Getting a passport for your newborn is required for any international travel, including to Canada and Mexico. All U.S.
18 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Gather required documents before the appointment:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship Certified birth certificate (not a hospital souvenir copy) with the registrar's raised seal, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Proof of parental relationship The birth certificate listing both parents, or a court order/adoption decree
- Both parents' photo ID Valid driver's license, passport, or government-issued ID for each parent
- Passport photo One 2x2 inch color photo of the baby against a white background. The baby's eyes must be open.
- Complete Form DS-11 — Download from travel.state.gov. Fill it out in black ink but DO NOT sign it — you must sign in front of the acceptance agent. This form is for all first-time applicants and al...
- Schedule an appointment — Find an authorized passport acceptance facility at iafdb.travel.state.gov (post offices, clerk's offices, libraries). Many require appointments.
- Both parents must appear in person — Both parents/guardians must be present with the child at the appointment and sign the application. This is a fraud prevention requirement.
- Pay the fees:
- Passport book: $100 application fee + $35 acceptance facility fee = $135 total
2. Key Details
- Child passport validity 5 years (not 10 like adult passports). Children's passports cannot be renewed — you must apply for a new passport each time with Form DS-11.
- Photo requirements The baby must be awake with eyes open. No pacifiers, hats, or other head coverings. White background. No other people in the photo (including hands holding the baby). Tip: Lay the baby on a white s...
- Single-parent situations If only one parent can attend, the absent parent must provide:
- Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) — notarized within 3 months
- A photocopy of the absent parent's ID
- If the other parent cannot be located or has sole custody, additional documentation is required (court order, death certificate, etc.)
- Processing times As of 2026, standard processing is 10-13 weeks, expedited is 7-9 weeks. Neither includes mailing time.
- Passport for international adoption Special rules apply — consult the State Department's adoption page.
Common Mistakes
- Using a hospital souvenir birth certificate
- Not having both parents present
- Signing Form DS-11 before the appointment
- Poor passport photo
- Not allowing enough processing time
Pro Tips
- Get the baby's passport photo taken at a pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens) or a profe...
- Apply for the passport as soon as you have the certified birth certificate — ...
- For infants, try taking the passport photo during a nap that has just ended, ...
- Bring an extra set of photocopies of all documents to the appointment as a ba...
- If you need the passport urgently for a life-or-death emergency, contact the ...