Can I get a family passport instead of individual ones?

No, every person including infants needs their own passport. There's no such thing as a family passport for U.S. citizens.

What if my child's birth certificate doesn't have my name on it?

You'll need additional documentation proving your relationship, like adoption papers, court orders, or other legal documents. Contact the passport agency directly for guidance on your specific situation.

How fast is same-day service really?

Regional passport agencies can issue passports the same day if you have an appointment and proof of travel within 14 days. You typically wait 2-4 hours at the agency. Not all 26 locations offer same-day service daily—call ahead.

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

No, children under 16 must always apply in person with Form DS-11, even if they previously had a passport. Only adults can renew by mail under certain conditions.

What counts as proof of immediate travel?

Flight confirmations, cruise tickets, hotel bookings, or a detailed itinerary showing travel within 14 days (or 30 days if you need a visa first). Screenshots usually work, but printed confirmations are safer.

How to Get Family Passports Fast

Apply for expedited processing at a passport agency or acceptance facility, pay the $60 expedited fee per passport plus overnight shipping costs, and expect 2-3 weeks for routine expedited service or same-day service if you visit a regional passport agency in person with proof of immediate travel.

Gather documents for each family member. You need proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate), valid photo ID for adults, and passport photos for everyone. For children under 16, both parents must be present or provide notarized consent forms. Get passport photos taken at CVS, Walgreens, or Costco for $15-20 per person.
Choose your application method. For 2-3 week service, apply at any post office or courthouse with expedited processing ($60 per passport extra). For same-day or next-day service, make an appointment at one of 26 regional passport agencies. You'll need proof of international travel within 14 days (or 30 days if you need a visa).
Fill out forms DS-11 for each person. Complete Form DS-11 online but don't sign it until you're at the acceptance facility. Print one form per family member. Children under 16 cannot renew by mail and need fresh applications even if they had passports before.
Pay the fees. Adult passports cost $130 application fee plus $35 execution fee plus $60 expedited processing = $225 total. Children under 16 cost $100 plus $35 plus $60 = $195 total. Add overnight shipping both ways for $18.32 per application.
Submit applications and track progress. Submit all family applications at the same time to keep them together. Use the tracking number to check status online. Expedited applications typically arrive in 2-3 weeks. Regional agencies can issue same-day passports if you have confirmed travel within 14 days.

Can I get a family passport instead of individual ones?: No, every person including infants needs their own passport. There's no such thing as a family passport for U.S. citizens.
What if my child's birth certificate doesn't have my name on it?: You'll need additional documentation proving your relationship, like adoption papers, court orders, or other legal documents. Contact the passport agency directly for guidance on your specific situation.
How fast is same-day service really?: Regional passport agencies can issue passports the same day if you have an appointment and proof of travel within 14 days. You typically wait 2-4 hours at the agency. Not all 26 locations offer same-day service daily—call ahead.
Can I renew my child's expired passport by mail?: No, children under 16 must always apply in person with Form DS-11, even if they previously had a passport. Only adults can renew by mail under certain conditions.
What counts as proof of immediate travel?: Flight confirmations, cruise tickets, hotel bookings, or a detailed itinerary showing travel within 14 days (or 30 days if you need a visa first). Screenshots usually work, but printed confirmations are safer.