A Step-by-A Step Guide to Getting Passports for Children
You're having a blast planning you family vacation abroad but then you remember, the passports! It's true that passport renewals and new applications can be a bit of a hassle for kids under the age of 16. Unlike adults, all children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or guardians and you cannot renew a child's passport online or by mail. But don't fret, parents! We've got you covered with this step-by-step guide to renewing passports and getting new passports for your little ones. Say goodbye to the stress and hello to smooth sailing through the passport process!
Step 1: Make a game plan
It's recommended to plan ahead and apply for a new passport for your child well in advance of any planned travel, to avoid any delays or last-minute stress. However, this isn't always feasible. Before you take steps towards renewing or getting a new passport for your child, orient yourself to the table below. If you are more than 9 weeks from travel, you can follow our recommendations for routine service. If you are less than 9 weeks from travel, but over 5 weeks, follow our guide for expedited service. And if you are under 5 weeks to travel, follow our recommendations for urgent travel service. To find out more about emergency services, click the link at the bottom of the page. Remember, the processing time for a new passport for a child can vary depending on the time of year and the method of application. Typically, it takes about 4-6 weeks to receive a new passport through routine service. However, it can take longer during peak travel seasons.
*Pro tip - Before you schedule a passport appointment for your child, check your own! Many countries require that your passport expiration date is at least six months from your departure date. If necessary, mail in your renewal, renew online, or schedule a passport appointment for yourself too.
Step 2: Schedule an appointment
After you determine your service level, it's time to schedule an appointment. As previously noted, while adults can renew their passports by mail or online, children under the age of 16 must do so in person with both parents or guardians present so be sure to coordinate with your partner (exceptions to this are noted in the following section).
Routine or Expedited Service: If you are looking for routine or urgent service, you can check the availability of appointments at regional passport agencies or authorized acceptance facilities on the U.S. Department of State website. In terms of the wait time for an appointment, it depends on the location and the time of year. Some locations may have same-day or next-day appointments available, while others may have a wait time of several weeks. Also, it's important to keep in mind that expediting service doesn't guarantee the passport will be delivered on a specific date, and it also requires additional fee.
Urgent Service: If you need a passport on short notice, you can request urgent service. Your appointment at a passport agency or center must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of your international travel date. Call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment.
* Pro tip - find out what time appointments are released each day in your location and book or call early.
Step 3: Gather the necessary documentation
To renew or apply for a passport, you will need to provide proof of citizenship and identity. For a child under the age of 16, you must also provide proof of relationship between proof of the relationship with the parents or guardians. This includes a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a naturalization certificate. In the case of adoption, this will also include a certified copy of the signed Adoption Order/Decree and, in some states, a copy of the signed Adoption Agreement.
Should one parent or guardian not be able to attend the appointment, Form DS-3053 allows for one parent to appear in person with the child for their passport application as long as the other has completed the form giving their approval for a passport to be issued in their child’s name. This must be filled out in front of a notary public with the parent’s photo ID. In the event that one parent has sole custody of a child, you will need to bring a court order showing that you have sole custody of the child or adoption decree that shows you as the only adopting parent
Step 4: Take a passport picture
Not all passport offices have photo services. We recommend that you bring a recent passport photo of you child taken at a passport photo facility (i.e. a post office, CVS, UPS store, etc.).
Step 5: Fill out the DS-11
The form for a new passport or renewing a passport for a child is DS-11. The form can be found on the U.S. Department of State website or by clicking
here. We recommend that you fill it out and print it before your appointment.
Step 6: Submit the forms and documentation
Once you have filled out the appropriate forms and gathered all the necessary documentation, you must bring them to your appointment at a regional passport agency or authorized acceptance facility.
*Pro tip - be prepared to spend upwards of an hour at your passport appointment (think DMV). You may want to pack your child's preferred forms of entertainment and snacks.
Step 7: Pay the fees
The fee for a new passport for a child is $80, and the fee for renewing a passport is $110. There is an additional $60 expedite fee in addition to the normal application fee should you require this service. These fees must be paid at the time of application and can be paid by check or money order. Applying for an urgent passport will cost $110 for the application fee, $35 for the execution fee and $60 for the expedited service fee for a total of $195.
Step 8: Receive and sign your new passport
Once your application has been processed, your new passport or renewed passport will be mailed to you. It's important to check that all the information is correct, and sign the passport as soon as you receive it.
Phew, you made it! In summary, renewing a passport or getting a new passport for a child can be a straightforward process if you have all the necessary documentation and follow the steps outlined above. Be sure to plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.
Happy travelling,
Liz
(Mom of 2 happy travelers)
*If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of needed emergency passport services please visit the
US Department of State Website to find out more.
