How to Get a Passport for Kids: Documents and Steps

A U.S. passport lets a child travel internationally and serves as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. This guide covers first-time applications and renewals for children under 16, whose passports cannot be renewed by mail. Requirements differ for applicants aged 16 or 17, so check the U.S. Department of State’s instructions for that age group. Before starting, confirm the child’s travel plans and leave enough time for processing and delivery; do not rely on an estimated processing time as a guarantee.

What You’ll Need

Form DS-11: Complete the application online and print it, or fill it out by hand in black ink. Do not sign it until instructed by the acceptance agent.
Proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship: Usually an original or certified U.S. birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. Submit the document as directed; it is generally returned separately from the passport.
Proof of parental relationship: The child’s birth certificate or another accepted document that lists the parents or guardians. Adoption decrees, court orders, and other documents may apply in special circumstances.
Parent or guardian identification: Each appearing adult needs acceptable identification, such as a valid driver’s license or passport, plus a photocopy of the front and back of the ID when required.
Child’s passport photo: One recent color photo, 2 by 2 inches, meeting the State Department’s photo requirements. Many facilities offer photo services, but check before you go.
Payment and appointment details: Check the current official fee schedule and the acceptance facility’s accepted payment methods. Fees are not necessarily payable in the same way or to the same recipient.
Consent documents, if needed: If a parent cannot attend, prepare the required notarized consent form and a copy of that parent’s identification, or documents showing why consent from both parents is not required.

Step-by-Step

Confirm which application applies. For a child under 16, use Form DS-11 whether applying for a first passport or replacing one. A child’s passport is generally valid for five years and cannot be renewed; when it expires, apply again in person. Children aged 16 or 17 have different rules, so use the State Department’s age-specific guidance.
Find an acceptance facility. Use the State Department’s official passport acceptance facility search to locate a post office, library, or other authorized location. Check whether it requires an appointment, offers photo service, and accepts your intended payment methods. Facilities can have different procedures.
Complete Form DS-11, but leave it unsigned. Enter the child’s details carefully and follow the form’s instructions. Do not sign in advance: the acceptance agent must witness the signature process. If the child is too young to sign, the agent will explain how a parent signs on the child’s behalf.
Gather original documents and copies. Bring citizenship evidence, proof of parental relationship, and adult identification. Follow the official instructions for photocopies and original documents; a hospital souvenir birth record is not the same as a certified birth certificate. If a document is not in English, check what translation or additional documentation is required.
Arrange consent from the required adults. In most cases, the child and both parents or guardians attend and provide consent. If one cannot appear, the absent parent generally completes Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, before a notary and the applying parent submits it with a copy of the absent parent’s ID. The consent form has a limited acceptance window; check its current instructions. If a parent has sole authority or is unavailable for another reason, bring the relevant court order or other evidence specified by the State Department. Do not assume a letter alone is enough.
Prepare the child’s photo. Use a photo taken within the period specified by official instructions, against a plain light background, with the child facing the camera. The image must meet size, lighting, and head-position rules. Avoid uniforms, filters, and glare; glasses are generally not allowed unless there is a medical reason and the required documentation is supplied. Check the current photo rules before printing.
Attend the appointment together. Bring the child, application, documents, photo, copies, and any consent paperwork. The acceptance agent reviews the packet, administers the required process, and tells you how to submit payment. Answer questions consistently with the documents. Keep any receipt or tracking information provided.
Track the application and check the passport. Use the State Department’s application status service when eligible, and allow for processing and mailing time. When the passport arrives, check the child’s name, date of birth, and other printed details immediately. Contact the passport agency using official guidance if anything is wrong or the passport does not arrive as expected.
Plan travel around the actual passport. Do not book a trip on the assumption that the passport will arrive by a particular date. Passport and destination requirements can differ, and some destinations expect a passport to remain valid for a period beyond the trip. Check official destination and carrier requirements separately before departure.

Common Mistakes

Signing DS-11 early: The acceptance agent needs to witness the signing, so wait until the appointment.
Bringing a photocopy instead of citizenship evidence: Bring the original or certified document required by the official checklist, along with any requested copy.
Assuming one parent’s presence is always enough: Both parents generally need to consent. If one cannot appear, prepare the specific consent form or legal evidence required.
Using a noncompliant photo: School photos, snapshots, edited images, and incorrect dimensions can delay an application. Follow the official photo specifications rather than guessing.
Forgetting the child must attend: The applicant child must appear in person, even if very young.
Mixing up application and execution payments: Check the current State Department fee instructions and the facility’s accepted payment methods before the appointment.

Tips

Make a checklist from the State Department’s child passport page and compare every name and date across the application and supporting records.
Call the acceptance facility if you have a custody order, guardianship document, unusual birth record, or uncertainty about payment or appointments.
Bring more time than you expect to need, and keep copies of application details and receipts in a safe place.
For international travel, check the destination’s official entry rules and the airline’s document requirements. A passport alone may not settle every travel requirement.

Troubleshooting

A parent cannot attend: Check the State Department’s instructions for Form DS-3053 and submit the required identification copy. If that parent is deceased, has sole legal authority, or cannot be located, use the official guidance for the relevant circumstance and bring supporting records. An acceptance facility cannot decide a disputed custody matter.

You lack a standard citizenship document: Review the State Department’s evidence-of-citizenship guidance before the appointment. It explains possible alternatives and what to do when a birth record is unavailable. Contact the facility or passport agency if the situation is unusual rather than submitting an incomplete packet.

The photo or paperwork is rejected: Ask which requirement was not met and correct that specific issue. Do not alter an official document or guess at missing information; request guidance from the issuing records office or passport agency.

Travel is approaching or the passport is delayed: Check official processing updates and urgent-travel instructions. If you may qualify for an appointment at a passport agency, follow the State Department’s eligibility and booking process; do not rely on unofficial expediting offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child have to come to the appointment?

Yes. A child under 16 must apply in person, and the child must attend the appointment with the parent or guardian handling the application.

Can one parent apply without the other?

Usually both parents or guardians must appear and consent. If one cannot attend, the applying parent generally needs the properly completed consent form and supporting identification, or documents establishing an applicable exception.

Can I renew my child’s passport by mail?

No. Passports issued to children under 16 are not renewed by mail. Apply again in person using Form DS-11.

How long is a child’s passport valid?

A U.S. passport issued to a child under 16 is generally valid for five years. Check the passport’s expiration date and destination requirements before each trip.

Can my child travel with only a passport card?

A passport card is accepted for certain land and sea travel, but it is not valid for international air travel. Check the official rules for the specific route and destination before choosing a document.

What if the child’s name differs across documents?

Bring legal records that explain the difference, such as a court order or adoption document, and check the State Department’s instructions for name changes. Resolve discrepancies before applying when possible.

Further reading: U.S. Department of State. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.