5 steps to getting your child’s US Passport

(UNITED STATES) — Getting a passport for your child is easier than most people think, but there are a few important steps to follow. Here’s the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Fill Out the Passport Application (Form DS-11)

Start by completing Form DS-11, the official application for a U.S. passport.

You can fill it out online using the U.S. State Department’s form tool, then print it.

Use the official form filler here:
Fill Out Form DS‑11 (Passport Application)

Important tips:

  • Fill out the form online and print it single-sided.
  • Do NOT sign the form yet. You will sign it during your appointment with the passport agent.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Bring the following documents to your appointment:

For the child

  • Original birth certificate (proof of citizenship)
  • A photocopy of the birth certificate

For the parents

  • Government photo ID (driver’s license is most common)
  • Photocopy of each parent’s ID

The birth certificate also proves the parent-child relationship, which is required for children applying for passports. Once the passport is approved, you will receive these documents back (mailed to you from the U.S. State Department).

Step 3: Passport Photo

You will need one passport photo of your child.

Options include:

  • Taking your own photo and printing it to passport specifications
  • Visiting a pharmacy or store that offers passport photos
  • OUR RECOMMENDATION: When scheduling your passport appointment, you will have the option for the employee to take your child’s photo and print it there. While my son’s photo was deemed to meet all standards (color, angle, facial expression, etc.) – the worker was unsure if the lighting/color on my daughter’s photo would pass the U.S. State Department standards. So, we ended up having him re-take her photo there. Both kids’ passport applications were approved, and this provided us peace of mind knowing her photo would be completed correctly. While it costed a few extra dollars, we believe this was worth it.

Step 4: Make an Appointment and Apply in Person

Children must apply for passports in person. Step 4 overlaps with Step 3. If you choose the photo route in-person at the appointment, then technically this step would become Step 3.

For kids under 16:

  • Both parents or legal guardians must appear with the child when submitting the application. Exceptions are available on the State Department’s website, see Step 3 on this page.

Families apply at a passport acceptance facility, such as a U.S. Post Office.

You can find locations and schedule appointments here:
Find a Passport Acceptance Facility or Make an Appointment

We found that there were ample amount of passport appointments available, but don’t let that make you procrastinate! Schedule the appointment and get those passports approved!

Bring everything to the appointment:

  • Printed DS-11 form (unsigned)
  • Child’s birth certificate + copy
  • Parents’ IDs + copies
  • Passport photo (if you didn’t take it onsite)
  • Payment for fees

A passport acceptance agent will review your documents and have you sign the application.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Passport applications include two separate fees.

For children under 16:

  • Passport application fee: $100
  • Acceptance facility fee: $35

Total: $135 for a passport book.

Payment details:

  • The application fee must be paid by check or money order made out to U.S. Department of State.
  • The acceptance fee is paid to the facility (many locations accept debit, credit, or cash — check ahead with your location).
  • For an additional $15, you can get your child a Passport Card, in addition to the Passport book.

You can also pay $60 extra to expedite your passport if you’re short on time.

Final Things Parents Should Know

Passport validity

  • Children under 16: valid for 5 years
  • Ages 16–17: valid for 10 years

Processing time

  • Routine processing typically takes 8–11 weeks
  • Expedited processing is faster but costs extra (see Step 5).

Passport Card vs. Book

The card has limited use and only works for land and sea travel to places like Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and parts of the Caribbean. It cannot be used for international flights.

Since many trips (especially family vacations) involve flying, the passport book covers every scenario and avoids needing to upgrade later.

Because children’s passports are only valid for 5 years, many parents decide it’s simpler to just get the passport book and skip the card altogether.

Pro tip: If you have international travel planned, apply several months in advance to avoid stress.

As we prepare to travel internationally as a family of four, we hope this blog offered helpful, easy-to-understand tips. Getting your kids a passport can seem like a daunting process, let this article ease some of your stress and get you flying, or sailing, on your next family adventure.

If you have any additional questions on where to find the documents, what steps need to be taken, etc. – visit the U.S. State Department website here.