Child Passport Application Guide (2026)

Both parents appear in person at the acceptance facility with valid government-issued photo ID. This is the simplest option — no additional forms needed.

The absent parent completes Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent), has it notarized, and the present parent brings the notarized form. DS-3053 is free at travel.state.gov.

Bring the court order granting sole custody. The passport office will accept one parent's consent if the custody order is clear. A certified copy (not photocopy) is required.

Bring a certified copy of the other parent's death certificate. No DS-3053 needed.

Use a white sheet, white foam board, or white blanket. Place the baby on their back and take the photo from directly above. The white background behind and around the baby satisfies the plain white background requirement.

Position your camera or phone directly above the baby's face, pointing straight down. This gives a frontal head-on view that matches passport photo requirements.

The State Department specifically states that no other people, body parts, or hands should appear in the photo. Wait until the baby is settled and remove your hands from the frame completely before taking the shot.

Feed the baby before the photo session — a content, not sleepy, baby is more likely to have eyes open. Take many shots in burst mode and select the best. Eyes must be clearly open and visible.

Avoid direct overhead flash, which creates harsh shadows on a horizontal subject. Use natural window light from the side, or two soft lights from opposite sides to minimize shadows.

What form do I use for a child's passport application?

All children under 16 must use Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) and apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. There are no exceptions to the in-person requirement for minors. Unlike adults renewing a recent passport (who can use DS-82 by mail), children must appear in person at every application — including renewals.

Do both parents need to be present for a child's passport?

Both parents must either appear together at the acceptance facility, or one parent can appear while the other submits a signed Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16). The DS-3053 must be notarized. Exceptions: if you have sole legal custody (bring documentation), the other parent is deceased (bring death certificate), or the other parent's location is unknown (complete a separate statement of exigent circumstances).

What are the photo requirements for a child's passport?

Child passport photos have the same technical requirements as adult photos: 2×2 inch (51×51mm), white or off-white background, color, taken within the last 6 months, eyes open and visible. The challenge is getting infants to look directly at the camera. For babies who cannot hold their head up, lay the baby on a white sheet or blanket and take the photo from above. No other people or hands should appear in the frame.

How long is a child's passport valid?

Children under 16 receive a passport valid for only 5 years (not 10 years like adults). The shorter validity reflects how quickly children's appearances change. When the passport expires, the child must apply again in person using DS-11. Children 16 and older receive the standard 10-year adult passport. There is no way to extend a child's passport — it must be renewed.

Can I take a baby or infant passport photo at home?

Yes — and for very young infants, doing it at home is often easier than going to a pharmacy. Lay your baby on their back on a white sheet, blanket, or piece of white foam board. Take the photo from directly above, looking down at the baby's face. Ensure good lighting from the side or front (not from directly above, as this can create shadows). The baby's eyes should be open. No hands or other body parts should appear in the frame. Crop the image to 2×2 inch with the baby's face filling most of the frame.

What is Form DS-3053 and when do I need it?

Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16) is used when one parent cannot appear in person at the passport acceptance facility. The absent parent fills out the DS-3053, has it notarized, and the form is brought to the appointment by the present parent. The form is available at travel.state.gov. It cannot be submitted by mail alone — the present parent must appear in person with the notarized form.

What documents do I need for a child's first passport?

Documents needed for a child's first US passport: completed Form DS-11 (do not sign until instructed by the acceptance agent), proof of US citizenship (birth certificate — certified copy, not a photocopy), proof of parental relationship (same birth certificate showing parent names), both parents' valid government-issued ID, 1 passport photo (2×2 inch), and payment ($130 acceptance fee + $35 execution fee = $165 total). Additional: DS-3053 if one parent cannot appear, or custody documentation if applicable.

How long does a child's passport take to process?

Routine child passport processing currently takes 6–8 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2–3 weeks for an additional $60 fee. For urgent travel within 14 days (or within 28 days for a visa), you can schedule a same-day or next-day appointment at a regional passport agency. A child's passport can also be expedited through a licensed third-party passport expediting service. Note: you must have documented travel dates to request urgent/expedited processing.