Helpful Resources › Child Passport Requirements
Special rules apply for minors under 16: both-parent consent, in-person appearance, DS-3053 requirements, and what to do when one parent can't be present. Plus what courier services can actually help with.
The Basics
A U.S. passport for a minor under age 16 has unique requirements that don't apply to adult applicants. Missing any of these rules means rejection.
Unless one parent has sole legal custody or special circumstances apply, both parents must appear in person with the child or the absent parent must submit a notarized Form DS-3053.
The minor must appear in person at the acceptance facility. No exceptions. The agent needs to verify the child's identity and confirm the parental relationship.
Child passports are valid for only 5 years instead of the standard 10. Once the child turns 16, they must apply for a new adult passport — renewals are not possible.
Good news: A child passport costs the same as a new adult passport — $165 total ($130 application fee + $35 execution fee). The complexity is in the documentation, not the price.
Critical Rule
This is the number one reason child passport applications get rejected. The State Department requires clear evidence that both parents consent to passport issuance for the child.
The simplest path. Both parents bring the child to the acceptance facility, present their photo IDs, and sign the DS-11 in front of the acceptance agent. No additional forms or notarization needed.
If only one parent can attend, the absent parent must complete and sign Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) in front of a notary public. The notarized original must be submitted with the application — photocopies are not accepted.
Common mistake: Parents often sign the DS-3053 before going to the notary, or try to submit a photocopy. The notary must watch the parent sign in person. Both mistakes result in rejection and starting over from scratch.
Edge Cases
Not every family fits the standard two-parent model. Here's how the State Department handles the most common special situations — and what documentation you'll need for each.
The surviving parent must submit the child's birth certificate listing both parents and the deceased parent's death certificate (certified copy). No DS-3053 is needed. If only the surviving parent is listed on the birth certificate, the death certificate may not be required — but having it ready strengthens the application.
Death Certificate RequiredIf one parent has been awarded sole legal custody by a court, that parent can apply without the other parent's consent. You must submit a certified copy of the court order granting sole custody. Joint physical custody is not the same — if both parents share legal custody, both must consent.
Court Order RequiredIf the child's birth certificate lists only one parent, that parent can apply alone without the other parent's consent or a DS-3053. This is the simplest single-parent scenario. Be prepared to explain why the other parent is not listed if asked.
No DS-3053 NeededWhen one parent's whereabouts are truly unknown, the applying parent must submit Form DS-5525 (Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances). This form requires you to describe in detail all efforts made to locate or contact the other parent. Approval is not guaranteed — the State Department reviews these case by case.
DS-5525 RequiredAdoptive parents must submit the child's certified birth certificate (showing the adoptive parents' names) or the adoption decree/certificate of adoption. Both adoptive parents must consent unless the adoption was by a single parent only. The child must be a U.S. citizen.
Adoption Decree RequiredA legal guardian or someone acting in loco parentis may apply for a child's passport if they have a court order granting guardianship or custody. Written notarized consent from both parents is otherwise required. A power of attorney is not sufficient for passport purposes.
Court-Appointed OnlyNot sure which category you fall into? Call us at 877-253-0084. We've helped thousands of families navigate complex parental consent situations and can tell you exactly what documents you'll need before you go to the acceptance facility.
What to Bring
Every child passport application must include all of these. Missing a single item means coming back another day and paying the execution fee again.
Completed but unsigned — the acceptance agent must witness the parent(s) signing.
Certified U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), or Certificate of Citizenship.
Certified birth certificate listing the applying parent(s). Adoption decree if applicable.
Valid government-issued photo ID for each applying parent. Front and back photocopies required.
One 2x2 photo per State Department specifications. Drugstore photos are fine if they meet the rules.
$130 application fee + $35 execution fee = $165 total. Separate payments — check or money order for $130, various methods for $35.
We can't sign the DS-11 for you or notarize your DS-3053 — but once your application is accepted at the facility, we can take over. We'll hand-carry your sealed application to the State Department and get the passport back to you in 2–3 business days instead of waiting 6–8 weeks.
We also pre-review all your documents before you go to the acceptance facility, so you know you won't get turned away. If something's missing, we catch it ahead of time.
Got Questions?
We'll pre-review your documents so nothing gets rejected at the acceptance facility, then hand-carry your sealed application for processing in 2–3 business days. No agency appointment fights, no 6-week wait.