Baby Passport Application: How To Apply for Baby’s First Passport

If you’re planning an international trip with your baby, yes, your baby needs a passport. Even a tiny newborn needs their own passport to fly internationally.

The baby passport application process is not hard, but it can be picky. You need the right form, the right documents, a usable passport photo, both parents in person, and enough time before your trip.

I’ve applied for first passports for all three of my kids before trips to Japan, Mexico, and South Korea. Two came back within a standard timeline. One took nearly 10 weeks during a passport backlog and cut very close to our trip.

So don’t panic, but don’t wing it either.

I’m going to walk you through how to apply for your baby’s first U.S. passport, including what documents you need, how to take baby passport photos, what to know about parent consent, and the little mistakes to avoid.

Note: This post is written for U.S. citizens applying for their baby’s passport while in the U.S. Requirements, fees, and processing times can change, so always verify current details with the U.S. Department of State before applying.

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Contents

My Experience Applying for Baby Passports

I’ve applied for first passports for all three of my kids. Two were tiny babies, and one was technically (just barely) considered a toddler, but still very much in the baby travel stage.

Our first was 11 weeks old when we applied for his passport before our trip to Japan with a baby. We applied in Texas, and his passport came back in about 3 weeks.

Our second baby was around 10 weeks old when we applied before a trip to Mexico. By then, we had moved to Washington. His passport came back within the standard timeline.

For our third, we applied in California when she was 1 year and 2 weeks old before a trip to South Korea. This one took nearly 10 weeks because of passport backlogs at the time (thanks, post-pandemic surge). It worked out, but it cut uncomfortably close to our trip.

Since we moved multiple times during our baby-having years, we applied for each baby passport in a different state: Texas, Washington, and California. The process felt pretty similar each time, though appointment availability, photo options, and facility details can vary.

A baby passport application is manageable. I found them far easier than various visa applications. But you need to pay attention to the details and current processing times.

Do Babies Need Passports To Travel?

Yes, babies need passports for international air travel. Even if your baby is only a few weeks or months old, they need their own passport for an international flight.

Domestic flights within the U.S. are different. Your baby does not need a passport to fly domestically within the United States. In most cases, children under 18 do not need ID for domestic U.S. flights when traveling with an adult. However, some airlines may ask for proof of age for lap infants, so it’s a good idea to bring a copy of your baby’s birth certificate (even on your phone is okay) when flying domestically with a baby under 2.

For international trips, assume your baby needs a passport book. A passport card is not enough for international air travel. Passport cards are mainly for land and sea border travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries.

If you are driving or taking a boat from the U.S. to Canada or Mexico, the rules may be different than flying. In select situations, a baby’s original birth certificate may be enough. But if you are flying internationally with your baby, get the passport book.

For most families planning their first international trip with a baby, the simple answer is yes, apply for the passport.

When Should You Apply for Your Baby’s Passport?

Apply for your baby’s passport as soon as international travel becomes a realistic possibility.

You don’t need to apply the week your baby is born if you have no travel plans. Children’s passports are only valid for 5 years, so the clock starts ticking once they’re issued. But when you know you may take an international trip, don’t wait too long.

Passport processing times change. Backlogs happen. Don’t forget about mailing time too.

As of this update, routine passport processing is 4 to 6 weeks, and expedited processing is 2 to 3 weeks. But that does not include mailing time. The U.S. Department of State says it may take up to 2 weeks for your application to arrive and up to 2 more weeks to receive the passport after processing.

This is where I’d build in more buffer than you think you need.

When we applied for our third baby’s passport, it took nearly 10 weeks to receive it because of passport backlogs at the time. It worked out, but it was uncomfortably close to our South Korea trip. Not my favorite kind of travel countdown.

If your trip is already booked, check current processing times right away. If your trip is soon, look into expedited or urgent travel options through the U.S. Department of State.

The calmer route? Apply early enough that you’re not refreshing the passport status page every day while your flights get closer. Because I’ve been there, and it is not a fun place to be.

Baby Passport Application Checklist

Before you head to your passport appointment, gather everything you need for your baby’s passport application.

