child a passport?
Both parents or guardians must be present with the child, or one parent can apply with a notarized Form DS-3053 and a photocopy of the other parent's photo ID. Other situations, such as sole custody or a parent who can't be found, have their own documentation rules.
How much is a passport for a child?
For a child under 16, a passport book is $100 to the State Department plus a $35 acceptance fee. A passport card is $15 plus $35, and a book and card together are $115 plus $35. Expedited service costs extra.
How long is a child's passport valid?
Five years for children under 16.
Can I renew a child's passport by mail?
No. Children under 16 must apply in person each time.
Does my baby need to look at the camera?
Not perfectly. Sources quoting the State Department say an infant's eyes don't need to be fully open, but the photo still needs to be clear, with no one else in the frame.
Can I take my baby's passport photo at home?
Yes, if it meets the requirements. Many parents lay the baby on a white sheet and shoot from above.
Can a grandparent apply for a child's passport?
Yes, if both parents or guardians give written, notarized permission, using Form DS-3053 or a notarized statement, and provide photocopies of their photo IDs.
What if the other parent can't be found?
You may need a written statement or Form DS-5525 explaining the circumstances. Read the State Department's under-16 page for the evidence it accepts.
Is a passport card good enough for my child?
Only for land and sea travel to certain destinations. A passport book is needed for international flights.
Does my child need a passport to fly within the U.S.?
Domestic flights don't require a passport, and TSA does not generally require ID for children under 18 traveling with an adult. If you plan to fly abroad, a passport is required.
Bottom Line
Getting a child's first passport takes preparation more than anything else: both parents (or the right consent forms), the child's certified birth certificate, photocopied IDs, a compliant 2x2 photo, and two separate payments. Bring everything to your appointment unsigned and unstapled, and let the agent finish the job. For the photo, a white sheet and good light go a long way, and PhotoOmni can help you check the size and framing before you print.
Official Sources
- U.S. Department of State: passport photo requirements
- U.S. Department of State: passport fees and payment methods
- U.S. Department of State: child applications under 16
- U.S. Department of State: applicants aged 16 and 17
- U.S. Department of State: passport forms
Official guidance checked on October 16, 2026. Follow the current application instructions before submitting.
About the Author
PhotoOmni Editorial Team
The PhotoOmni Editorial Team explains official passport, visa and identity-photo requirements, with practical guidance on taking photos, preparing files and printing. This guide draws on the official sources listed above. The issuing authority sets the application requirements and makes the final acceptance decision.