Can I apply for my whole family at the same time?

Yes, but each person needs a separate application. Adults can usually go together, but children under 16 require both parents present or notarized consent from the absent parent.

What if we need passports faster than 6-8 weeks?

Pay for expedited service ($60 extra per passport) for 2-3 week processing. For urgent travel within 2 weeks, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for emergency appointments.

Do children need their own passports?

Yes, every person traveling internationally needs their own passport, including infants. Children cannot be included on parent passports.

Can one parent apply for the children alone?

Only if you have sole legal custody with court documentation, or a notarized consent form DS-3053 from the other parent plus a copy of their ID. Otherwise both parents must appear.

How to Apply for Passports for Your Entire Family

Apply for each family member separately using Form DS-11 for first-time applicants or DS-82 for renewals. Budget 6-8 weeks for routine processing, gather documents for everyone at once, and consider expedited service if traveling soon. Children under 16 need both parents present or notarized consent.

Determine which form each family member needs. Use DS-11 for first-time passports, damaged passports, or if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16. Use DS-82 for renewals if your passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16+, and issued within the last 15 years. Children always use DS-11.
Gather documents for everyone. For each person: proof of citizenship (birth certificate or previous passport), government-issued photo ID (driver's license for adults), one passport photo, and completed form. For children under 16: both parents must appear or provide notarized Form DS-3053 consent from absent parent.
Get passport photos for the whole family. Visit CVS, Walgreens, or a passport photo service. Costs $15-20 per person. Photos must be 2x2 inches, taken within 6 months, white background, neutral expression. Some post offices also take photos.
Choose your application method. For DS-11 forms: apply at a passport acceptance facility (post office, courthouse, library). For DS-82 renewals: mail directly to processing center or apply at facility. Make appointments where required.
Pay the fees. Application fee: $130 for adults, $100 for children under 16. Execution fee: $35 per person for in-person applications. Expedited service: add $60 per passport. Overnight delivery: $18.32 each way if mailing.
Submit applications. Bring everyone who needs to appear in person. Review all documents before submitting. Get your receipt with tracking number. Applications cannot be changed once submitted.
Track and receive passports. Routine processing: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Check status at travel.state.gov with your tracking number. Passports arrive by mail to the address on your application.

Can I apply for my whole family at the same time?: Yes, but each person needs a separate application. Adults can usually go together, but children under 16 require both parents present or notarized consent from the absent parent.
What if we need passports faster than 6-8 weeks?: Pay for expedited service ($60 extra per passport) for 2-3 week processing. For urgent travel within 2 weeks, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for emergency appointments.
Do children need their own passports?: Yes, every person traveling internationally needs their own passport, including infants. Children cannot be included on parent passports.
Can one parent apply for the children alone?: Only if you have sole legal custody with court documentation, or a notarized consent form DS-3053 from the other parent plus a copy of their ID. Otherwise both parents must appear.