Child Passport: How To Get One Under 16

Oct 30, 2025 by SLV Team 40 views

Getting a passport for your child might seem daunting, but don't worry, guys! It's totally doable with the right info. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting a passport for a child under 16. Let's dive in!

What You'll Need to Apply

So, you're wondering about what you'll need to apply for a passport for your little one? It's a bit more involved than applying for an adult passport, but trust me, it's manageable. First off, both parents or legal guardians need to be present during the application process. If that's not possible, there are specific forms and documentation you’ll need to provide to explain why. The goal here is to ensure the safety and well-being of the child, so the authorities are pretty strict about this.

Next, you'll need proof of your child's U.S. citizenship. This usually means a certified birth certificate. Make sure it's the official one with the raised seal, not just a photocopy. Hospital birth certificates generally don't cut it. Along with the birth certificate, you'll need to provide a photocopy of it. This is a standard requirement, so don't forget to make that copy!

Then there's the matter of identification. Both parents need to show valid photo identification, like a driver's license or a passport. Make sure these IDs are current and haven't expired. You'll also need to provide photocopies of these IDs, both front and back. This helps verify who you are and your relationship to the child.

Of course, no passport application is complete without a photo. You'll need one passport photo of your child. This photo needs to be recent (taken within the last six months), in color, and against a white background. There are specific size and quality requirements, so it's best to go to a place that specializes in passport photos to ensure it meets all the criteria. Drugstores and post offices often offer this service.

Finally, there's the application form itself – Form DS-11. You can download this form from the State Department's website or pick it up at a passport acceptance facility. Fill it out completely and accurately. Don't sign it until you're instructed to do so by the acceptance agent. And yes, there's a fee involved. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on the facility. Make sure you check the current fee schedule on the State Department's website to avoid any surprises.

In summary, you'll need:

Both parents/guardians present (or specific documentation explaining absence)
Child's certified U.S. birth certificate (plus a photocopy)
Parents' valid photo IDs (plus photocopies, front and back)
One passport photo of the child
Completed Form DS-11
Payment for the application fee

Having all these documents in order will make the application process much smoother. Trust me, being prepared saves a lot of headaches!

Step-by-Step Application Process

Okay, so you've got all your documents ready. Awesome! Now let's walk through the step-by-step application process for getting that passport. First, you'll need to complete Form DS-11, the Application for a U.S. Passport. You can find this form on the U.S. Department of State's website. Download it, print it out, and fill it in carefully. Make sure you don't sign it yet! You'll need to do that in front of an acceptance agent.

Once the form is filled out, gather all the necessary documents we talked about earlier: your child's birth certificate, your IDs, photocopies, and the passport photo. Double-check everything to make sure it's all there and meets the requirements. It's better to be thorough now than to have to scramble later.

Next, you and your child (and the other parent or guardian, if applicable) need to go to a passport acceptance facility. These facilities can be post offices, county clerk offices, or other designated locations. You can find a list of acceptance facilities on the State Department's website. It's a good idea to call ahead to make sure they're open and to ask about their procedures.

When you arrive at the acceptance facility, present your completed application form, supporting documents, and payment. The acceptance agent will review your application, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and administer an oath. They'll then collect your documents and send them to the State Department for processing. This is where you officially submit the application. You'll need to make the payment for the passport at the time of application. The fees vary, so check the State Department's website for the most up-to-date information. You can usually pay by check, money order, or credit card.

After submitting your application, you can track its status online using the application number you'll receive. This allows you to see where your application is in the process and get an estimated delivery date. Passport processing times can vary, so it's a good idea to check regularly.

Once the passport is processed, it will be mailed to the address you provided on the application form. Make sure someone is available to receive it, as it's an important document. When you receive the passport, double-check all the information to make sure it's accurate. If there are any errors, contact the State Department immediately to get them corrected.

In summary, the steps are:

Complete Form DS-11 (but don't sign it yet).
Gather all required documents.
Visit a passport acceptance facility with your child and the other parent/guardian.
Present your application, documents, and payment to the acceptance agent.
Track your application online.
Receive and verify the passport.

Following these steps carefully will help ensure a smooth and successful passport application process. Good luck!

Special Circumstances

Now, let's talk about special circumstances. Sometimes, things aren't straightforward, right? What if both parents can't be present? Or what if you're a single parent? Here's the lowdown.

If both parents or legal guardians can't appear in person, you'll need to submit additional documentation. If one parent has sole legal custody, you'll need to provide proof of that custody, such as a court order. This document needs to be original or a certified copy.

If one parent can't be present but you both have legal custody, you'll need to submit Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent. This form must be signed by the non-applying parent and notarized. It basically states that the non-applying parent gives their consent for the child to get a passport. The form must be less than three months old when you submit it. Along with the form, you'll need to include a photocopy of the non-applying parent's ID (front and back).

