Child’s Passport – 2026 Guide

Getting a U.S. passport for your child is required before international travel. The process for minors differs from adult applications because of additional safety and consent requirements. This guide explains what you need, how to apply, typical processing times, fees, and how to expedite your child passport if you’re traveling soon.

Who Needs a Child Passport?

All U.S. citizens under age 18 need their own passport to travel internationally. Whether your child is a newborn, toddler, or teenager, a passport is required for entry and re-entry to most countries.

Child Passport Requirements

To apply for a passport for a child under 16, you need:

• Form DS-11 completed but not signed until an agent instructs you.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• Evidence of parental relationship, like a birth certificate listing both parents.
• Parental consent, with both parents or legal guardians present.
• Passport photo for your child.

Children under 16 must apply in person with their parent(s) or guardian(s). Children 16 and 17 may also need to appear, and at least one parent or guardian must confirm awareness of the application.

Proof of Citizenship

You need to submit an original or certified physical copy of your child’s document. A certified copy has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

• Valid, undamaged U.S. passport (not expired). The validity for children under 16 is five years.
• U.S. Birth Certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Citizenship

Parental Consent Rules

Both parents or legal guardians generally must appear with the child when applying unless one parent provides a notarized consent form (DS-3053). This requirement helps prevent unauthorized travel.

How Long a Child Passport is Valid

Child passports (under age 16) are valid for five years, not ten years like adult passports. This is due to the rapid changes in a child’s appearance as they grow.

Processing Time for Child Passport

Typical processing times for a child passport are similar to adult passports:

Start the application process 3–4 months before travel to avoid delays.

Passport Photo

A professional photo is recommended for a baby’s passport. Remember to dress your baby in plain clothing, avoid a busy background, and have your child look directly at the camera without any obstructions in the way.

Passport Fee for Children

Passport fees for children include both the government application fee and the acceptance fee charged by the facility. A typical child passport book fee is lower than an adult passport, and expedited fees may apply if you choose faster service.

Two separate payments are required.

Optional Fees

These are optional fees that are paid directly to the Department of State for additional services and shipping.

Expedited Child Passport

If travel is within a few weeks, you can request expedited child passport processing. Pay the additional expedite fee and include it with your application, or schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency for urgent service. Some expedited services can process a child passport in as little as 3–5 business days.

Passport Photos

Your child’s passport photo must meet official government standards: 2×2 inches, color, plain background, with the child facing the camera and both eyes open. Professional photo services can help ensure your photo meets these standards and prevent delays.

What if the Child’s Passport Is Expired?

Passports for children under 16 cannot be renewed by mail. A new passport application (DS-11) and an in-person appointment are required for all child passport renewals.

Child Passport – Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a passport to travel internationally?

Yes. Every U.S. citizen under age 18, including infants and newborns, must have their own passport to travel outside the United States.

How do I apply for a child’s passport?

You must complete Form DS-11 and submit it in person at a passport acceptance facility with your child. Both parents or legal guardians usually must appear and give consent.

What documents are required for a child’s passport?

You need proof of U.S. citizenship for the child, proof of parental relationship, government-issued photo ID for the parents, a passport photo of the child, and the completed DS-11 form.

Do both parents need to be present?

Yes, both parents or legal guardians must be present unless one parent provides a notarized consent form allowing the other to apply alone.

How long is a child’s passport valid?

Passports issued to children under age 16 are valid for five years.

Can a kid passport be renewed?

No. Child passports cannot be renewed by mail. When a child’s passport expires, a new application must be submitted in person using Form DS-11.

How long does it take to get a child’s passport?

Routine child passport processing usually takes about 4–6 weeks. Expedited child passport service typically takes about 2–3 weeks.

How do I get an expedited children passport?

You can request expedited service by paying the additional expedite fee or by scheduling an appointment at a regional passport agency for urgent travel.

What is the fastest way to get a children passport?

The fastest option is a regional passport agency appointment for urgent travel, which can process a child passport in as little as a few business days with proof of travel.

How much does a passport cost?

Child passport fees include a government application fee and a separate acceptance fee. Expedited processing costs extra.

What are the passport photo requirements for a child?

The child’s photo must be 2 x 2 inches, in color, with a plain background. The child’s face must be visible, and no filters or digital editing are allowed.

What is the most common reason child passport applications are delayed?

Missing parental consent, incorrect photos, or incomplete documents are the most common causes of delays.