How to Get Your Baby’s First Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide
Traveling internationally with a baby is exciting—but before you pack the diapers and tiny travel shoes, you’ll need one crucial document: a passport. Unlike adults, babies can’t simply use a parent’s passport. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to getting your little one’s first passport.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Before you start the application process, make sure you have all the required documents:
Proof of U.S. Citizenship – A certified birth certificate or a consular report of birth abroad.
Parental Identification – Valid driver’s license, passport, or state ID for both parents/guardians.
Passport Photo – One recent, full-color photo of your baby. It must be 2x2 inches, with a plain white or off-white background (See below for more on how to get the photo)
Proof of Parental Relationship – Usually the birth certificate also serves this purpose.
Step 2: Fill Out Form DS-11
For a child under 16, you must complete Form DS-11. You cannot submit this form online—you’ll need to fill it out and bring it with you in person.
You can fill it out online and print it, or print a blank form and fill it by hand.
Make sure all information is accurate; mistakes can delay the process.
Step 3: Take a Passport Photo Yourself
You don’t need to hire a professional photographer—you can take your baby’s passport photo at home using a phone or camera. Here’s how:
Place your baby on a plain white or off-white background.
Make sure the photo is well-lit and your baby’s face is fully visible.
Use a passport photo app to check compliance, edit the image, and crop it to 2x2 inches.
Many apps allow you to print same-day at local drugstores, pharmacies, or photo kiosks.
Step 4: Book the in-person appointment
Take your completed form, documents, and your baby to a passport acceptance facility (often a post office or county government office).
Make an appointment online to save time: Find and schedule at a Passport Acceptance Facility or you can try a local USPS post office to make an appointment.
The U.S. requires that both parents or legal guardians appear in person when applying for a child’s passport.
If one parent cannot be present, they must provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053).
If one parent has sole legal custody, bring court documents proving this.
Step 5: Submit the Application in Person
You’ll submit the application, show ID, and pay the passport fees.
For a child under 16, the current fees are:
Passport Book: $100
Passport Card (optional, for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean): $15
Execution/Processing Fee: $35
Fees are payable by check or credit/debit card, depending on the facility.
Step 6: Passport Processing
After submitting, standard processing usually takes 8–11 weeks, but you can pay for expedited processing to get it in 5–7 weeks.
Make sure to apply well before your trip—babies grow fast, and passport photos must accurately represent them.
The passport will be mailed directly to the address you provided. Keep it safe—it’s your baby’s first key to the world!
Special Considerations for Parents Living Abroad
If your family lives outside the U.S., the process is slightly different:
Applications must be submitted at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Locate your nearest embassy or consulate here
Both parents still need to provide consent, or a notarized consent form if one parent cannot attend.
Processing times may vary by location, so plan extra time before travel.
Some consulates allow you to submit your documents by appointment only, so always check the embassy website first.
Pro Tip: Some parents living abroad can combine their baby’s passport application with a consular report of birth abroad if their child was born outside the U.S., which can simplify documentation.
Extra Tips for Parents
Bring snacks and toys: Waiting at the passport office can be long for little ones.
Plan your photo carefully: Babies often move or fuss—using an app or professional service helps avoid retakes.
Check expiration dates: Passport validity for children is only 5 years, so mark your calendar for renewal.
Living abroad? Start early. Embassy appointments and processing times can be longer than in the U.S.
At-home passport photo session!
