How to Get A Passport for Children: U.S. Passport for Minors Guide

Nothing quite beats the excitement of applying for your first passport as a child, anxiously anticipating a vacation abroad. More than 15 years later I can still remember the day that my parents took me to our local post office in Peoria, Arizona to apply for my passport. A few weeks later, when a package addressed to me finally arrived, it felt like Christmas with the present being my ticket to the world. That memory is more vivid than my actual first international trip.  

The process of applying for a U.S. passport for your child can seem overwhelming, but it’s not much more difficult than applying for an adult passport. By the end of our guide, you will be confident in helping your child get their first passport and start their journey exploring the world. 

How to Get a U.S. Passport for Children and Teens

Children need a U.S. passport to travel internationally, regardless of their age. You can even apply for a passport for a baby almost immediately after the required paperwork is available. The application process for minors under 16 is slightly different from those aged 16–17. Here’s a detailed overview of how to get your child’s passport (officially called a minor’s passport).

Steps to Apply for a Minor’s Passport

1. Complete the DS-11 Form: This is the application form for a U.S. passport. Do not sign the form until told to at a passport acceptance facility.
2. Gather Required Documents: You will need proof of your child’s citizenship, identification for both parents and evidence of parental relationship.
3. Take a Passport Photo: Ensure the photo meets all the requirements.
4. Pay the Fees: The passport application fee and execution fee can be paid by check or money order when applying.
5. Submit the Application in Person: Both parents and the child must appear in person to submit the application at an authorized passport acceptance facility.
6. Receive your child’s passport in the mail: Routine processing takes 6–8 weeks and expedited processing takes 2–3 weeks with an additional fee.

Documents Needed for a Minor of 15 Years Old or Younger

• Application Form (DS-11)
• Child’s Proof of Citizenship (original & photocopy)
• Parents’ Photo IDs (original & photocopy from both parents)
• Parental Consent (both parents’ presence or notarized consent)
• Passport Photo
• Application Fee (Check or money order to U.S. Department of State)
• Execution Fee (Pay to acceptance facility)

Documents Needed for a Minor of 16 or 17 Years Old

• Application Form (DS-11)
• Minor’s Proof of Citizenship (original & photocopy)
• Parent’s Photo ID (original & photocopy)
• Parental Awareness (evidence of at least one parent knowing about the application)
• Passport Photo
• Application Fee (Check or money order to U.S. Department of State)
• Execution Fee (Pay to acceptance facility)

Parental Awareness Evidence Includes:

1. The minor’s parent accompanies them when they apply.
2. The minor’s parent signs a note with a photocopy of their ID.
3. The minor’s parent is paying the fees, for example, their name is on the check or money order.
4. In some cases a notarized statement of awareness with a photocopy of their ID can be requested.

The most common proof of citizenship is a birth certificate, but other documents are accepted as well. The proof of citizenship needs to be an original or replacement copy with an official seal or stamp. Here is a full list of documents that are accepted for proof of citizenship and photo identification for the parents:

Acceptable Documents for Proof of Citizenship and Photo Identification

Photo Requirements for a Minor’s Passport

The requirements for a child’s passport photo are the same as for an adult passport. Here are the basic guidelines for an acceptable passport photo:

Photographing a young child can be quite the challenge. For babies and toddlers, try using a toy to get their attention focused toward the camera. Alternatively, there are many places that offer passport photo services for a reasonable fee. Some of those locations include:

• Passport acceptance facilities
• Professional photo studios
• Photo booths
• Pharmacies
• Walmart
• Other private companies with photo services

For more help on taking a passport photo for your child at home, read our guide How to Take the Perfect Passport Photo: Guidelines and Tips.

Passport Fees and Processing Times

• Application Fee: $100 for children under 16, $130 for 16–17 year olds.
• Execution Fee: $35.
• Processing Time: Standard processing time is 4–6 weeks. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee and typically takes 2–3 weeks.

The application fee is payable to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order while the execution fee is paid directly to the passport acceptance center. Accepted payment methods for the execution fee vary depending on the center, but typically a check or money order is also accepted. The cost for expedited processing is $60 and for 1–2 day shipping, $19.53, both payable with the application fee.

Where to Apply for a Minor’s Passport

All minors aged 17 and under must apply for a passport in person at either a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency or center. When your child is traveling more than 3 weeks after the date of application, they must apply at a passport acceptance facility. Passport acceptance facilities include locations such as post offices and libraries.
When your child has urgent travel plans in less than 3 weeks, they must get an appointment and apply at one of the 26 passport agencies across the country. You can find your closest passport agency and their website in our guide: Where to Apply for a U.S. Passport.

» MORE:

Lost Passport While Traveling: What You Should Do
Obtain Your U.S. Passport in Under 2 Weeks
How to Secure Your Passport When Traveling
Overseas U.S. Passport Renewal: How to Do It
How to Get Your Passport Fast: Expedited Services