Kiki & Ollie
As a family, it’s safe to say we’re pretty avid travelers. That’s why we didn’t hesitate to apply for Oliver’s passport when he was only a few weeks old! There was a lot to know before getting an infant his very first passport, this is everything you need to know.
Nationality: USA
Age Applied: 3 weeks
It’s time for the most important moment in your baby’s life. Can you guess what that might be?
Nope, it’s not their first word or even their first steps…
Obviously, it’s your baby’s very first passport!
Jokes aside, traveling with Oliver has been one of the most special moments of motherhood for me, and sharing my love of traveling the world with my son has been the ultimate gift.
If you want to make memories around the globe with your little one, this is just the first step to filling up that scrapbook. And while this is certainly a special moment for the entire family, it was definitely a little overwhelming before I knew what was involved.
Not to worry!
It’s actually very straightforward. I’m going to share nine easy steps for applying for your baby’s passport!
1. Start the Passport Application Process Early
While the average processing time may vary for several reasons, standard passport processing usually takes 6-8 weeks, but you need to refer to the website for current processing times.
The earlier you apply, the better.
Traveling with a baby internationally for the first time can be stressful; don’t make it even harder on yourselves by waiting until the last minute if your schedule allows!
I highly recommend applying for your baby’s passport at least 3 months before your trip.
Tips for Quick Processing:
EXPEDITED PROCESSING: For an additional $60, you can have your passport application expedited. This turnaround time can vary but can cut your wait time in half. 2-3 weeks vs the standard 6-8.
URGENT TRAVEL PROCESSING: Depending on your local passport agency, you can get a new passport as soon as the next day. For urgent travel requiring a passport, you can get an appointment by showing printed proof of international travel within 14 calendar days. You won’t have to pay more than the extra $60 for expedited processing.
This is actually what we did for Oliver at just a two months old! We applied for urgent travel processing in San Diego (within the 14-day window before an international trip) and got it the next day! You must call within that “urgent travel window” for an appointment.
2. Gather the Necessary Documents for Passport Application
This is where being an organized traveler comes in handy!
When applying for your baby’s passport, you’ll need several essential documents including:
- Form DS-11
- A birth certificate or Evidence of Citizenship
- An additional photocopy of Citizenship Evidence
- Proof of Parental Relationship
- Present ID of Parent or Guardian
- An additional photocopy of ID
- A photo of the passport holder
Yikes. That’s a lot. Let’s break it down!
How to Fill Out the Form DS-11
For the Form DS-11, click here for the Form Filler tool that allows you to fill it out online and print it at home. Make sure you have a social security number for your baby! If your baby doesn’t have a social security number yet, you will need to sign and date a statement that says:
“I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: (Child’s full name) has never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.” – U.S. Dept of State
How to Provide Citizenship Evidence
You must have an original, physical copy of either a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, or Certificate of Citizenship.
I gave birth in San Diego. Though they did give us all of the paperwork to file for his social security card in the hospital, I had to get his certified birth certificate in person at the Office of Vital Records in San Diego. If you didn’t get your child’s birth certificate in the mail, you may need to plan ahead to get it!
What Your Photocopies Should Include
In addition to hard copies of your baby’s Evidence of Citizenship and your personal ID, you will need photocopies of these for them to have on hand.
Photocopies must be:
- Clearly legible
- On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
- Black and white, no color
- Single-sided, not double-sided
- Do not decrease the image size for the ID
How to Show Parental Relationship for Passport Application
It’s important that the Passport Office proves that you are indeed the child’s parent. This means you need an official document that declares this information which can include the following:
- Birth certificate
- Foreign birth certificate
- Adoption decree
- Divorce or custody decree
- A court order
Make sure to have a physical copy and a photocopy of whatever document you bring with you!
What if you’re a dual-citizenship family?
Oliver’s dad is not a U.S. citizen; we just needed to show the baby’s birth certificate with both parents’ names and provide copies of each of our passports to prove our identities.
How to Prove Parental Consent
When applying for your baby’s passport, all parties must be present. That means both parents or guardians.
