Getting a passport for a child under 16

A child under 16 can't renew a passport, so each one means a new application in person. The passport is good for 5 years. Both parents or guardians have to be there with the child, or approve it in writing, before the passport can be issued.

What you need

• Form DS-11, filled in and printed on single-sided paper
• The child's original U.S. birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship
• A photocopy of the birth certificate on 8.5-by-11-inch paper, one side only
• A photo ID for each parent, such as a driver's license, plus a photocopy of the front and back
• One passport photo of the child
• A check or money order for the application fee

Steps

1. 1

   Fill out Form DS-11 and print it

   Use the State Department's form filler on a computer. Don't sign it until the acceptance agent tells you to.

   20 min

2. 2

   Find the proof of citizenship

   A U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Citizenship or an undamaged U.S. passport that was issued for the full 5 years. It has to be the paper original with its seal or stamp, not a digital copy.

   10 min

3. 3

   Make the photocopies

   Copy the citizenship document and both sides of each parent's photo ID, on single-sided letter paper.

   5 min

4. 4

   Get a passport photo

   Don't staple it to the form. The agent checks it and attaches it.

   15 min

5. 5

   Go to an acceptance facility with the child and both parents

   The agent checks your IDs, gives you an oath and has you sign the form.

   30 min

6. 6

   Pay the two fees

   The application fee goes to the State Department by check or money order, with the child's name and date of birth in the memo. The $35 acceptance fee is paid to the facility.

   5 min

If a parent can't come

The parent who can't be there signs a Statement of Consent, Form DS-3053, in front of a notary, and sends a photocopy of the ID shown to the notary. The statement has to be submitted within 90 days of being notarized. A parent outside the U.S. may need to sign it at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If a grandparent or someone else brings the child instead, they need consent from both parents.

The fees

The application fee for a child is $100 for a passport book, $15 for a passport card, or $115 for both, and the facility charges $35 on top. Expedited service adds $60.