Getting Your Child a Passport: What Every Parent Should Know Before You Go
Passport Series 3 of 3
Planning a family trip abroad is exciting — until you realize your toddler needs their own passport, too. No exceptions, no riding on mom or dad's passport like decades past. Every U.S. citizen, including infants, needs their own document to fly internationally.
The part that catches parents off guard isn't the paperwork — it's the consent rules. The State Department built strict requirements around child passports specifically to prevent international parental abduction, which means both parents typically need to be involved, even if you're the one doing all the planning. Let's walk through exactly what that looks like.
The Big Difference: Both Parents Need to Be Involved
For children under 16, there's no way around this: both parents or legal guardians must consent to the passport being issued. There are three ways this plays out.
Scenario 1: Both parents come to the appointment. This is the simplest path. You both show up with the child, present ID, and sign Form DS-11 in front of the acceptance agent. No extra forms needed.
Scenario 2: One parent can't make it. The absent parent completes Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) and gets it notarized. The parent attending the appointment brings the notarized form, plus a photocopy of the absent parent's ID. Heads up: many passport acceptance facilities don't have a notary on-site, so get this notarized before your appointment — not while you're standing in line.
Scenario 3: Special or complex circumstances. If a parent can't be located, isn't part of the picture, or won't consent, you may need Form DS-5525 (Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances), often alongside documentation like a custody order or other legal evidence.
What to Bring to the Appointment
Completed, unsigned Form DS-11 — you'll sign in front of the agent, just like adult applications
Child's proof of citizenship — a certified birth certificate with registrar's seal (hospital certificates don't count), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or prior passport
Evidence of parental relationship — usually the birth certificate covers this if it lists both parents' names; otherwise an adoption decree or court order
Both parents' photo IDs, with photocopies (front and back)
One passport photo of the child, meeting standard specifications
Notarized DS-3053, if one parent isn't attending
Fees
Children's passports cost a bit less than adult ones, and there are two separate payments just like the adult process.
What You're Paying | Amount |
Child passport book | $135 |
Child passport card | $50 |
Book + card together | $150 |
Execution fee (paid to the facility) | $35 |
Optional expedited processing | +$60 |
Optional 1–3 day return shipping | +$22.05 |
A practical tip: if you're applying for multiple kids at once, each child needs their own application and ideally their own check or money order — though facilities will generally accept one combined payment if you list each child's name, date of birth, and the total number of applications in the memo.
The Part Nobody Tells You: It's Only Good for 5 Years
Unlike adult passports, which last 10 years, children's passports are valid for only 5 years — and they cannot be renewed. When it expires, your child goes through this exact process again: new DS-11, new appointment, new consent requirements, new photo.
There's an interesting timing question worth thinking about if your child is close to turning 16: apply now and get a 5-year passport, or wait a few months and get the 10-year adult version instead? If a trip isn't urgent, it might be worth the wait.
A Few Things That Trip Parents Up
Assuming a hospital birth certificate works. It doesn't — you need the certified version with an official seal from vital records.
Showing up without a notarized DS-3053 when one parent can't attend, then discovering the facility has no notary on-site.
Forgetting the DS-3053 has an expiration window. It must be submitted within 90 days of being signed and notarized.
Not realizing the passport can't be renewed. Budget for a brand-new application (and appointment) every 5 years until your child turns 16.
Booking international travel less than 3 weeks out without realizing standard acceptance facilities may not process fast enough — you may need a passport agency appointment instead.
Let's Make Sure Everyone's Ready to Travel
I know coordinating two parents' schedules around a government appointment is its own kind of travel planning. If you're booking a family trip and need to figure out the timeline — especially with multiple kids, or if one parent works internationally — reach out and we'll map it out together so nobody's passport holds up the trip.
Happy Travels!
Raelyna
Bags & Tags Travel hello@bagsandtagstravel.com | www.bagsandtagstravel.com
Pack your bags and tag your travels. ✈️
Traveling soon? Apply for your child's passport here.
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