It’s possible that the other parent is not able to come to the Passport Office for a variety of reasons. If this is the case, it’s important to make sure you fill out Form DS-3053. If you cannot locate the other parent, you will need Form DS-5525 “Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.”
And if you have legal, sole custody of the baby, you will need:
- Divorce decree or custody decree
- Court order permitting you to apply for the child’s passport
- Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate listing you as the only parent
- Certified copy of an adoption decree listing you as the only parent
- Certified copy of the judicial declaration of incompetence of the parent that cannot appear in person
- Certified copy of the death certificate of the parent that cannot appear in person
3. Passport Photo Tips
This part may sound fun, but trust me when I say it can be… a challenge.
When taking pictures of your baby for their passport photo, you need to make sure of the following:
- The photo must be in color and taken in the last 6 months
- It should be a clear image of their face (basically, well-lit and no filters)
- Have someone else take the photo at an acceptable distance
- Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines
- Preferably have their eyes open (harder than you might think if you’ve got a newborn!)
- No other person can be in the photo; sorry, mamas
Passport Photo-Taking Tip:
I wanted to take my own photos, but most local passport photo printers did not offer the option to print them solely — they must also shoot them as they need to be cropped EXACTLY per the application’s specifications.
Baby Passport Photo Hack
If you have a bouncer chair (like the BabyBjörn Bouncer), bring it with a white bedsheet to the photography location. Place the sheet over the back of the chair and pop your baby in it for the photo. Getting a nice picture of them propped up slightly is much easier than holding them up against a backdrop!
4. Find a Passport Acceptance Facility
Now that you have all of your documents, copies, and photos, it’s time to find your nearest passport office.
Use the U.S. Department of State website to locate a nearby passport acceptance facility. These facilities include post offices, public libraries, and county clerk’s offices.
5. Visit the Passport Office with All Parents or Guardians
I strongly suggest booking an appointment for your passport application (most passport agencies/centers require appointments). Since you need to apply in person for a minor (under age 16), you should plan to wait a long time (even with an appointment).
Bring whatever you need for yourself and baby, and plan to be there for at least an hour or two. It may go much faster, but you’ll want everything you need just in case.
Think:
- Feeding supplies (Bottles, breast pump, cooler bag, formula, water, etc.)
- Baby carrier
- Diaper bag
- Your own snacks & water bottle
As previously mentioned, all parents or guardians must be present (if for some reason they cannot, go back to the documents section).
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6. Prepare to Pay the Passport Application Fees
Pay the applicable passport fees, which include an application fee and an execution fee. These fees vary depending on the type of passport and processing time selected.
That being said, expect to pay close to $135 for a minor passport book ($100 for the book and $35 for processing fees), not including optional fees.
7. Wait for Passport Processing
The processing time for a baby’s passport can vary. Check the U.S. Department of State website for current processing times.
Check Your Application Status:
If you’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of your child’s passport, you can even check on the status with the government passport application tracker.
8. Receive and Review the Passport
There’s nothing like a fresh, new passport, right?
Once your baby’s passport has been processed, the passport will be mailed to the address provided on the application form.
Just make sure to double-check all information on the passport for accuracy.
9. Travel the World as a Family!
Now that you have your baby’s passport, it’s time to fill ’er up with some stamps!
Just be sure to check for expiration dates and make sure there are plenty of blank pages for any visa requirements needed. You can request “extra pages” in their passport at no additional cost (I always recommend this)!
FAQs About Your Baby’s Passport
How long is a baby’s passport valid?
Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years.
How early can a newborn get a passport?
Parents may apply for their newborn’s passport as soon as they have gotten their baby’s certified birth certificate.
You also need proof of application for social security, but you do not necessarily need a physical copy.
What if my child and I have different last names?
Not a problem! So long as the parental relationship document lists your full name, you do not need to have the same last name as your child.
However, if your name has changed from that on the parental relationship document, make sure to submit proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Can I apply online?
All children under 16 must appear in person to apply.
Do I have to make an appointment at a Passport Office, or can I just show up?
While making an appointment certainly helps avoid very long lines, some facilities require appointments to be seen.