Here’s the quick checklist:

Completed DS-11 form, unsigned
Baby’s original proof of U.S. citizenship, usually a birth certificate
Photocopy of baby’s proof of U.S. citizenship
Evidence of parental relationship, usually the birth certificate
Parent or guardian photo IDs
Photocopies of parent or guardian photo IDs
Baby passport photo
Application fee
Acceptance facility fee
Both parents or guardians, if possible
Any extra consent forms, if one parent or guardian cannot attend

Yes, it’s a little annoying. But most of these items are straightforward once you know what to bring.

The big things to remember are: bring physical documents, bring photocopies, do not sign the DS-11 form ahead of time, and make sure both parents can attend or have the correct consent paperwork ready.

How To Apply for Your Baby’s First Passport

Once you have a general idea of what you need, the baby passport application process comes down to a few main steps: take the photo, fill out the form, gather your documents, show parent consent, and submit everything in person.

Here’s how to apply for your baby’s first passport, step by step.

Step 1: Take Baby Passport Photos

Get out your camera and prepare for baby’s first official mug shot.

The baby passport photo can be one of the trickiest parts of the application. Not because it’s complicated per se, but because babies are not exactly known for following government photo requirements on command.

A baby passport photo needs to be clear, recent, and taken against a plain white or off-white background. Your baby needs to face the camera with their full face visible. No parent, hand, toy, pacifier, car seat, or busy background should show in the photo.

For babies and toddlers, the U.S. Department of State suggests placing your child on a plain white or off-white sheet. You can also cover a car seat with a white or off-white sheet and place your baby in their car seat for the photo.

Tips for taking newborn passport photos at home

For a newborn passport photo, lying the baby down is usually easier than trying to hold them upright.

Lay your baby on a white sheet, white blanket, or white poster board. Then take the photo from above.

Watch the lighting carefully. Shadows are one of the easiest ways to ruin an otherwise good baby passport photo. Try taking the photo near natural light, but not in harsh direct sunlight.

A few tips that can help:

Take the photo shortly after a nap when your baby is more alert.
Dangle a toy, keys, or something bright near the camera to get baby to look forward.
Keep your own face and voice calm.
Remove pacifiers, bows, hats, toys, and anything blocking the face.
Take a lot of photos so you have options.
Check for shadows before printing.

For newborns, baby’s eyes do not have to be perfectly wide open. Try for open eyes if you can, but current guidance allows a newborn baby’s eyes to be closed.

Should you take baby passport photos yourself or go somewhere?

You can take baby passport photos at home, go to a photo center, or use a passport acceptance facility that offers photo services. But do not assume every location will take passport photos for babies.

Some places only take passport photos for older babies or kids. This can vary by facility, even within the same company or agency. Before you make an appointment or plan to have the photo taken there, check the details online or call the specific location to ask whether they take baby passport photos for your child’s age.

We tried a mix.

For our first baby, we went to a CVS or similar photo center. They had a pull-down white backdrop, and my husband tried to hold our 11-week-old baby upright without his hands showing. It was a little awkward because our baby was still so young and didn’t have the strongest trunk control yet, but after many takes, it worked.

For our second baby, I tried taking the photo at home with him lying on a white sheet. The photos were clear and probably okay, but I was worried because I couldn’t get both ears visible. At the time, that felt like a bigger issue. We ended up going somewhere else to have the photo taken, though I do remember some photo centers would not take baby passport photos for babies younger than 6 months.

For our third, we had the passport photo taken at the post office where we submitted the application. That felt the most streamlined because we could do the photo and the application together. But that location would only take baby passport photos for babies 1 year and older, which worked because she was 1 year and 2 weeks old.

The good news is that the current language is less stressful for baby ears than I remember from our earlier applications. The point is not really the ears. The point is that your baby should be facing forward with their full face visible.

If you have a tiny newborn, taking the passport photo at home may be easier. If you have an older baby or toddler, having it done at the post office or a photo center may save you some hassle, as long as that specific location takes passport photos for your child’s age.