If you can't obtain the other parent's consent, you'll need to provide evidence that you've made reasonable efforts to contact them. This could include emails, letters, or phone records. You'll also need to explain why the other parent's consent can't be obtained. Alternatively, you can provide a court order allowing you to apply for the passport on your own.

In cases of emergency, such as a medical emergency or a sudden need to travel, you may be able to expedite the passport application process. You'll need to provide documentation to support the emergency, such as a doctor's note or a travel itinerary. Contact the National Passport Information Center for assistance with expedited applications.

For single parents, you'll need to provide proof of sole legal custody, such as a birth certificate listing only one parent or a court order granting sole custody. This is essential to demonstrate that you have the authority to apply for the passport on behalf of the child.

In summary, here’s what you need to remember:

Both Parents Unavailable: Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) notarized and a copy of the non-applying parent's ID.
Sole Legal Custody: Original or certified copy of the court order granting sole custody.
No Parental Consent: Evidence of reasonable efforts to contact the other parent or a court order.
Emergency Situations: Documentation supporting the emergency and contact the National Passport Information Center.

Navigating these special circumstances can be tricky, but being prepared with the right documentation will make the process much smoother. Always double-check with the State Department's website for the most current requirements and forms.

Fees and Processing Times

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of fees and processing times. Nobody likes surprises when it comes to money or waiting, so let's break it down.

The fees for a child's passport are different from those for an adult passport. As of [insert current year], the application fee for a child's passport (Form DS-11) is $[insert current fee amount]. There's also an execution fee of $[insert current execution fee amount] that you'll need to pay to the acceptance facility. These fees are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the U.S. Department of State's website for the most current fee schedule.

You can pay the application fee by check, money order, or credit card, depending on the acceptance facility. The execution fee is usually paid directly to the facility by cash, check, or money order. Be sure to check with the specific facility beforehand to confirm their accepted payment methods.

As for processing times, they can vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications being processed. Standard processing times can range from [insert current standard processing time range] weeks. If you need the passport sooner, you can opt for expedited processing, which typically takes [insert current expedited processing time range] weeks. Expedited processing comes with an additional fee of $[insert current expedited fee amount].

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and processing times can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to avoid any last-minute stress. You can track your application status online using the application number you receive after submitting your application.

If you have an urgent need for a passport due to a life-or-death emergency, you may be able to get expedited processing. You'll need to provide documentation to support the emergency, such as a death certificate or a letter from a hospital. Contact the National Passport Information Center for assistance with emergency passport services.

Here's a quick recap:

Application Fee: $[insert current fee amount] (check the State Department's website for the most up-to-date amount).
Execution Fee: $[insert current execution fee amount] (paid to the acceptance facility).
Standard Processing Time: [insert current standard processing time range] weeks.
Expedited Processing Time: [insert current expedited processing time range] weeks (additional fee of $[insert current expedited fee amount]).

Planning ahead and understanding the fees and processing times will help you avoid any surprises and ensure a smooth passport application process. Don't wait until the last minute – apply early!

Tips for a Smooth Application

Alright, let’s wrap things up with some tips for a smooth application process. Nobody wants headaches, so here’s how to minimize them.

First and foremost, be organized. Gather all your documents well in advance and make sure they meet the requirements. Double-check everything: birth certificates, IDs, photos, and the application form. Having everything in order before you go to the acceptance facility will save you a lot of time and stress.

When filling out the application form, be accurate and complete. Don't leave any fields blank, and make sure all the information is correct. Errors or omissions can delay the processing of your application. If you're not sure about something, ask the acceptance agent for clarification.

Make an appointment at the passport acceptance facility, if possible. This can help you avoid long wait times and ensure that someone is available to assist you. Some facilities only accept appointments, so it's always a good idea to check beforehand.

Arrive at the acceptance facility early. This will give you plenty of time to complete the application process and address any issues that may arise. It's better to be early than to be rushed.

Bring all the necessary documents with you, including originals and photocopies. The acceptance agent will need to verify the originals and keep the photocopies for their records. Don't forget to bring your payment for the application fee.

Be prepared to answer questions from the acceptance agent. They may ask you about your relationship to the child or your travel plans. Answer honestly and provide any additional information they request.

If you're applying for a passport under special circumstances, be sure to bring all the required documentation. This may include court orders, consent forms, or evidence of reasonable efforts to contact the other parent. Having these documents ready will help expedite the process.

Track your application online using the application number you receive after submitting your application. This will allow you to see where your application is in the process and get an estimated delivery date. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the National Passport Information Center.

Finally, be patient. Passport processing times can vary, so it's important to be patient and allow enough time for your application to be processed. Applying well in advance of your planned travel dates will help reduce stress and ensure that you receive your passport in time.

In summary, remember these key tips:

Be organized and gather all documents in advance.
Fill out the application form accurately and completely.
Make an appointment at the acceptance facility, if possible.
Arrive early and bring all necessary documents.
Be prepared to answer questions and provide additional information.
Track your application online and be patient.

By following these tips, you can make the passport application process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Happy travels!