Free Guide to Children's Passport Information for Parents

Understanding What a Children's Passport Is and Why Your Child Might Need One

A passport is an official travel document issued by the U.S. State Department that proves citizenship and allows children to travel internationally. Unlike a state ID or birth certificate, a passport is specifically designed for crossing borders. Parents often wonder whether their child needs a passport, and the answer depends on where you plan to travel.

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If your family plans to travel outside the United States, Canada, Mexico, or certain Caribbean nations, your child will need a passport. Even travel to Canada and Mexico by air requires a passport. Some parents are surprised to learn that a birth certificate alone is not sufficient for international air travel, even when traveling with a parent. The rules changed significantly after 2007 when the U.S. began enforcing stricter border security measures.

Children of all ages can obtain passports, including infants. The State Department issues passports to newborns if parents request them. Many families obtain passports for young children before their first international trip, while others get them as a precaution for future travel. A child's passport is valid for five years, compared to ten years for adults.

The passport process involves several steps: gathering required documents, completing the correct forms, submitting materials to an acceptance facility, and paying fees. Understanding each part of this process helps parents prepare properly and avoid delays.

Practical Takeaway: Determine whether your travel plans require a passport by checking the State Department website for your destination country. Begin gathering documents well in advance of your travel date, as processing times vary by season and demand.

Required Documents and Information You'll Need to Gather

Before visiting a passport acceptance facility, parents must gather specific documents. The State Department maintains a detailed checklist, and having everything prepared reduces wait times and prevents rejected applications. Missing documents are one of the most common reasons applications get delayed.

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For a child's first passport, you will need proof of citizenship, proof of identity, a birth certificate, and proof of parental custody. The birth certificate must be an official version with the raised or impressed seal—photocopies are not accepted. The birth certificate should show both parents' names when possible. If your child has a different last name than you, documentation explaining the name difference may be required.

Proof of identity varies by age. For children under 16, this typically means a certified school record, medical records, or similar documents. For children 16 and older, a driver's license or school ID may be used. If your child has no existing ID documents, other options include immunization records or insurance documents.

Parents or guardians must also provide identification. Valid forms include a driver's license, military ID, passport, or other government-issued ID. Both parents should provide ID when both are listed on the birth certificate. If only one parent will attend the appointment, you may need notarized consent from the other parent.

You'll also need a recent photograph of your child. The photo must meet specific requirements: a 2x2 inch color photo taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background, and showing a clear face-on view. Babies and young children have slightly different photo requirements—for example, babies may have their eyes closed, and you can support an infant's head with your hand (your hand will be cropped out of the final image).

Practical Takeaway: Create a checklist two months before your planned travel date. Gather documents one category at a time, then verify everything against the official State Department checklist before your appointment. Keep original documents separate from copies.

Understanding Passport Fees and Processing Times

Passport costs include a application fee, execution fee, and photo services (if needed). As of 2024, the total cost for a child's first passport book is approximately $130-$140 in fees, plus the cost of passport photos if purchased at the acceptance facility. Prices are set by the federal government and do not vary by location.

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Processing times depend on when you apply and how busy the system is. Routine processing typically takes four to six weeks, though it can extend to eight weeks during peak travel seasons (summer months and winter holidays). Expedited processing, available for an additional fee of around $60, reduces this to two to three weeks. For immediate travel needs, some passport agencies offer appointments for faster processing, though availability is limited and advance reservations are required.

The fees must be paid at your appointment using cash, check, credit card, or debit card—accepted payment methods vary by location. The application fee ($100 for minors) is non-refundable, even if you withdraw your application before completion.

Planning ahead is crucial. If you know your family will travel internationally, applying for a passport several months before your trip prevents stress if processing takes longer than expected. Many families recommend obtaining a passport as soon as possible, even if no trip is currently planned, since the document is valid for five years.

Some families choose expedited processing to manage risk. If your child's passport arrives earlier than needed, it simply sits at home until travel. However, if processing runs longer than anticipated and you haven't chosen expedited service, you may face difficulty rescheduling your trip.

Practical Takeaway: Budget for passport costs when planning international travel. Apply at least 8-10 weeks before your departure date to account for routine processing times. If your trip is within six weeks, plan for expedited processing fees.

Where and How to Submit Your Child's Passport Application

Passport applications for children must be submitted in person at an official acceptance facility. You cannot mail a children's passport application directly to the State Department. This in-person requirement is a safety measure designed to prevent fraud and verify identity.

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Acceptance facilities are located at post offices, libraries, and courthouse locations throughout the United States. The State Department website includes a facility locator tool where you can enter your zip code to find nearby locations. Not every post office accepts passport applications, so it's important to find an official acceptance facility rather than assuming your local branch participates.

Most acceptance facilities accept walk-in visitors, though many now offer appointment systems to manage crowds and wait times. During peak seasons, walk-in wait times can exceed two hours. Making an appointment typically results in shorter waits. Some facilities allow you to schedule appointments online, while others require phone calls.

At your appointment, an official acceptance agent will review your documents, verify signatures, and take your child's photo if you haven't brought one. The agent will answer questions about the process but cannot provide legal or immigration advice. The agent will also collect payment and submit your application to the State Department's processing center.

After submission, the State Department will process your application and mail your child's passport directly to your home address. You cannot pick it up at the acceptance facility. The mailing address on your application must be accurate, as the passport is sent via standard mail.

Practical Takeaway: Use the State Department's facility locator tool to find acceptance locations near you. Call ahead to determine whether appointments are available and what time slot would work best for your family. Bring all original documents and bring identification for the accompanying parent or guardian.

Special Situations: Parental Consent, Name Changes, and Lost Documents

Most passport applications proceed straightforwardly when both parents are present and in agreement. However, special circumstances require additional steps. Understanding these situations prevents delays and ensures proper documentation.

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When only one parent attends the appointment, the absent parent must provide notarized written consent. This document, called a Statement Regarding a Passport Application for a Minor, must be notarized by a certified notary public. The consenting parent cannot send the document by mail; it must be presented in person at the acceptance facility. If one parent has died, you will need a death certificate. If parental rights have been terminated through legal proceedings, court documentation is required.

If your child's legal name differs from the name on their birth certificate—due to a court-ordered name change, adoption, or other circumstances—you must bring court documents showing the name change. A court order, adoption decree, or similar legal document must be presented. The passport will reflect the current legal name.

If your child's birth certificate is unavailable or damaged, you can obtain a replacement from the vital records office in the state where your child was born. Each state maintains its own vital records system, and request processes vary. Expect this to take two to four weeks, depending on the state. Therefore, if your original birth certificate is missing,