Passport for a child under 16

Both parents or guardians must consent, and the child must appear in person. Passports for children are valid for five years.

steps

1. Step 1

   Complete form DS-11 for the child

   Children can never renew by mail — every application is a DS-11 submitted in person, even if the child already had a passport.

2. Step 2

   Prove the parental relationship

   A certified birth certificate listing both parents, an adoption decree, or a court order of guardianship. Bring the original and a photocopy.

3. Step 3

   Arrange consent from both parents

   Ideally both parents appear together. If one cannot, they sign form DS-3053 before a notary and you bring it with a photocopy of their ID. If one parent has sole authority, bring the court order proving it.

4. Step 4

   Bring the child in person

   The child must be physically present, even a newborn. Bring a photo ID for each parent plus photocopies.

5. Step 5

   Get the child's passport photo

   Same 2x2 rules apply. The child's eyes should be open and no one else may appear in the frame — support an infant with a plain white sheet rather than hands.

6. Step 6

   Pay and submit

   Two payments as usual. Mark your calendar: this passport expires in five years and cannot be renewed by mail even after the child turns 16 if it was issued before then.