Background
If you plan on doing any international travel with your child, they will absolutely need a passport, no exceptions. The process can take several months so unless you absolutely know you won’t need one, it’s not a bad idea to get started on the process. Our kids have both had passports since they were babies and are getting their first renewals (Child passports are only good for 5 years) Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about applying for a passport for a minor (Under 16)
Does My Child Need a Passport?
If you plan on doing any international travel with your child, they will absolutely need a passport, no exceptions
What Do I Need to Get My Child a Passport?
Review the requirements at the state website for the latest information. Know that for children under 16, you will need to submit in person with both parents, with the form completed, the required documents, and all payments. Department of State Website
Checklist:
- Make an appointment
- Complete application form
- Collect all documents: Official birth certificate (or previous passport), Both Parents’ Driver Licenses
- Get a passport photo
- Bring payment: Blank check and cash/card
- Attend appointment with both parents
How do I Make an Appointment for My Child's Passport?
For children under 16, you will need to find a passport acceptance facility and submit all documents in person. Before you get started on the forms and documents, first get set-up with an appointment. You can search for locations using the state website: Search for appointments or the Post office website. USPS scheduler. Also, search google for your county passport locations. Note that appointments are generally limited and a few weeks out. Both parents will need to attend. If you need an appointment soon, consider widening your search to nearby cities or counties. In Nashville, we learned that Smyrna accepts walk-ins. We once applied for a passport while on vacation because Ben and I could never get our work schedules lined up to take Carter!
What Form Do I Need for My Child's Passport?
The form for a US passport application for kids is the DS -11 form, available on the website of the Department of State and any other U.S. passport agency. You can use the online form filler or print and complete it by hand.
After downloading and printing it, you can fill it in with all the required data. Use the online portal or use black ink and make sure to write legibly, to avoid any mistakes on the document. Other questions? What do you put for the occupation field on the passport? Child. Do not sign it right away, wait for the acceptance agent to ask you to do it.
What Documents Do I Need for a Child's Passport?
The simplest thing to bring is a US birth certificate or previous passport. These will meet the requirements for the child’s US citizenship and proof of the relationship between you and the child. If you don’t have a birth certificate, you will need to contact your state’s vital records department to request an official version. Copies are generally not accepted. Other options are included on the website including proof of birth abroad or other proof of citizenship. In addition, you will need both parents to bring their driver licenses. You will also need to find a blank check that will be mailed with the application. If you’re like me and never use checks, you may need some time to search or request one :-),
Where Do I Get a Passport Photo for a Child?
You will need to take a passport photo. Costco photo, walgreens, CVS or UPS are all great options for easy quick pictures. Note that not everywhere will have working backgrounds and some places we went to felt uncomfortable taking picture of kids. For little kids a white blanket can be used behind the head in a carseat to get the background. The cost is usually around 15 dollars.
Do Both Parents Need to Attend a Child's Passport Appointment
To turn in an application for a passport for a child under 16 (sixteen), the minor and both parents or guardians will need to be present. If one parent truly cannot attend, there is an optional form that could be completed and notarized. In my mind, this is one more possibility for messing something up and getting rejected so I would avoid it if possible.
How Do I Get My Child Passport Expedited?
Pay for all the extra fees. There are fees to expedite the processing and fees to expedite the shipping.
What If I Need My Passport More Urgently?
If your travel is coming up within a few weeks, contact your Congressperson for help. Google search their website and passport and there should be a contact form or email address for staff to assist. They will submit a congressional inquiry and can work to help get you a last minute appointment if needed. I had success working with my congressperson’s staff to get my passport quickly! There are also options for travel within the next few days. I would still contact your congressperson as appointments are hard to get.
Final Thoughts
If you plan on doing any international travel with your child, they will absolutely need a passport, no exceptions.
Checklist:
- Make an appointment
- Complete application form
- Collect all documents: Official birth certificate (or previous passport), Both Parents’ Driver Licenses
- Get a passport photo
- Bring payment: Blank check and cash/card
- Attend appointment with both parents
