How to Get a Passport for a Child Under 16: Documents, Fees and Timing
A child's first passport takes an in-person visit, both parents (or a notarized consent form) and the right paperwork. Here is the checklist and the steps.
To get a U.S. passport for a child under 16, you apply in person with Form DS-11, both parents or guardians present with the child (or one parent with a notarized consent form from the other), plus proof of citizenship, parent ID, a passport photo and fees. As of November 2026, the State Department’s fee chart lists $100 for the application and a separate $35 acceptance fee for a child’s passport book. Start at least a few months before you travel, because processing times change.
This guide follows the rules on travel.state.gov for children under 16. Fees, forms and wait times are updated from time to time, so confirm the details on that page before you go.
Document checklist
| What you need | Details |
|---|---|
| Form DS-11 | The application for a first passport. You can fill it out online and print it, but do not sign it until the acceptance agent tells you to. |
| Proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship | Usually a U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy) that lists the parents’ names. Other documents include a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a naturalization certificate. Bring a photocopy of the front, too. |
| Parents’ identification | A valid photo ID for each parent who applies, such as a driver’s license, plus a photocopy of the front and back. |
| Passport photo | One color photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken in the last six months against a plain white or off-white background. Photos taken at home are allowed if they meet the rules. For babies, lay the baby on a plain white sheet. |
| Both parents, or consent | Both parents appear with the child, or the parent who cannot come completes and notarizes Form DS-3053 and you bring a photocopy of that parent’s ID. The signed statement expires 90 days after it is notarized. |
| Fees | See the fee section below. The application fee and the acceptance fee are paid separately. |
If a parent cannot be reached, or one parent has sole legal authority, there are other forms and court documents that may apply. Check the State Department’s page for your situation instead of guessing.
Step by step
- Gather proof of citizenship and parent ID. Locate your child’s certified birth certificate now, because ordering a copy can take weeks. Make photocopies.
- Fill out Form DS-11. Use the child’s name exactly as it appears on the citizenship document. Do not sign until instructed.
- Get a passport photo. Many pharmacies and shipping stores offer photo service. Make sure the child’s face is clear, eyes open and no hats or glasses.
- Find an acceptance facility. Post offices, some libraries and county clerk offices accept applications, and many require an appointment. The State Department site has a search tool.
- Go in person with the child. The child must be present, even a baby. Bring your documents, photocopies, photo and payment.
- Pay the fees. The application fee is usually paid by check or money order to the Department of State, and the acceptance fee is paid to the facility. Ask the facility which payment methods it accepts before you go.
- Track your application. You can check status online after a few days. The passport arrives by mail, and your citizenship documents usually come back separately.
Fees
| Item | Amount (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Child passport book, under 16: application fee | $100 |
| Acceptance fee, paid to the facility | $35 |
| Passport card only, under 16: application fee | $15, plus the $35 acceptance fee |
| Optional expedited service | $60 extra |
These amounts come from the State Department’s 2026 fee chart. Check the current fees page before you apply.
How long does it take?
The State Department posts current processing times for routine and expedited service. As of November 2026, the State Department’s child passport page lists about 4 to 6 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service, and mailing adds time. These estimates change, so do not rely on a figure from a blog post, including this one. As a rule, apply at least three to four months before your trip if you can, and use the official processing-times tool to confirm. If you need a passport urgently, ask the State Department about options for life-or-death emergencies or urgent travel.
Book or card?
A passport book works for all international travel, including flights. A passport card is cheaper but works only for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel. If there is any chance you will fly abroad, get the book.
Things to know
- A child’s passport is valid for five years. Children under 16 must apply in person every time they need a new one, since they cannot renew by mail.
- Use official sources only. Look-alike websites charge extra for filling out forms you can complete for free.
- Check the child’s name. It should match across the birth certificate, application and the airline ticket.
- Appointments fill up. Book the acceptance facility early, especially before spring break and summer.
- Cruise or land trip? Some trips do not require a passport, but a passport is still the simplest option. Our cruise versus all-inclusive guide covers document rules for sailings.
Once you have the passport, add it to your family vacation packing list so it stays with the other travel documents.
Bottom line
Getting a child’s passport takes planning more than effort. Gather the citizenship proof, arrange for both parents (or a notarized DS-3053), take the child in person, and pay the $100 and $35 fees for a book. Then plan on several weeks of processing and confirm everything on travel.state.gov.
FAQ
Do both parents have to go?
Both parents or guardians must appear in person with the child, unless one parent provides a notarized Form DS-3053 with a copy of their ID. Other rules apply when a parent cannot be located or has sole custody, so check the State Department’s page.
How long is a child’s passport valid?
Five years for children under 16. Because children grow and change, they will need a new application each time.
Can I apply for a baby right after the birth certificate arrives?
Yes, once you have the certified birth certificate and the baby can be present. A newborn must still appear in person for the application.
Can we use a passport photo from home?
Yes, if it meets the State Department’s photo requirements. For babies, many parents lay them on a plain white sheet and take the picture from above, but check the official rules first.
