What if one parent can't come to the appointment?

The absent parent must complete Form DS-3053, have it notarized, and you must bring it to the appointment along with a copy of their ID. If you have sole legal custody, bring court documentation instead.

Can I renew my child's expired passport by mail?

No. Children under 16 must always apply in person with both parents, even if they had a passport before. There's no mail-in renewal option for minors.

How do I get a passport for my baby?

Same process, but babies don't need to be awake for the photo. They can lie on a white sheet. Make sure their eyes are open and looking at the camera if possible, but closed eyes are acceptable for infants.

What if we need the passport in less than 6 weeks?

Pay for expedited service ($60 extra) for 2-3 weeks, or visit a regional passport agency if you have proof of travel within 2 weeks. Regional agencies require an appointment and proof of imminent travel.

Do both parents need to be US citizens?

No, only one parent needs to be a US citizen for the child to be eligible. However, both parents (or legal guardians) must still be present at the appointment regardless of their citizenship status.

How to Get a Passport for Your Child

Children under 16 need both parents present at the passport office with the child, plus proof of citizenship, ID, and photos. The process takes 6-8 weeks for routine service. You'll need Form DS-11, not the renewal form, even if the child had a passport before.

Gather required documents. You need proof of US citizenship (certified birth certificate or previous passport), proof of relationship (birth certificate listing both parents), both parents' IDs, and one passport photo of the child. If only one parent can attend, bring Form DS-3053 signed by the absent parent and notarized.
Fill out Form DS-11. Download and complete Form DS-11 online but don't sign it yet. You'll sign it in front of the passport agent. Even if your child had a passport before, they need DS-11, not the renewal form DS-82.
Get passport photos taken. Take your child to CVS, Walgreens, or a post office for passport photos. Cost is usually $15-20. The photo must be taken within 6 months of application. Babies can be lying down with a white sheet underneath.
Make an appointment. Book online at travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Most post offices and some libraries accept applications. Some locations take walk-ins but appointments are faster.
Attend appointment with both parents and child. Bring all documents, the unsigned form, and your child. Both parents must be present unless you have proper authorization from the absent parent. Pay the $100 application fee plus $35 execution fee. Cash, check, or money order only at most locations.
Track your application. Use the tracking number from your receipt to check status online. Routine service takes 6-8 weeks. Expedited service costs an extra $60 and takes 2-3 weeks. If you need it faster, visit a regional passport agency with proof of travel within 2 weeks.

What if one parent can't come to the appointment?: The absent parent must complete Form DS-3053, have it notarized, and you must bring it to the appointment along with a copy of their ID. If you have sole legal custody, bring court documentation instead.
Can I renew my child's expired passport by mail?: No. Children under 16 must always apply in person with both parents, even if they had a passport before. There's no mail-in renewal option for minors.
How do I get a passport for my baby?: Same process, but babies don't need to be awake for the photo. They can lie on a white sheet. Make sure their eyes are open and looking at the camera if possible, but closed eyes are acceptable for infants.
What if we need the passport in less than 6 weeks?: Pay for expedited service ($60 extra) for 2-3 weeks, or visit a regional passport agency if you have proof of travel within 2 weeks. Regional agencies require an appointment and proof of imminent travel.
Do both parents need to be US citizens?: No, only one parent needs to be a US citizen for the child to be eligible. However, both parents (or legal guardians) must still be present at the appointment regardless of their citizenship status.