Step 2: Fill Out the DS-11 Form

Next, fill out Form DS-11 for your baby’s passport application.

You can use the U.S. Department of State’s online Form Filler, then print the completed form. Or you can download the form, print it, and fill it out by hand.

Personally, I prefer filling it out on the computer. It keeps everything clear and easier to read, and it lowers the chance of messy handwriting causing a problem.

A few important reminders:

Use Form DS-11 for your baby’s first passport.
Print the form single-sided on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
Do not print it double-sided.
Do not sign the form ahead of time.
Wait to sign until the passport acceptance agent tells you to sign.
Check names, dates, and parent information carefully before your appointment.

That last part is big. Incorrect info can cause issues and delays in your application process.

Also, the DS-11 form needs to be signed in person during your passport appointment, not at home while you’re getting everything organized.

Step 3: Gather Your Baby Passport Documents

Now it’s time to gather all the paperwork. This is the part where you want to be a little Type A, even if you’re not usually a Type A person.

For your baby’s first passport, you’ll need original documents and photocopies. Do not rely on digital copies or photos on your phone.

Better to bring it all and have them not need a piece of paper, than not bring it and be sent home to gather more documents and have to make a separate appointment. Think of it like a DMV appointment. You don’t want to be sent home to gather a missing document.

Proof of baby’s U.S. citizenship

For most babies born in the U.S., this will be their original birth certificate.

Make sure you bring the official certified birth certificate, not the hospital keepsake version with the cute little footprints. Adorable, yes. But not usable for passport purposes.

The birth certificate should show your baby’s full name, date and place of birth, and parents’ names.

Evidence of parental relationship

In many cases, your baby’s birth certificate also works as evidence of parental relationship because it lists both parents’ names.

If your family situation is different, such as adoption, guardianship, or a court order, you may need additional documents. Check the current U.S. Department of State requirements for your specific situation before your appointment.

Parent or guardian IDs

Both parents or guardians should bring a physical photo ID to the passport appointment.

Common examples include:

Driver’s license
U.S. passport
Military ID
Government employee ID

Bring the actual physical ID. A digital ID is not enough.

Photocopies

You also need photocopies of the required documents.

Bring:

A photocopy of your baby’s proof of U.S. citizenship
A photocopy of each parent or guardian’s photo ID

For parent IDs, copy the front and back. Use standard white 8.5 x 11-inch paper, and keep copies single-sided.

One application agent kindly made photocopies for us, but this was only one time out of five child passport application appointments. I wouldn’t count on them doing this for you. Better to bring your own photocopies.

Baby passport photo and payment

Add your baby’s passport photo to your document stack, unless you plan to have the photo taken at the passport acceptance facility.

You’ll also need payment for the passport application fee and the acceptance facility fee. These often need to be paid separately, and accepted payment methods can vary by facility.

Before your appointment, check the facility’s payment rules so you are not surprised at the counter.

Step 4: Bring Both Parents, If Possible

For a baby’s first passport, both parents or guardians usually need to appear in person with the baby.

This is one of the parts that can surprise parents. It’s not enough for one parent to bring the baby, the birth certificate, and the paperwork unless you also have the correct consent documents.

We brought both parents every time we applied for our kids’ passports. Yes, it meant coordinating schedules and dragging everyone to the appointment, but it felt easier than dealing with the notary route.

If one parent or guardian cannot attend, you may still be able to apply, but you’ll need extra paperwork. In many cases, the non-attending parent needs to complete Form DS-3053, which is the Statement of Consent for issuing a passport to a child. This usually needs to be notarized, and you’ll need a photocopy of the ID used with the notary.

There are also different rules for sole custody, adoption, guardianship, unavailable parents, or other special family situations. If any of these apply to you, check the current U.S. Department of State requirements before your appointment.

If it works for your situation, bringing both parents is often the simplest route.

Step 5: Submit the Application in Person

Baby passport applications must be submitted in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.

Many post offices, libraries, and local government offices accept passport applications. Some require appointments, and appointment availability can vary a lot, so check early if you already have travel plans.

