As if you weren’t already juggling enough as a new parent! If you're planning a trip shortly after your little one arrives, you're likely scrambling to make travel arrangements and prepare for the experience of flying with a young baby. That’s enough to make any sleep-deprived, hormonal, not to mention still-recovering new parent cringe. After all, it can be hard enough to sneak a five-minute shower into your day, let alone double as your family’s travel agent.
If your upcoming trip is an international one, you’re probably wondering whether or not your baby will need a passport. The answer is yes: Every person, no matter how young, needs a passport if she will be leaving one country and entering another.
Unfortunately, even in the digital age, getting a baby a passport isn’t a one-click process. In fact, it requires several steps, the physical presence of both parents and a whole lot of well-thought-out planning.
While it’s certainly a lot to add to your new-mom plate, it’s nothing you can’t handle with the right know-how and guidance. Here are all the steps you’ll need to take, from start to finish, if you’re looking to get a U.S. passport for your baby.
How to get a U.S. passport for a baby
Step 1: Download the DS-11 form
If your family travels often or you already know you have an upcoming trip to a destination outside of the U.S., it’s smart to begin the process of getting your baby's passport as soon as possible.
As the first step in the application process, you'll need to do the following (and you can do this part at home):
- Visit Travel.State.gov’s U.S. Passports section.
- Download Form DS-11 and review the initial paperwork you will need.
- Click “Apply for or Renew My Passport” and then select “Children Under 16” on the tab on the left. The two-page form asks for general personal information, including your baby’s Social Security number.
If your baby doesn't yet have her Social Security number, her parents or legal guardians are required to submit a statement signed and dated that includes the following exact phrase: “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: (Child's full name) has never been issued a Social Security number by the Social Security Administration.”
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The cost for a minor’s passport is currently $115 — $80 for the application fee and $35 for the acceptance fee. This is specifically for the passport book (do not apply for a passport card, which can't be used for international air travel). Expedited service costs an additional $60.
Step 2: Gather the paperwork you'll need
In order for your baby to receive a passport, you must show proof that she is a U.S. citizen, proof of her relationship to her parents and proof of identification. To do that, you'll need to gather together the following paperwork (for the complete list as well as possible exceptions, visit Travel.State.gov):
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Evidence that your child is a U.S. citizen can include one of the following, which must be an original or certified physical copy:
- A fully valid and undamaged U.S. passport that is expired
- A U.S. birth certificate
- A certificate of citizenship
In addition to the original document you choose to include from the list above, you will also need to submit a photocopy (front and back, if there is one). The photocopy needs to be legible, on white 8.5” x 11” standard paper, printed with black and white ink, and single-sided.
Proof of parental relationship
Evidence that lists the child's parents or legal guardians can include one of the following:
- A U.S. birth certificate
- Foreign birth certificate
- Adoption decree
- Divorce/custory decree
- Consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth
Proof of identification
Parents or legal guardians should bring one of the following:
- In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
- Certificate of naturalization
- Certificate of citizenship
- Government employee ID
- U.S. military or military dependent ID
- Current foreign passport
- Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID)
- U.S. permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI and NEXUS cards)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
- In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo; in-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo; temporary driver's license with photo (though you may need to show an additional ID if you choose one of these options)
In addition to the original form of identification you choose to include from the list above, you will also need to submit a photocopy (front and back, if there is one). The photocopy needs to be legible, on white 8.5” x 11” standard paper and single-sided.
Step 3: Get baby’s passport photo taken
Just as you had to when getting your own passport, your baby will need to have a photo taken that satisfies the requirements necessary for use on U.S. passports. Many drug stores or pharmacies (such as CVS or Walgreens), offer this service as well as the printing of the photo at a low cost. As an alternative, however, you can take the photo at home using a camera, or even download an app that helps you with the process.
When taking a photo of your baby, no other person should be in the photo. Your child should be looking at the camera with her eyes open, although it is acceptable if an infant’s eyes are not open or not open entirely. (Travel.State.gov has additional tips for taking your child's passport photo.)
Step 4: Show parental consent
You will need to show parental consent in order to get a passport for a baby, and the easiest way to do this is for both parents to be present at the local passport acceptance facility when you're submitting the application (more on this below).
If only one parent or guardian can attend in person, there is a form for the second person to fill out and sign (which will need to be notarized). There are other parental exceptions, so be sure you find out what documents are necessary for your personal situation if it will be just you obtaining the passport with your child (more information can be found on Travel.State.gov).
Step 5: Submit the application
Finally, head to your local passport facility to submit the application. To find out where you can apply for a passport in your area, use the following locator: iafdb.Travel.State.gov.
If you live in a major U.S. city, you might have the advantage of applying for your baby's passport at a regional passport agency as opposed to a post office, which might expedite the process.
Once you have a date and location selected, it’s smart to give yourself more time than you think you will need (an hour at the very minimum). You never know how long the lines might be for a walk-in appointment or how fussy your little one might get.
Better yet, schedule an appointment ahead of time if possible. Consider what time of day your child might be the most calm — this tends to be mornings and early afternoons for most young babies.
Keep in mind that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some passport application acceptance facilities may still remain closed or may be providing limited service.
Step 6: Wait
Finally, you'll have to prepare for a bit of a wait, even if you opted to expedite the process. Routine service can take up to 14 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
If you paid to have your baby’s passport expedited, you can expect it to arrive in up to 10 weeks. You can track the status of your application online at Travel.State.gov.
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