Get a Passport for a Child Under 16 · United States

Bring these documents

• Completed Form DS-11 for the child (do not sign)[2]Required
• Child's proof of U.S. citizenship + photocopy[1]Required

  Certified birth certificate showing BOTH parents' names, OR Consular Report of Birth Abroad, OR Certificate of Citizenship.

• Both parents' photo ID + photocopies[6]Required

  Driver's license, government ID, passport, or military ID for EACH parent.

• Evidence of parental relationship[1]Required

  Usually the child's certified birth certificate (which lists both parents). For adoption: adoption decree.

• One 2×2 passport photo of the child[7]Required

  Eyes open, neutral expression, white background. For infants: lay on a white sheet — no hands or pacifiers visible.

• Form DS-3053 (if only one parent can appear)[3]If applicable

  Notarized consent from the absent parent within 3 months of application. Bring a photocopy of that parent's ID.

• Form DS-5525 (sole custody or other parent unavailable)[4]If applicable

  Statement of exigent circumstances + court order showing sole legal custody.

• Payment for both fees (separate)[8]Required

Step by step

1. 1

   Both parents/guardians plan to appear in person with the child[1]

   Default rule: both parents physically present at the acceptance facility with the child. If that's impossible, see DS-3053 or DS-5525 below.

   Open official page Source: travel.state.gov
2. 2

   Fill out DS-11 with the Form Filler — don't sign

   One DS-11 per child. The agent watches a parent sign on the child's behalf.

   Open Form Filler → Download DS-11 (PDF)
3. 3

   If one parent can't come: DS-3053[3]

   The absent parent fills out DS-3053, gets it notarized within the last 3 months, and provides a photocopy of their ID. The present parent brings both to the appointment.

   Open official page Download DS-3053 (PDF)Source: eforms.state.gov
4. 4

   Book an acceptance facility appointment

   Most require an appointment. Use the facility locator.

   Find a facility →
5. 5

   Apply in person and pay[1]

   Child must be present. Bring everything in the document list. Pay both fees separately.

   Open official page Source: travel.state.gov

Common reasons this gets rejected

• Only one parent shows up without DS-3053

  If both parents are alive and share custody, both must appear OR the absent one must submit notarized DS-3053. No exceptions.

• DS-3053 notarized more than 3 months ago

  Notarization must be within 3 months of the application date — older notarizations are rejected.

• Birth certificate doesn't list both parents

  If only one parent is on the birth certificate, you'll need additional evidence of the relationship or sole custody documents.

• Child's photo has parent's hands visible

  For infants laid on a sheet, no part of the parent can be in the frame. Common rejection.

• Renewing a child's passport like an adult's

  Child passports CANNOT use DS-82 by mail — every renewal is a new DS-11 in person until age 16.

Talk to a human

Sources

1. [1]Children Under 16 — travel.state.gov
2. [2]Form DS-11
3. [3]Form DS-3053 (one-parent consent)
4. [4]Form DS-5525 (sole custody / exigent)
5. [5]Acceptance Facility Search
6. [6]https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/identification.html
7. [7]https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
8. [8]https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html