In some states we lived in, it was easy to get an appointment quickly. In California, on the other hand, it can take weeks to find an open slot in our area.

For the appointment, bring:

Your baby
Both parents or guardians, if possible
Completed DS-11 form, unsigned
Baby’s citizenship evidence
Evidence of parental relationship
Parent or guardian photo IDs
Required photocopies
Baby passport photo, unless you have confirmed the facility can take passport photos for your baby’s age and added this option to your appointment request
Payment for the passport application fee
Payment for the acceptance facility fee

At the appointment, the passport acceptance agent will review your documents, verify IDs, have you take an oath, and tell you when to sign the application.

One small but important tip: check the facility’s payment rules before you go. The passport application fee and the facility acceptance fee are separate payments, and they may not accept the same payment methods for both.

Once everything is submitted, your baby’s passport application will be sent off for processing. Then you wait. Hopefully, not too long.

How Much Does a Baby Passport Cost?

As of this update, a first passport book for a child under 16 costs $135 total.

That total includes:

$100 application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State
$35 acceptance facility fee paid to the facility where you apply

A passport card costs less, but it is not enough for international flights. If you are flying internationally with your baby, you need the passport book.

You can also apply for both a passport book and passport card for your baby. As of this update, the total cost for a child under 16 to get both is $150, including the application fee and acceptance facility fee.

If you need your baby’s passport faster, expedited service costs extra. As of this update, expedited service is an additional $60. You may also be able to pay for faster return shipping after the passport is processed.

One slightly annoying detail: you may need 2 separate payments. The application fee goes to the U.S. Department of State, and the acceptance facility fee goes to the facility where you submit the application.

Before your appointment, check the current passport fees and the payment rules for your specific passport acceptance facility. Fees can change, and payment methods can vary.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you submit your baby’s passport application, the passport acceptance facility sends everything off for processing.

Then you wait.

You can check your application status online through the U.S. Department of State. Do not worry if the status does not show up right away. It can take a little time before the application appears in the system.

Your baby’s new passport and supporting documents may arrive separately. This means the passport book might arrive first, and your baby’s birth certificate may come back later in a different envelope.

This can feel a little unsettling because, yes, you just mailed off your baby’s original birth certificate. But it is normal for the passport and supporting documents to come back separately.

Once the passport arrives, check everything carefully. Make sure your baby’s name, birth date, sex, and place of birth are correct. If something is wrong, contact the U.S. Department of State right away.

Then put the passport somewhere safe, and maybe set yourself a future reminder. Children’s passports are valid for 5 years, and you’ll need to apply in person again when it’s time for a new one.

Common Baby Passport Application Mistakes To Avoid

The application process is straightforward, but it can be nitpicky. A small missed detail can slow things down or cause you to have to make another appointment.

Before you go, watch out for these common mistakes.

Waiting too long before your trip

Passport processing times change, and mailing time is separate from processing time. Give yourself more buffer than you think you need, especially if you already have international flights booked.

Signing the DS-11 form too early

Do not sign your baby’s DS-11 form at home. You need to sign it in person when the passport acceptance agent tells you to sign.

Forgetting photocopies

Bring photocopies of your baby’s citizenship evidence and both parents’ photo IDs. Digital copies or photos on your phone are not enough.

Bringing the wrong birth certificate

Bring the official certified birth certificate, not the hospital keepsake version. The cute one with the baby footprints does not count.

Having only one parent show up without extra paperwork

Both parents or guardians usually need to attend the appointment with the baby. If one parent cannot go, make sure you have the correct consent form and required ID copy.

Assuming your baby does not need to be there

Your baby needs to appear in person for the passport application, too. Yes, even if they are only a few weeks old.

Taking a passport photo with shadows

Baby passport photos need a plain white or off-white background with no shadows. This can be harder than it sounds if you’re taking the photo from above.

Letting something block your baby’s face

No pacifier, hat, bow, toy, blanket, parent’s hand, or car seat should cover or block your baby’s face. Their full face needs to be visible.

