To get a child passport for a child under 16, the child must apply in person with both parents or guardians, using Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, parent photo ID and a photo. If one parent cannot come, a notarized consent form and extra documents are needed. Child passports are valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed.
A child passport follows stricter rules than an adult one, because the State Department wants to be sure that every parent or guardian agrees. That is why so many families get stuck on the day of the appointment, usually because one parent cannot attend or a document is missing. This guide explains who must be present, which documents to bring, what to do when one parent cannot come, how the fees and timelines work, what changes at ages 16 and 17, how the photo works, and which mistakes cause delays. The facts come from the State Department page on child passports under 16, which shows a last updated date of 1 October 2026, and a Rustic Pathways guide published on 19 July 2024 and updated on 6 October 2026. The Rustic Pathways guide is a secondary source, so where it differs from the State Department page, we follow the State Department and flag the difference. Fees and rules change, so confirm them on travel.state.gov before you go. This is general information and not legal advice. For the adult process, start with our US passport guide. For how long a child’s book lasts, read our how long do passports last for minors guide.
How Do You Apply for a Child Passport?
Complete Form DS-11, gather the documents, and apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. The State Department page says the child must be present and both parents or guardians must come too.
The steps from the State Department page are:
- Fill in Form DS-11 with the online form filler and print it single sided.
- Do not sign it until the acceptance agent tells you to.
- Gather proof of citizenship and proof of the parent relationship.
- Bring photo ID for both parents or guardians, with photocopies.
- Bring one passport photo for the child.
- Pay the application fee and the facility fee.
- Apply in person with the child and both parents.
The page says you can request a passport book, a card or both. Our passport card vs book guide explains which one fits your trip. For the full form walkthrough, our passport application guide covers the standard steps.
Does a Child Passport Need Both Parents?
Usually yes. Both parents or guardians must be present, or you must provide extra documents. The State Department page lays out the exceptions.
Rustic Pathways says the same in simpler words: both parents and the child must appear in person, and consent can come from both parents present or from notarized consent. The State Department page is more detailed, and it lists these cases:
- One parent cannot attend, and both parents have custody: that parent signs Form DS-3053 before a notary and you bring a photocopy of the ID shown to the notary.
- You have sole custody or are the only parent or guardian: bring a custody order giving you sole permission, a certified birth certificate or adoption decree listing only you, a certified death certificate of the other parent, or a certified judicial declaration of incompetence of the other parent.
- The other parent cannot be found: submit Form DS-5525. Extra evidence about custody, incarceration or a restraining order may be requested. A deployed military parent usually provides a notarized DS-3053.
- Neither parent can attend: the person applying, such as a grandparent, needs DS-3053 or a notarized statement from both parents, plus photocopies of both parents’ IDs. If only one parent signs, proof of that parent’s sole custody is required.
- The child is in foster care, pending adoption or under state or institutional guardianship: a certified court order and an official letter with DS-3053 are needed, along with employee IDs.
The page adds that DS-3053 and notarized statements must be submitted within 90 days of signing or notarization, that electronically notarized consent is accepted if state law allows it, and that a printed copy is required. If a parent lives abroad, DS-3053 is still required, and in some countries it must be notarized at a US embassy or consulate.
What Documents Do You Need for a Child Passport?
Proof of citizenship, proof of the parent relationship, photo ID for both parents, photocopies and a photo. The State Department page lists each one.
For proof of citizenship, you need one of these: a US birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or other birth document issued by the State Department, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a full validity undamaged US passport. The page says only physical documents are accepted, and electronic or mobile birth certificates are not. If your child’s birth certificate does not show the parent relationship, bring proof such as a foreign birth certificate, adoption decree, divorce or custody decree or court order. If names differ, bring a name change decree or marriage certificate. Our passport name change guide covers name documents, and our passport without birth certificate guide explains other proof when a certificate is missing.
Both parents or guardians need a physical photo ID, most commonly a fully valid driver’s license. If the ID is from another state, the page says to bring a second photo ID. You also need photocopies: the child’s citizenship evidence, plus the original with a seal or stamp, and the front and back of each parent’s photo ID, all on 8.5 by 11 inch single sided paper.
How Much Does a Child Passport Cost?
The State Department page lists 135 dollars for a book, 50 dollars for a card and 150 dollars for both. Those totals include a 35 dollar facility fee.
The application fee is paid by check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State,” with the child’s name and date of birth in the memo, and the page prefers a separate check for each child. The facility fee goes to the acceptance facility, so confirm which payment methods it accepts. Expedited service costs 60 dollars more, and faster delivery of 1 to 3 days after mailing costs 26.87 dollars more, according to the page. Rustic Pathways gives the same 100 dollar fee for under 16 and 130 dollars for ages 16 to 17. Our how much is a passport guide explains how these compare with the adult fee.
How Long Does a Child Passport Take?
Routine service takes 4 to 6 weeks and expedited takes 2 to 3 weeks, plus mailing time. The State Department page says transit to the Department can take up to 2 weeks, and the return mailing about 2 more weeks.
