How to Get a Passport for a Baby: Documents, Fees & Process

Getting a U.S. passport for a baby may feel overwhelming, but the process is easy to proceed if you bring the right documents and apply in person. Every child under 16—including newborns—must submit Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility with a parent or legal guardian, and the resulting passport is valid for 5 years.

This guide will walk you through the complete process. We’ll cover when you should apply, the documents required, passport fees, the step-by-step application process, photo requirements, processing time, and other important things parents should know before applying for a baby passport. Keep continue reading.

Table of Contents

What is a U.S. Minor Passport?

A U.S. Minor Passport is an official government-issued travel document for a U.S. citizen under the age of 16. The child’s passport is only valid for five years because Child appearance changes as they grow.

The child passport has two main purpose

Verifies the bearer’s identity → The passport confirms who the passport belongs to.
Confirms U.S. citizenship → The passport proves that the person is a U.S. citizen.

Let’s understand with an example:

If a family from Texas is flying to Mexico for a vacation, their 6-month-old baby needs their own valid U.S. passport book for the trip. The baby cannot travel internationally by air using a parent’s passport or just a birth certificate.

A separate passport is required because children, including infants, have their own passports for international travel. Parents should also check the entry requirements for their destination before traveling.

Who Can Apply for a Baby Passport?

A baby’s passport application is usually handled by the child’s parents or legal guardians. This application is for children under 16 and both parents need to provide consent and appear with the child when applying for the passport.

If both parents cannot be present, the application may still be possible with the required consent form or supporting documents.

Below we have given who can apply for a baby passport:

Both parents – The standard option for most applications.
One parent – If the other parent provides the required consent or supporting documentation.
A legal guardian – If they have official legal guardianship of the child.
One parent with sole custody – With documents proving sole legal custody.

Important:
The exact documents required can vary depending on the family’s situation, so parents should check the latest requirements before submitting the application.

What document are required to get Passport for a Baby?

Parents should generally prepare the following documents:

Item	Notes
Baby’s certified birth certificate	Original or certified copy; also establishes parent-child relationship. travel.
Form DS-11	Complete beforehand, but sign only at the facility.
Parent/guardian photo ID	Bring originals and photocopies.
Parental consent	Both parents present is simplest; otherwise use the required consent or sole-parent documentation.
Baby’s passport photo	One compliant 2 x 2-inch color photo.
Payment	State fee plus $35 acceptance fee.

How to Get a Passport for a Baby- Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Get the baby’s birth certificate

Order a certified copy of the baby’s birth certificate from the vital-records office in the state where the baby was born. This is the most important document because it establishes both citizenship and the parent-child relationship.

Step 2: Complete Form DS-11

Complete Form DS-11 online or by hand, then print it. Do not sign the form before the appointment; the baby’s parent or guardian must sign it in front of the acceptance agent.

Here is link to fill form- DS-11 online

Step 3: Take an infant passport photo

Bring one recent color passport photo of your baby. The photo must be 2 x 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white background.

For babies, follow these tips:

Lay the baby on a plain white sheet or use a white background.
Make sure the baby faces the camera directly.
Keep the baby’s full face visible.
Avoid shadows on the face.
No other person or hands may appear in the photo.
The child’s eyes should be open when possible, and the expression should be neutral.

Step 4: Schedule an appointment

Book an appointment at an authorized passport acceptance facility, such as many U.S. Postal Service locations, public libraries, or county clerk offices. The baby must attend the appointment.

Step 5: Attend with both parents or guardians

Bring the baby, Form DS-11, citizenship evidence, parent IDs, copies of IDs, the photo, and payment. The acceptance agent will review the documents, witness the signature, and submit the application for processing.

Step 6: Pay the passport fees

Pay the $100 passport book application fee to the U.S. Department of State and the $35 acceptance fee to the facility. If you want expedited processing, add $60.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times takes about 2–3 weeks. These estimates do not include mailing time, which can add up to two weeks.

Service	Processing time	Extra cost
Routine	4–6 weeks	None
Expedited	2–3 weeks	$60

Can a Baby Travel Without a Passport?

No, a baby cannot travel without a passport. An infant of any age must have a valid passport book to travel by air to another country, even if both parents are traveling along.

Here is what you need to know based on where and how you are traveling:

International Air Travel: A Passport Book is strictly required for every baby.
Land or Sea Travel (Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean): A Passport Card or a certified birth certificate may be used instead of a passport book. However, a passport book is still the safest choice in case of an emergency flight back.
Domestic Travel (Flights inside the U.S.): A passport is not required. However, airlines often ask for a birth certificate to verify the baby’s age, especially if the child travels as a lap infant.

Common Mistakes

Signing the DS-11 Form at Home: The form must be signed in the presence of the acceptance agent. Signing it beforehand will invalidate the application.
Bringing a Photocopy of the Birth Certificate: You must submit the original or a certified copy of your baby’s birth certificate. A photocopy will be rejected.
Incorrect Passport Photo: A common issue is a photo where the baby is smiling, wearing a hat, or the background isn’t plain white. Follow the photo guidelines exactly.
Forgetting Photocopies of Parental IDs: You need to provide photocopies of the front and back of both parents’ IDs in addition to showing the original documents.
One Parent Missing Without a Consent Form: If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a signed and notarized Form DS-3053. Forgetting this form is a frequent cause of delay.

Final Thoughts

To get a passport for a baby, plan ahead, Collect the certified birth certificate and both parents’ IDs, complete Form DS-11, take a compliant infant photo, and attend the appointment together as a family. For most parents, the total cost is $135 for a passport book, plus $60 if expedited processing is needed.

Need assistance with passport applications or document verification? Contact our support team for step-by-step guidance