Get Your Child Passport in 3 Days No Lines. No Hassle. Guaranteed.

What is a Child Passport?

A child passport (also called a minor passport) is issued to US citizens under the age of 16. Unlike adult passports that are valid for 10 years, child passports are valid for only 5 years due to the rapid physical changes children undergo as they grow.

Child passports cannot be renewed by mail—when the passport expires, you must apply for a new one in person with Form DS-11, following the same process as the initial application. This requirement ensures the child’s current identity and appearance are properly verified.

Who Needs a Child Passport?

Your child needs a passport if:

• They are under 16 years old and have never had a US passport
• They are traveling internationally by air
• They are traveling to any country outside the United States (except some Caribbean cruises)
• Their previous child passport has expired (child passports cannot be renewed)
• They are 16 or older and their previous passport was issued when they were under 16

Required Documents for a Child Passport

Gathering the correct documents is crucial for your child’s passport application:

Child’s Photo ID: For children under 16, if they don’t have a government-issued ID, identification can be established through documents like school records, medical records, or daycare records.

Parents’ Photo IDs: Both parents must present valid government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, military ID, passport, etc.).

Passport Photo: One recent color photo (2″ x 2″) of the child taken within the last 6 months against a white background. The child must be alone in the photo with eyes open and a neutral expression. Use our Perfect Passport Photos tool for guaranteed compliance.

Completed Form DS-11: The Application for a U.S. Passport form must be filled out but not signed until you’re in front of an acceptance agent.

Parental Consent: Evidence of parental relationship and consent from both parents (see section below for details).

Parental Consent Requirements

Both parents must consent to their child’s passport application. Here are the rules:

Option 1: Both Parents Appear Together

Both parents can appear together at the passport acceptance facility with the child and sign the application in front of the agent. This is the simplest method.

Option 2: Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent)

If one parent cannot appear, the absent parent can complete Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) and have it notarized. The appearing parent brings this form along with a copy of the non-appearing parent’s ID.

Option 3: Sole Custody or Special Circumstances

• Court order granting sole custody with specific passport authority
• Death certificate of non-appearing parent
• Adoption decree showing one parent
• Birth certificate listing only one parent

How Long Does It Take to Get a Child Passport?

Standard government processing times for child passports are currently:

• Routine Service: 13-15 weeks (plus mailing time of up to 2 weeks each way)
• Expedited Service: 7-9 weeks (plus mailing time, requires additional $60 fee)
• Urgent Travel: Appointments at passport agencies for travel within 14 days (extremely limited availability)

Child Passport Photos: Special Requirements

Taking passport photos of infants and young children can be challenging. Here are the official requirements:

• Infant Photos: Babies must be alone in the photo (no hands, toys, or pacifiers visible). They can be lying on a white sheet with head supported.
• Eyes Open: Both eyes should be open and looking at the camera. For infants, it’s acceptable if eyes are partially open.
• Neutral Expression: No smiling or crying—though some natural expression is acceptable for very young children.
• No Props: Remove hats, headbands, bows, or any head coverings (except for religious purposes).
• White Background: The child must be photographed against a plain white or off-white background.
• Good Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows on the face or background.