What if one parent cannot attend the appointment?

The absent parent must complete a notarized consent form (DS-3053 in the U.S.). Take this form plus a photocopy of the absent parent's ID to the appointment. If one parent has sole custody, bring court documents proving it. If you cannot locate the other parent, you need to submit form DS-5525 with an explanation.

Does my baby need to be present even though they are an infant?

Yes. The child must be present regardless of age, even newborns. The acceptance agent needs to verify that the child in the photo is the same child applying. Bring a pacifier or bottle to keep the baby calm during the short appointment.

Can I use my child's passport from when they were a baby if they are now 10?

Only if it is still valid and not expired. Child passports expire after 5 years. If the child's appearance has changed significantly, border agents may question it, but legally a valid passport is acceptable until expiration. You cannot renew a child's passport by mail — each new application requires in-person appearance until age 16.

What if we have a family emergency and need the passport faster than 2-3 weeks?

Make an appointment at a regional passport agency for emergency service. You need proof of international travel within 14 days (flight itinerary). They can issue a passport same-day or within 72 hours. Call the national passport information line to schedule. This is for true emergencies only.

Can a grandparent or guardian apply for the child's passport?

Only if they have legal custody or written notarized consent from both parents plus copies of both parents' IDs. Parents are preferred applicants. If the child is traveling with a non-parent, bring a notarized letter of permission from both parents stating the child has permission to travel.

How to Apply for a Child's Passport

Both parents must appear in person with the child at a passport acceptance facility with proof of citizenship, parental relationship, and ID. Processing takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited. Costs vary by country but expect $80-120 USD for standard processing in most Western nations.

Gather required documents. You need proof of the child's citizenship (birth certificate with raised seal or previous passport), proof of parental relationship (birth certificate listing both parents), and valid government ID for both parents. Make photocopies of everything. If the child's name has changed, bring legal documents showing the change.
Get passport photos. Take your child to a pharmacy, post office, or photo shop that does passport photos. Infants can lie on a white sheet. Toddlers can be held by a parent wearing white. No toys, pacifiers, or hats in the photo. You need 2 identical photos. Cost is typically $10-15 USD.
Complete the application form. Fill out the passport application form online or print it blank and complete in black ink. Do not sign it yet — you must sign in front of the acceptance agent. For U.S. applicants this is form DS-11. Other countries have equivalent first-time minor passport forms.
Schedule an appointment at an acceptance facility. Find a passport acceptance facility near you — typically post offices, libraries, or government offices. Some require appointments, others take walk-ins. Check availability and book at least 2-3 weeks in advance if possible. Both parents and the child must attend.
Appear in person with both parents and child. Bring everything: completed unsigned application, original documents, photocopies, photos, valid ID for both parents, and payment method. The agent will verify documents, witness your signatures, and process the application. If one parent cannot attend, bring a notarized consent form DS-3053 (U.S.) or equivalent parental consent.
Pay the fees. Payment is typically split: application fee to the government (check or money order) and execution fee to the facility (separate check, cash, or card). Verify accepted payment methods when scheduling. Add expedited processing fee if needed.
Track and receive the passport. You will receive a tracking number. Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks, expedited takes 2-3 weeks. The passport arrives by mail. Original documents are returned separately. Check status online using your tracking number.

What if one parent cannot attend the appointment?: The absent parent must complete a notarized consent form (DS-3053 in the U.S.). Take this form plus a photocopy of the absent parent's ID to the appointment. If one parent has sole custody, bring court documents proving it. If you cannot locate the other parent, you need to submit form DS-5525 with an explanation.
Does my baby need to be present even though they are an infant?: Yes. The child must be present regardless of age, even newborns. The acceptance agent needs to verify that the child in the photo is the same child applying. Bring a pacifier or bottle to keep the baby calm during the short appointment.
Can I use my child's passport from when they were a baby if they are now 10?: Only if it is still valid and not expired. Child passports expire after 5 years. If the child's appearance has changed significantly, border agents may question it, but legally a valid passport is acceptable until expiration. You cannot renew a child's passport by mail — each new application requires in-person appearance until age 16.
What if we have a family emergency and need the passport faster than 2-3 weeks?: Make an appointment at a regional passport agency for emergency service. You need proof of international travel within 14 days (flight itinerary). They can issue a passport same-day or within 72 hours. Call the national passport information line to schedule. This is for true emergencies only.
Can a grandparent or guardian apply for the child's passport?: Only if they have legal custody or written notarized consent from both parents plus copies of both parents' IDs. Parents are preferred applicants. If the child is traveling with a non-parent, bring a notarized letter of permission from both parents stating the child has permission to travel.