You’re ready! You’ve come through the birth and early postpartum experiences, and you’re bound and determined to travel the world again—this time with baby in tow. First things first, though… Get that baby a passport! Here is your ultimate guide to doing just that. It’s a little different than getting an adult passport, but not to worry! Here is everything you need to know.
What to Know Before You Apply
You will have to go in person.
Both parents and the child must apply in person. If either parent cannot attend, more paperwork must be provided. (More Info Here).
It’s only good for 5 years (but actually, 4 years and 6 months).
Adult passports are good for 10 years, but not so for children ages 16 and under. Your child’s passport will only be good for five years; but remember that all passports are only valid up to six months before their expiration date—so, that’s really 4.5 years.
You need an original or replacement birth certificate (or other proof of U.S. Citizenship) AND a photocopy of the document.
The important thing is that you have to show an original birth certificate, the one with the raised seal, that only comes on an original or replacement copy. You also must provide a photocopy of this document, which you will give to the passport official at your interview.
Know what documentation you need:
- Original or Replacement Birth Certificate with raised seal
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Official Passport Photos
- Form DS-11
- Child’s social security number
- Both Parents’ Photo IDs
- Copy of Both Parents’ Photo IDs
- Check for Your Fees
A child passport costs the same as an adult passport.
I know, I know, it’s not fair. It’s only valid half the time, but costs the same. Sorry, y’all! As of 2025, that’ll be $135 for the passport. If you want it expedited, that’s another $60.
Global Entry is FREE
It’s true! As long as one parent has Global Entry, your baby can apply for it for FREE.
Read next: The Top 7 Reasons Single Parents Should Travel with their Children
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
1. Get your child’s birth certificate
You likely applied for this at the hospital, if you had a hospital birth. It should come in the mail within eight weeks, but my daughter’s took much longer. I ended up calling the Virginia Office of Vital Records in Richmond and found out it had been printed weeks ago, but it was taking for-absolutely-ever to come in the mail. If you’re in the same boat, you can get an official copy (with a raised seal) at the DMV or local Health Department. We had to pay again, but at least I had it in-hand when I left that office, no waiting for the mail!
The original will be submitted all your other documentation, but it will be returned to you within 8 weeks of receipt of your child’s passport. Make sure you won’t need the original for a while, or plan to get an official replacement copy if you don’t want to submit the original.
2. Get your child’s passport photos
You can get baby passport photos anywhere you get adult passport photos. You can even take them yourself at home, but then you run the risk of something being not-quite-right. We were able to get our baby’s photos on the first try at our local CVS, but the photographer assured us we could try as many times as we needed. The requirements for baby passport photos are:
- White background
- Eyes open
- Mouth closed
- Looking directly at the camera
3. Fill out and print form DS-11
This should be filled out as if your child is filling it out. That sounds obvious, but the way some of the fields are worded can be a little confusing. Note: you will need your child’s social security number while filling out this form.
4. Make photocopies of your documents
You will need to make black-and-white photo copies of your child’s birth certificate AND the parent IDs (passports or driver’s licenses). These will be kept for the State Department’s records and will NOT be returned to you. These should be black-and-white and on standard 8.5 x 11 paper.
5. Make an appointment with a passport acceptance facility
Most post offices are official passport acceptance facilities. Click HERE to find the nearest facilities to you, and click on the link to your preferred facility to find out if or when you need to make an appointment, or if you can simply walk in. Both parents must come to this appointment with the child. If either parent cannot go to the appointment, click HERE and go to #5 for what to do.
P.S. Don’t forget your check or credit card to pay the fee! ($135 for passport, $60 if expediting)
6. Check the status as needed
You can track your baby’s passport’s progress. Sign up for e-mail updates HERE so you won’t need to lose sleep over it (you’re already losing enough sleep as it is).
For more information on all of these steps, and for FAQs, visit the official State Department Child Passport website.
What’s Next?
When you receive your child’s passport, you may want to apply for Global Entry. As of October 1, 2024, if either parent has a valid Global Entry account, your child can apply and for FREE! Find more information here.
Want more? Check out my Travel Tips Page!
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