A Step-by-step Guide for Getting a Passport for Your Child

We recently got a new passport for our daughter and I was reminded how many things should be gathered and planned to make it a smooth process. Today I’m sharing my step-by-step guide that I’ve put together based on lots of research and our own experiences. If you are thinking about getting your child a passport, listen in to the episode for many useful tips. Plus check out the show notes for a quick reference checklist that you can use to guide you through the process.

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“Collect all needed documents several days before your passport appointment to avoid last minute stress.”

— Lisa Andrews

Good to Know Facts About Children’s Passports

All children (any age) traveling overseas are required to have a passport.
Children under the age of 16 receive a passport valid for 5 years.
16 and 17-year-olds get a passport valid for 10 years.
No mail renewal. You must appear in person.
Both parents and the child need to be present at the passport appointment for children under 16. There are some exceptions if one parents cannot attend and you will need to provide documentation showing proof. (Death certificate, custody documents, birth certificate showing only one parent listed, adoption decree, or form DS-3053 if one parent just cannot be there.)
Only one parent needs to be present for 16 and 17-year-olds.
There is an option to apply for a passport book, passport card or both. The card is good for non-air travel to Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Apply well before your trip. I’d suggest apply before you even start planning a trip. Wait times are currently around 18 weeks. You can expedite and get it in around 12 weeks.

Step By Step Guide to Getting a Passport for Your Child

Make an appointment at a local passport office. USPS, your local Clerk of the Court, and some local libraries offer passport application appointments. Scheduling is currently going out weeks so make your appointment as soon as possible.
Fill out form DS-11. The State Department site (linked here) has a fillable form where you can type answers and then print or a pdf that you can print and fill out with a pen. Bring the completed form to your appointment. Do not sign it! Wait to sign until directed to do so at the appointment.
Have a passport photo taken and printed. There are many specific requirement for passport photos. You can take and print at home but I recommend going to a local place (Walgreens, CVS, Costco, etc.) to have them take the photo and print it. Be sure the photo was taken within 6 months of the application appointment. This needs to be 2 X 2 inches.
Gather proof of citizenship for parent and child. This can be a birth certificate or expired passport for a child. Adults can use their state issued ID or passport. Make copies of everything to leave with your application.
Show parental relationship. This can be a birth certificate, adoption decree, divorce/custody records. Bring a photo copy along with the original copy. The photo copy will be left with the application.
Confirm fees and bring your checkbook. You have to pay the passport application fee with a check. The is also an execution fee and that can usually be paid by credit card. Current fees are $80 for passport book, $15 for passport card plus a $35 execution fee. There is a $60 expedite fee.
Be on time to your appointment and bring the documents listed above along with photo copies of everything. Our appointment lasted about 20 minutes.
Wait for your passport to arrive by mail. The passport will arrive in a separate mailing from any original documents they need to mail back to you.
You can track your passport status online. If may take up to 6 weeks for any progress to show after your appointment.