Supporting documents come back separately by First Class Mail, up to 4 weeks after the passport, and claims for lost documents must be made within 120 days of mailing. For travel more than 3 weeks away, the page says to use an acceptance facility. For international travel in less than 3 weeks, it says to make an appointment at a passport agency or center, within 14 days of travel. Rustic Pathways gives the same routine and expedited times. Our expedited passport guide covers rush options, and our how long does it take to get a passport guide gives general timelines. You can track the status at passportstatus.state.gov, according to the page.
How Long Is a Child Passport Valid?
For children under 16, five years, and it cannot be renewed. The State Department page says each new passport needs an in-person application.
That means there is no renewal form for a young child, and you repeat the process, including both parents or the consent documents, each time. Rustic Pathways also says minors’ passports cannot be renewed online or by mail, and it does not state the validity for ages 16 and 17. Our how long do passports last for minors guide covers validity in detail. Plan the next application a few months before the five years end, especially before a family trip.
What Changes at Ages 16 and 17?
Teens still apply in person, but the rule is parental awareness and not parental consent. Rustic Pathways describes the difference.
According to Rustic Pathways, a 16 or 17 year old needs the DS-11, proof of citizenship, one parent’s photo ID, evidence of parental awareness, a photo and fees. Evidence can be a parent attending, a parent signing a note with a photocopy of their ID, or a parent paying the fees. The same guide gives a 130 dollar application fee for ages 16 to 17 and a 35 dollar execution fee. We did not confirm the 16 and 17 rules on the State Department page, so check that page for the current requirements and for the validity period.
What Are the Photo Rules for a Child Passport?
One photo, not stapled to the form, that meets the standard passport photo rules. The State Department page says the acceptance agent attaches it.
Rustic Pathways lists a 2 by 2 inch photo with the head between 1 and 1 3/8 inches, a plain white or off-white background, a neutral expression, open eyes and no hats or glasses unless needed for religious or medical reasons with documentation. Young children are hard to photograph, and a rejected photo can delay the application. Our passport photo requirements guide covers the standard rules, and our how to take baby passport photo guide explains the setup for infants.
What if a Child Passport Is Lost or Damaged?
Lost or stolen passports need extra documents, and damaged ones need a signed explanation. The State Department page covers both cases.
For a damaged passport, you submit the damaged book with a signed explanation. The page says damage includes water damage, mold, stains, significant tears, unofficial markings or missing pages, and that normal wear does not count. Our lost passport replacement guide explains the lost case, and our what is considered a damaged passport guide explains when a book should be replaced.
Where Do You Apply for a Child Passport?
At a passport acceptance facility, or at a passport agency if travel is soon. Rustic Pathways says facilities include post offices and libraries.
The State Department page says that abroad you should contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. It says you must bring your child to an authorized acceptance facility, and it describes no option to apply by mail. Check whether your facility needs an appointment, and bring everything in one folder.
How Do You Spot a Child Passport Scam?
No service can skip the parent consent rules or guarantee faster approval. Be careful with offers.
Be careful when a website or agent:
- Offers to skip the second parent’s consent.
- Charges a high fee for a form that is free on the official site.
- Sells a “child passport” without proof of citizenship.
- Asks for payment to a personal account.
- Asks for your child’s details on a non-government page.
Use travel.state.gov and a real acceptance facility.
What Mistakes Cause Problems?
Missing parent consent, wrong copies and signing the form early cause most delays. Check each point first.
- Signing the DS-11 before the agent asks.
- Printing the form double sided.
- Showing up without the second parent or the DS-3053.
- Bringing an electronic birth certificate.
- Forgetting photocopies of the parents’ IDs.
- Using one check for several children when separate checks are preferred.
- Letting the DS-3053 go past the 90 day limit.
- Assuming the child passport can be renewed by mail.
When unsure, ask the acceptance facility or the State Department.
FAQs
Do both parents have to be there for a child passport?
Usually yes. If one cannot attend, bring a notarized DS-3053 and a photocopy of that parent’s ID.
How much is a child passport?
The State Department page lists 135 dollars for a book, including the 35 dollar facility fee.
How long is a child passport valid?
Five years for a child under 16, and it cannot be renewed.
Can I apply for a child passport by mail?
The State Department page describes in-person applications only, each time.
How long does a child passport take?
Routine service takes 4 to 6 weeks, and expedited takes 2 to 3 weeks, plus mailing.
What if the other parent cannot be found?
Submit Form DS-5525. Extra evidence may be requested.
Conclusion
A child passport needs more planning than an adult one. Bring the child and both parents, use Form DS-11, bring proof of citizenship, parent IDs, photocopies and a photo, and use DS-3053 or the sole custody documents when a parent cannot come. Expect to pay 135 dollars for a book, wait 4 to 6 weeks for routine service and reapply in person after five years. Check current rules with the State Department before your appointment.
