Learn How to Get a U.S. Passport for Newborns

Why Newborns Need Passports: Understanding the Basics

A passport is an official document that proves citizenship and allows travel outside the United States. Many parents assume their newborns won't need one until they're old enough to travel, but that's not necessarily true. Even infants can obtain passports, and there are several reasons parents choose to get them early.

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The most common scenario involves international travel. If your family plans to visit relatives abroad, take a vacation outside U.S. borders, or move to another country temporarily, your newborn will need a passport. This includes destinations in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean—places many families visit regularly. Without a passport, your child cannot legally cross international borders.

Beyond travel, some parents obtain passports as a backup form of identification or for citizenship documentation purposes. A passport serves as proof of U.S. citizenship, which can matter for various administrative or legal situations down the road. It's also a real form of ID that doesn't expire as quickly as other documents.

The process for infants differs slightly from the adult process. Because newborns can't sign documents or pose for traditional photos independently, the State Department has modified requirements. Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child. This requirement exists as a safety measure to prevent passport fraud and unauthorized travel of minors.

Takeaway: Newborns can obtain passports for travel and identification purposes, but the process involves more parental involvement than adult passport applications because of the child's age.

What Documents You'll Need to Gather

Before heading to a passport acceptance facility, you need to collect several documents. Having everything ready prevents delays and reduces frustration. Here's what the State Department requires for a newborn's passport.

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First, you'll need proof of U.S. citizenship for your child. Acceptable documents include an original or certified birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. The birth certificate must show both parents' names and be issued by the vital records office in the state where the child was born. Photocopies don't work—you must bring the actual document or a certified copy with the state seal.

Next, you need proof of identity and citizenship for at least one parent or legal guardian. Your state-issued driver's license, passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID works. This establishes that you're authorized to request a passport for the child.

If the parents are married, you'll need to show proof of marriage if the child's last name differs from either parent's last name. This might be a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If only one parent appears with the child, you'll need notarized consent from the other parent stating they agree to the passport issuance. This consent form (Form DS-3053) must be signed by the absent parent and notarized.

You'll also need a passport photo of your newborn. The photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the past six months, and meet specific requirements: a clear front-facing image with a white background, neutral expression, and both eyes open and visible. Many parents find this challenging with infants since babies don't naturally hold still or keep their eyes wide open. Common solutions include taking photos on a white sheet, having the baby held by someone outside the frame, or using professional passport photo services that specialize in infant photos.

Finally, you'll need to complete the application form itself. For newborns, this is Form DS-11 for a passport book (the traditional document) or Form DS-82 if you're renewing. You won't fill this out online for a newborn—it must be completed in person at an acceptance facility.

Takeaway: Gather the birth certificate, parent ID, marriage/consent documents, and a compliant infant photo before your appointment to avoid unnecessary delays.

Where and How to Submit the Passport Request

You can't submit a newborn's passport request through the mail or online—you must appear in person. This is a core requirement for any passport application from a minor, especially infants who can't sign documents themselves.

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The State Department operates passport acceptance facilities across the country. These include local post offices, county clerk offices, libraries, and dedicated passport acceptance agencies. To find the nearest facility, you can search the State Department's facility locator on their website. Enter your zip code or city name to see locations, hours, and whether they require appointments.

Many facilities now require advance scheduling. Some locations book appointments weeks in advance, especially in busy urban areas. During peak travel seasons—spring and early summer—wait times and appointment availability can stretch thin. Booking early, even if your travel isn't planned for several months, gives you more flexibility.

Here's what to expect when you arrive. Both parents or legal guardians should come with the newborn, along with all required documents listed in the previous section. The acceptance agent will review your paperwork, verify the infant photo meets requirements, and have both parents sign the application form in the agent's presence. This dual signature requirement is what prevents unauthorized passport issuance.

The entire in-person process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though you may wait longer depending on facility traffic. Bring all documents in their original form or certified copies—don't assume the facility will have what you need or accept photocopies.

The fees for a newborn's first passport include both a passport book fee and an execution fee. As of 2024, the passport book costs about $130 for minors, and the execution fee adds another $35, totaling around $165. This is a one-time cost; there's no separate government surcharge. Some facilities may add a small service fee on top of State Department costs.

Takeaway: Schedule an appointment at your nearest passport acceptance facility well in advance, bring both parents and all original documents, and budget for a total cost around $165.

Understanding Processing Times and Expedited Options

After submitting your newborn's passport request, the State Department processes it at a federal processing center. How long this takes varies based on current demand and which processing option you choose.

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Standard processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date you submit the application at the facility. During typical years, this timeline holds relatively steady. However, during peak seasons (April through July, and again in November and December), processing can stretch toward the 8-week mark or occasionally longer.

If your travel plans fall within the standard processing window, you can proceed without additional costs. However, if you need the passport faster, the State Department offers expedited processing for about $60 extra. Expedited processing reduces the timeline to 2 to 3 weeks.

For emergencies—a family member's sudden illness or death abroad, for example—the State Department offers expedited in-person service at regional passport agencies. You'd need to visit one of these locations in person and provide documentation of the emergency. This can sometimes provide a passport the same day or within a few business days, though this is rare and reserved for genuine emergencies.

Here's a practical timeline example: Suppose you book a passport acceptance facility appointment for January and submit your application. With standard processing, you'd receive the passport by early March. If you need it by mid-February for travel, you'd pay for expedited processing during the acceptance appointment, and the passport would arrive by late January.

Processing times have become somewhat unpredictable in recent years. The State Department experienced significant backlogs after 2020, and while they've improved, delays can still occur. When planning travel, assume the upper end of the processing window and build in buffer time. Don't plan a trip expecting your passport to arrive exactly on the State Department's stated timeline.

One note: paying for expedited processing doesn't change how quickly the application is accepted at the facility—that happens immediately after you submit it. Expedited processing speeds up only the federal processing and delivery time after acceptance.

Takeaway: Plan for 6 to 8 weeks for a standard passport, or pay an additional $60 for 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing, and always build extra time into your travel plans.

What Happens After You Submit: Tracking and Receiving the Passport

Once you leave the acceptance facility, your application enters the State Department's processing system. Understanding what happens next helps you know when to expect your passport and how to monitor its progress.

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