Family Passports 101

My son Oliver was barely a few months old when I started planning our first international trip together. I was determined not to allow the fact that I’d suddenly become a parent to derail my love of travel. While I couldn’t wait to book our tickets and plan a baby-friendly itinerary, I quickly realized that securing his first passport was the most important thing on my to-do list.

Yes, even babies do need a passport for traveling outside of the United States, and there are a few extra steps involved in the application process for anyone under the age of 16. These requirements may surprise parents applying for their child’s first passport:

• Anyone under the age of 16 must apply for a passport in person. It can’t be done online.
• Both parents or legal guardians must be present when submitting the application, with proof of identification. There are ways around this rule, but they do require extra forms and more processing time.
• Passports for minors are only valid for five years.
• Processing times can vary depending on the time of year. It’s a good idea to allow at least a few months for processing unless you want to pay extra for an expedited passport.

Whether your child is 15 months or 15 years old, here’s what you need to know about securing a passport for a minor.

How to Apply for a Child’s Passport: Step by Step

1. Fill out Form DS-11 with your child’s information. You can print and fill out this form, but do not sign it — you will do that at your appointment. You can also use the Form Filler tool on the State Department’s website. You will need your child’s Social Security number to fill out this form, or you will need to sign a statement swearing that your child has not received a Social Security number.
2. Gather official evidence of U.S. citizenship. You’ll need original or certified, physical copies of citizenship evidence such as an original birth certificate or certificate of citizenship. This will be submitted with your application, and it will be returned to you after you receive the passport. You also must include a photocopy of your document with your application.
3. Show evidence of your parental relationship. You’ll need proof that you are in fact the parent or legal guardian of your child. A birth certificate can also work for this, as well as an adoption decree, divorce or custody decree, or a court order.
4. Don’t forget your ID! Both you and your child’s other parent or legal guardian must present an identification document (one each). These may include your own passport, driver’s license, certificate of citizenship, or any other form of ID listed here. Again, you’ll also need a photocopy of the front and back of both IDs printed on plain white, standard-sized paper.
5. Take a photo. You can do this yourself, or have it done at an official passport facility to ensure that the photo meets all of the State Department’s (many!) photo requirements regarding photo size, position, and background. You’ll need to provide one photo of your child with their application. It should not be stapled to the application form.
6. Find a location to submit your child’s passport application. Some passport acceptance facilities require appointments, while some accept walk-ins.
7. Submit your child’s passport application and pay the fees. With all of your documents gathered and your child as well as both parents or guardians present, visit your passport facility and submit the application. Currently, the application fee for a passport book is $100, with a $35 execution fee. There’s an extra $60 for expedited service. You will need to pay each of these fees separately, so bring multiple checks to your appointment. Important: Credit cards are not accepted for the application fee — only checks or money orders.
8. Wait for your child’s passport to arrive… and start planning your adventure! You can track the status of your child’s passport application on the State Department’s website. Keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks from the day you apply for your application to be marked as “in process.”

Now at age 7, my son is on his second passport, while his first one has been tucked away as a treasured memento of our first travels together. Securing his first passport required a bit of effort, but it was absolutely worth every piece of paperwork and a few hours spent at the post office.