Choosing a passport card for an international flight

A passport card is not enough for international air travel. If you are flying internationally with your baby, apply for the passport book.

Bringing the wrong payment method

The passport application fee and acceptance facility fee are usually 2 separate payments. Check the facility’s payment rules before you go so you don’t get stuck at the counter.

Not checking current requirements

Passport rules, fees, and processing times can change. Before you apply, verify the current requirements with the U.S. Department of State and your passport acceptance facility.

Flying Long-Haul With a Baby?

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You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Baby Passport FAQs

Does my newborn need a passport?

Yes, your newborn needs a passport for international air travel. Even if your baby is only a few weeks old, they need their own passport to fly internationally.

Can a baby travel without a passport?

It depends on where you’re going.

A baby can travel without a passport on domestic flights within the U.S. For international air travel, your baby needs a passport. For some land or sea travel to Canada or Mexico, a birth certificate may be enough for children under 16, but always check the current rules before your trip.

Do infants need passports to travel internationally?

Yes, infants need passports for international flights. There is no “too young to need a passport” exception when flying internationally.

Does a 1 year old need a passport?

Yes, a 1 year old needs a passport for international air travel. Your child’s age does not change the passport requirement for flying internationally.

Does a 5 month old or 9 month old need a passport?

Yes, a 5 month old, a 9 month old, a 7 week old, or baby of any age needs a passport for international air travel.

Does my baby need ID to fly domestically?

For domestic U.S. flights, children under 18 generally do not need ID when traveling with an adult. However, airlines may ask for proof of age for lap infants under 2, so it’s smart to bring a copy of your baby’s birth certificate.

How long does a baby passport take?

Processing times change. As of this update, routine processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, and expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

But mailing time is not included in those processing estimates. Give yourself extra time before your trip.

Can I expedite a baby passport?

Yes, you can pay extra to expedite a baby passport application. If your trip is very soon, you may need to look into urgent travel appointments through the U.S. Department of State.

Can one parent apply for a baby passport?

Usually, both parents or guardians should appear in person with the baby.

If one parent cannot attend, you may still be able to apply, but you’ll need extra paperwork. In many cases, the non-attending parent must complete a notarized consent form.

Can a newborn’s eyes be closed in a passport photo?

Try to get your baby’s eyes open if you can. However, for babies, the U.S. Department of State says it is okay if their eyes are not entirely open.

The bigger things to watch are that your baby is facing the camera, the full face is visible, there are no shadows, and no one else is in the photo.

Yes, you can take your baby’s passport photo at home if it meets the requirements.

Lay your baby on a plain white or off-white sheet and take the photo from above. Check carefully for shadows, blur, blocked face, or anything else in the frame.

Is it better to take baby passport photos at the post office?

It can be, but only if that specific location offers passport photos for your baby’s age.

Some passport acceptance facilities and photo centers only take passport photos for older babies or kids. Before you plan around this option, check the facility details online or call the location directly.

For a tiny newborn, taking the photo at home on a white sheet may be easier. For an older baby or toddler, having the photo taken at the post office or a photo center may save time and stress, as long as they will take the photo.

Do I need a passport book or passport card for my baby?

If you are flying internationally, your baby needs a passport book.

A passport card is not valid for international air travel. It is mainly used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean destinations.

Can I apply before my baby has a Social Security number?

Yes, but you need to follow the U.S. Department of State’s instructions for applicants who have never been issued a Social Security number.

If your baby already has a Social Security number, include it on the application. If your baby does not have one yet, check the current State Department requirements before applying.

Can I renew my baby’s passport?

No, children’s passports cannot be renewed the same way adult passports can.

Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. When it expires, your child will need to apply in person again with a new Form DS-11.

Ready for Baby’s First International Trip?

Applying for your baby’s first passport is one of those small-but-big travel steps. It’s paperwork, yes, but it also means you’re getting closer to your trip.

The process is manageable once you know what to expect. Take or schedule the passport photo, fill out the DS-11 form, gather the right documents, bring both parents if possible, and give yourself plenty of time before your trip.

After the passport is handled, you can move on to the rest of the planning.