Can a child use their parent's passport?

No. Every traveler, including infants, must have their own passport for international travel. This has been required since 2007.

What if one parent has sole custody?

Bring certified court documents showing sole custody. The non-custodial parent's consent is not required, but you'll need to provide the legal paperwork proving custody arrangements.

Can grandparents apply for a child's passport?

Only if they have legal guardianship with court documents. Otherwise, at least one parent must be present or provide notarized consent forms.

How long are children's passports valid?

Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. For teens 16-17, passports are valid for 10 years like adult passports.

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

Contact the National Passport Information Center for emergency appointments. You'll need proof of imminent travel and pay additional expedite fees, potentially $200+ extra.

How to Get Passports for Children for International Travel

Children need their own passports for international travel, regardless of age. Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility with both parents present, bring required documents including birth certificate and ID, and allow 6-8 weeks processing time. Expedited service is available for an additional $60.

Gather Required Documents. Collect certified birth certificate showing both parents' names, proof of US citizenship if born abroad, one parent ID (driver's license or passport), and one passport photo of the child. If parents have different last names, bring marriage certificate or other proof of relationship.
Complete Form DS-11. Fill out Form DS-11 but do not sign it until you're at the acceptance facility. The child does not need to sign if under 16. Print clearly and use black ink only.
Both Parents Must Appear. Both parents and the child must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility. If one parent cannot attend, they must provide notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) plus a copy of their ID.
Pay Fees and Submit. Pay $100 application fee plus $35 execution fee ($135 total) for children under 16. For children 16-17, pay $130 application fee plus $35 execution fee ($165 total). Add $60 for expedited processing if needed.
Track and Receive Passport. Use the tracking number from your receipt to monitor status online. Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, expedited takes 2-3 weeks. Child passports are valid for 5 years (under 16) or 10 years (16-17).

Can a child use their parent's passport?: No. Every traveler, including infants, must have their own passport for international travel. This has been required since 2007.
What if one parent has sole custody?: Bring certified court documents showing sole custody. The non-custodial parent's consent is not required, but you'll need to provide the legal paperwork proving custody arrangements.
Can grandparents apply for a child's passport?: Only if they have legal guardianship with court documents. Otherwise, at least one parent must be present or provide notarized consent forms.
How long are children's passports valid?: Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. For teens 16-17, passports are valid for 10 years like adult passports.
What if we need the passport in less than 2 weeks?: Contact the National Passport Information Center for emergency appointments. You'll need proof of imminent travel and pay additional expedite fees, potentially $200+ extra.