Can I renew my child's passport by mail like adults?

No. Children under 16 must always apply in person with both parents present, even for renewals. This is a security requirement that cannot be waived.

What if I need the passport in less than 2 weeks?

Call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule a life-or-death emergency appointment at a regional passport agency. You'll need proof of international travel within 72 hours or a life-threatening emergency requiring travel within 2 weeks.

How long will my child's new passport be valid?

Child passports are valid for 5 years from the issue date, regardless of the child's age. Adult passports are valid for 10 years, but children's are always 5 years.

What if my child's other parent lives in another state?

The absent parent can complete Form DS-3053 and have it notarized. You'll submit this with your application. Alternatively, both parents can appear together at any passport acceptance facility in any state.

How to expedite passport renewal for children

Expedited passport renewal for children takes 2-3 weeks and costs an additional $60 fee plus overnight shipping. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency, provide Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, ID, photos, and both parents' consent.

Gather required documents. Collect your child's current passport, certified birth certificate, one passport photo, your valid ID, and Form DS-11. If both parents cannot appear, bring Form DS-3053 (notarized consent) from the absent parent.
Make an appointment. Schedule at a passport acceptance facility (post office, library, courthouse) or passport agency. For same-day service, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to book a life-or-death emergency appointment.
Apply in person with your child. Both parents and the child must appear together. If one parent cannot attend, bring notarized Form DS-3053. The child does not need to be present if they're under 16 and both parents appear with proper documentation.
Pay fees and request expedited service. Pay the $100 application fee plus $60 expedited service fee. Add $21.36 for expedited return shipping. Total cost is $181.36 for expedited processing with fast return delivery.
Track your application. Use the tracking number from your receipt to monitor status online. Expedited applications are processed in 2-3 weeks from the date received at the processing facility.

Can I renew my child's passport by mail like adults?: No. Children under 16 must always apply in person with both parents present, even for renewals. This is a security requirement that cannot be waived.
What if I need the passport in less than 2 weeks?: Call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule a life-or-death emergency appointment at a regional passport agency. You'll need proof of international travel within 72 hours or a life-threatening emergency requiring travel within 2 weeks.
How long will my child's new passport be valid?: Child passports are valid for 5 years from the issue date, regardless of the child's age. Adult passports are valid for 10 years, but children's are always 5 years.
What if my child's other parent lives in another state?: The absent parent can complete Form DS-3053 and have it notarized. You'll submit this with your application. Alternatively, both parents can appear together at any passport acceptance facility in any state.