What if I can't get the other parent to come with me?

You need notarized consent form DS-3053 from the absent parent, or legal documentation showing you have sole custody, or a certified death certificate. Without one of these, you cannot get the passport.

Can I expedite the process if I have urgent travel?

Yes. Pay an additional $60 for 2-3 week expedited service, or visit a regional passport agency with proof of travel within 14 days. Agency appointments require calling the National Passport Information Center.

How long is a child's passport valid?

Child passports (under 16) are valid for 5 years. Adult passports are valid for 10 years. When your child turns 16, they'll need to apply for an adult passport.

What if my child was born abroad?

Use the child's Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or Certificate of Citizenship instead of a birth certificate. The process is otherwise the same.

Can grandparents or other relatives apply for a child's passport?

Only if they have legal guardianship documentation. Otherwise, biological or adoptive parents must apply, with very limited exceptions for emergency situations handled through regional passport agencies.

How to Get a First Passport for Your Child

To get your child's first passport, both parents must appear in person at an acceptance facility with the child, completed Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, ID, photos, and $135 ($100 application fee plus $35 execution fee). Processing takes 6-8 weeks for routine service.

Gather required documents. You need: completed Form DS-11 (do not sign until instructed), certified birth certificate showing both parents' names, both parents' valid government-issued photo ID, one 2x2 inch passport photo of your child, and $135 in fees.
Handle special custody situations. If only one parent can appear, bring notarized consent form (DS-3053) from the absent parent, or sole custody documentation, or certified death certificate if applicable. Divorced parents need court orders showing sole custody if the other parent won't consent.
Take your child's passport photo. Use a plain white background. Child must have eyes open and neutral expression. Babies can lie on a white sheet. Many drugstores and post offices take passport photos for $15-20, or take it yourself following State Department guidelines.
Visit an acceptance facility together. Both parents and child must appear in person at a post office, courthouse, or library that accepts passport applications. Do not sign Form DS-11 until the agent instructs you. Bring exact change or money order - many locations don't accept credit cards.
Pay and submit application. Pay $100 application fee (check or money order) plus $35 execution fee (separate payment, often cash only). Agent will review documents, witness signatures, and send your application to the State Department.
Track and receive passport. You'll get a receipt with tracking information. Check status online at travel.state.gov. Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks. Expedited service (additional $60) takes 2-3 weeks. Passport arrives by mail to the address on your application.

What if I can't get the other parent to come with me?: You need notarized consent form DS-3053 from the absent parent, or legal documentation showing you have sole custody, or a certified death certificate. Without one of these, you cannot get the passport.
Can I expedite the process if I have urgent travel?: Yes. Pay an additional $60 for 2-3 week expedited service, or visit a regional passport agency with proof of travel within 14 days. Agency appointments require calling the National Passport Information Center.
How long is a child's passport valid?: Child passports (under 16) are valid for 5 years. Adult passports are valid for 10 years. When your child turns 16, they'll need to apply for an adult passport.
What if my child was born abroad?: Use the child's Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or Certificate of Citizenship instead of a birth certificate. The process is otherwise the same.
Can grandparents or other relatives apply for a child's passport?: Only if they have legal guardianship documentation. Otherwise, biological or adoptive parents must apply, with very limited exceptions for emergency situations handled through regional passport agencies.