A Step-by-Step Guide for Getting Your Child a Passport

Traveling the world with your family is an exciting adventure, but if your child is leaving the country for the first time, they’re going to need a passport. Getting a passport for yourself can seem overwhelming, but getting one for your child might lead to a new level of frustration if you don’t know where to start.

While there may be some hiccups along the way, the process of applying for a passport for your child is relatively straightforward. To help you get started and know what to do so you can enjoy an overseas trip with your family, here’s a step-by-step guide for getting your child a passport.

The first step to getting your child a passport is filling out form DS-11. You’ll need to either fill it out online and then print it or print it out and fill it out by hand. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t sign the bottom of the form until you’re at your appointment and an authorized agent tells you to.

You can fill out the DS-11 form online using the online filler tool or you can download a PDF of the form. This form asks you all the basic information about your child, including their name, address, social security number, and physical attributes.

Before you can apply for your child’s passport, there is some documentation you’ll have to submit. This documentation proves that your child is a U.S. citizen. Your options include submitting your child’s birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship.

To get your child’s passport, you must submit an original birth certificate and a photocopy of their birth certificate. The birth certificate you submit will have to either be the original or a replacement copy from the Office of Vital Statistics. If you’re nervous about getting this document back, rest assured that their birth certificate will be mailed back to you after their passport is issued.

The next step to obtaining a passport for your child is proving you’re their parent. Whether they’re your biological child or adoptive child, you’ll need documentation that shows your relationship to them. This rule prevents someone who isn’t authorized from attempting to get a passport for your child.

Examples of documents that show your relationship might include their birth certificate, adoption decree, or a court order. No matter what document you provide, it will have to be an original or certified copy since they won’t accept a photocopy of this documentation.

Both parents will have to be present and show documentation before your child can get a passport. When you go to your appointment or the passport office, both parents will need a physical photo ID as well as a copy of the ID.

If for some reason both parents aren’t able to apply for your child’s passport, you’re going to need additional documentation. For example, if you both have custody but the other parent can’t be there in person, there’s a statement of consent form you can fill out and have notarized instead. There’s a different process and list of documents if you have sole custody or you’re the only parent.

Even though you’ll need to turn in your physical and original copies of both your child’s birth certificate and your photo IDs, you’ll also need a photocopy of these documents. Before you go to the passport office, make sure you have the proper copies of all your documents.

In general, you’ll want to make sure the photocopies are clear, in black and white, and on a single sheet of 8.5 x 11-inch paper. There are numerous options for the type of identification you and the other parent can use if you don’t have a driver’s license for identification.

Once you have your documents and your form filled out, you can submit your child’s application at a passport acceptance facility. The passport facility locator will tell you where there’s a passport facility near you and will also let you know which facilities offer passport photos.

Some facilities will offer appointments while others may only take walk-ins. Before you show up at the facility, be prepared to pay any passport fees. The fees are different depending on the type of passport you’re applying for and whether you need expedited service.

For your child’s passport, they’ll need a passport photo. Keep in mind there are specific requirements for passport photos and you can’t just submit any picture you have of your child. Some passport facilities do offer passport photos on-site but don’t forget to make sure your local facility offers photos before you go to your appointment.

If they don’t take photos at your nearest passport office, there are plenty of places that offer passport photo services. Most convenience stores that have a photo center, such as Walgreens and CVS, offer this kind of service. You can also take a photo and print it at home if you make sure the photo meets the passport photo requirements.

Once you have your appointment or a date set to visit the passport office, ensure you have all your paperwork and documentation. Be sure to bring all original copies and photocopies you need when you visit the passport facility.

Don’t forget that both parents also must be present unless you have one of the approved documents. For the application fee, you’ll need to submit a check for payment and the acceptance fee may require a different form of payment.

Once you’ve submitted all your forms and documents, now it’s time to wait! It’s an exciting time in your child’s life for them to get their first passport and you’re likely eager for it to come in the mail.

It’s best to complete the application process as early as possible if you’re planning a trip because of how long it can take to process an application. The typical processing times for a U.S. passport are between 6-8 weeks, and that doesn’t include how long it takes for the application to arrive at the center or how long it takes to ship the completed passport to you. You can subscribe to receive any updates about your child’s application to make the process a little easier.