There are five main steps to apply for a U.S. passport for a minor:

1. Obtain the minor's birth certificate, and SSN.

2. Complete Form DS-11, the application form for a U.S. passport.

3. Gather the required supporting documents, including parental identification and consent documents, if applicable.

4. Take a passport photo that meets U.S. passport photo requirements.

5. Submit the application in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility and track the application status.

Note: For children under age 16, the process for obtaining a new passport after expiration (renewal) is essentially the same as a first-time application. Child passports cannot be renewed using the standard renewal process and require a new application each time.

I will share all the paperwork, forms, fees, and documents needed for a passport application for minors. Please note that passports for minors under the age of 16 are only valid for five years.

Children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person using Form DS-11. Unlike many adult passport renewals, applications for children cannot be submitted by mail and require the child's in-person appearance with parental consent.

Table of Contents: Passport Application for Minors

• Introduction

• Birth Certificate

• DS-11 Form for Minors

• Documents Needed

• Absent Parent Passport Form

• Minor Passport Photo Requirements

• Submit and Track Child Passport Application

• Receive the Passport

• Minor Passport Renewal

• Conclusion

Why You Need a Passport for Your Child

You need a passport for minors, an essential travel document that serves as proof of identity and citizenship. It becomes particularly important for various reasons, such as international travel with parents, studying abroad, or attending family events overseas.

There could be several other reasons why obtaining a passport for a minor is necessary, so it's advisable to get it as soon as you find the time.

In the United States, acquiring a passport for minors is a straightforward process, and this blog will help make it simpler for you. I have personally gone through this process, having obtained the passport for my son when he was just a few months old. Additionally, I have renewed it as well.

1. Obtain a Birth Certificate

Before applying for a minor's passport, ensure that you obtain the birth certificate from the county office or state where the child was born.

This process is typically straightforward; in my case, everything was arranged at the hospital where my child was born, and I was instructed to collect the birth certificate from the county office within 2 to 3 weeks.

If you are a California resident, you can also apply for it through this link. For others, please visit this.

An authorized and certified birth certificate is generally accepted as a valid document for various legal purposes, including travel, passport applications, proof of citizenship, social security, driver's licenses, school registration, personal identification, and more. Image credit: Wikipedia

2. Fill Out DS-11 Form

The passport application DS-11 form is available online; you need to download, print, and then fill it out by hand. Follow this link to download the latest copy of the form.

Or, you can also fill out the form by 'Form Filler Tool' available on the DOS website. This is my preferred way.

Please do not sign the form until instructed by the accepting agent. Provide accurate information when filling out the form. Detailed instructions for minor passports for those under 16 can be found at this link.

3. Documents Checklist

Next, let's discuss the documents needed for a passport application for minors. Before applying, ensure that you have the following required documents and paperwork ready. You can also follow this link for document checklist.

Be sure to take printouts of these documents as you may be required to submit photocopies.

• DS-11 Form: Completed DS-11 form whether applying for new passport or renewal. Do not sign, just print.

• Proof of Parental Relationship and Minor's U.S. Citizenship: Birth certificate, adoption decree, divorce/custody decree, and the child's SSN. Document should have both parents name on it.

• Documents for Parents: Evidence of your immigration status or U.S. citizenship/passport, government-issued state ID or driver's license, permanent residency card or green card, etc.

• Payment for the Passport Fee: Remember to bring your checkbook. Different fees apply based on the processing time of the passport, as shown in the screenshot below. The expedited option incurs additional fees, and the processing time varies. The issuing agency will provide the exact days/backlog and the associated fees. We received the passport in 6 weeks (standard processing).

• Passport Photo: Typically available at the facility for an additional fee, as discussed in the next section.

• Passport Book/Card: For renewal only, you must bring your current passport book, or your passport card if you have one.

Documents I personally used and brought to the facility:

1. DS-11 Form

2. Child’s original birth certificate (not a hospital certificate)

3. Current child's passport book (for renewal only)

4. Valid driver’s license or Green Card (for parents), plus photocopies

5. Checkbook

6. Both parents (physical presence required)

4. Absent Parent Passport Form

While both parents should visit the passport facility together, I understand that individual situations vary. In our case, both of us attended together, and for most of you, I believe it will be the same, allowing you to skip this step.

How to get a child's passport with one parent absent?

If one parent is unable to attend, the applying parent must demonstrate sole legal custody or obtain consent from the absent parent.

This requires a notarized Form DS-3053: Statement of Consent from the absent parent or legal custody documents confirming sole legal custody. You can download DS-3053 here.

5. Minor Passport Photo Requirements

Option1: You have the option to take the newborn passport photo yourself or at a studio. If you are taking the photo yourself, please keep these infant passport photo requirements in mind:

• The photo should be in color, not black and white.

• Do not use any filters or special effects; the image should be clear and focused.

• The photo should not be older than 6 months.

• The background should be white or off-white.

• Avoid dressing in white.

• Remove any head coverings or glasses.

• Ensure that both ears are visible.

Option 2 (Preferred): Some passport facilities may also provide this service for an additional charge. We had newborn photographs taken at the passport facility. You can locate the passport facilities in your zip code here.

In any case, please do not staple the photo to the DS-11 form. Instead, take the photo with you and show it to the agent at the passport facility. They will assess if the photo is correct and staple it there. I opted to have my newborn's photo taken at the passport facility.

6. Take Appointment, Submit and Track Application

Take the completed DS-11 form, required documents, and payment to a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, which you can locate using the zip code. Passport acceptance facilities are typically found in post offices, libraries, and courthouses.

Some facilities may require an appointment, so it's advisable to check in advance. During your visit, a passport acceptance agent will review the application and documents, administer an oath to the applying parent(s) or guardian(s), and ask you to sign the DS-11 form.

You can subscribe to email updates for your child's passport application here.

7. Receive the Passport

After applying for a minor's passport, the process of issuance begins. Once the application is processed, the passport will be printed and mailed to the address provided on the application. Standard process takes typically 4 to 6 weeks.

Upon receiving the passport, carefully review all the details, including the spelling of the minor's name, date of birth, place of birth, and other relevant information.

Additionally, sign the passport following the instructions provided.

8. Minor Passport Renewal

Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed using Form DS-82.

To renew a passport for a child under age 16, you must reapply in person using Form DS-11, like how we did the new passport. Process is exactly same.

Conclusion

In summary, applying for a passport for a minor involves gathering the necessary documents, completing the DS-11 form, submitting the application and payment to a passport acceptance facility, tracking the application's status, and finally, receiving the passport.

Following these steps ensures a smooth and stress-free process. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below—I'll do my best to assist you.

Next: How to apply for OCI for a minor?

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