Child Passport (Under 16) — Form DS-11 Required
Get Your Child's U.S. Passport — We Handle Every Step
Children under 16 must apply in person using Form DS-11, with both parents present (or notarized consent). The process is stricter than adult passports — the child must appear at an acceptance facility, the passport is valid for only 5 years, and parental consent rules are strict. Fast Passport Center simplifies the entire process: we prepare all your paperwork, guide you through parental consent requirements, coordinate your acceptance facility visit, and then expedite everything through the U.S. Department of State on your behalf. Rush processing available in as fast as 24 hours.
Get My Child's PassportProcessing Speeds
Choose Your Child Passport Processing Speed
From same-week emergency service to standard processing, we handle child passports at every speed tier. Select your timeline and head to checkout to see full pricing. Same speeds as adult passports — children get the same priority treatment.
Hand Carry Services
Premium courier-handled submissions for the fastest possible turnaround
2–3 Business Days
Processing Time
Our fastest tier — perfect when you need your child's passport for an upcoming family trip. Hand-courier delivery with reserved agency slot.
- Hand-courier delivery to agency
- Reserved agency processing slot
- Overnight return delivery
- Dedicated case manager
- Real-time status tracking
4 Business Days
Processing Time
Expedited processing for families with travel coming up in about a week. Priority courier submission with faster-than-standard turnaround.
- Priority courier submission
- Expedited agency processing
- Overnight return delivery
- Real-time status tracking
7 Business Days
Processing Time
A balanced option for families who need a child passport within about two weeks. Reliable expedited processing at a moderate price point.
- Expedited courier submission
- Government expedited processing
- Overnight return delivery
- Real-time status tracking
9 Business Days
Processing Time
Accelerated processing for families planning travel 2–3 weeks out. Faster than standard government timelines without premium pricing.
- Accelerated courier submission
- Government expedited processing
- Overnight return delivery
- Status tracking included
Smart Saver Services
Great for families who have time to spare before their trip.
3–5 Weeks
Processing TimeThe most affordable option for families who have plenty of lead time before their trip. Same expert document review, just standard government processing.
- Expert document pre-review for all family members
- Application preparation & assembly
- Standard government processing
- USPS Priority Mail return
The Process
How to Get a Child Passport
Four steps from application to delivery. We handle the complexity — you focus on getting your family ready for travel.
Start Your Child's Application Online
Begin on our secure website. We'll walk you through exactly what you need — which documents, which forms, and how to handle parental consent. Upload scans of your child's birth certificate, both parents' IDs, and the child's photo. Our system is designed specifically for the unique requirements of child passport applications.
Expert Document Review & Parental Consent Guidance
Our specialists review every document for State Department compliance. We check the birth certificate for proper certification, verify both parents' IDs are current, confirm the photo meets child-specific requirements (no smiles, no pacifiers), and ensure all parental consent documentation is complete. If one parent cannot appear, we'll guide you through the DS-3053 notarized consent process.
Visit a Passport Acceptance Facility
Once your documents are approved, we'll coordinate an appointment at a nearby passport acceptance facility. Both parents (or one parent with notarized consent from the other) must bring the child in person. The acceptance agent will witness the parents sign the DS-11 and seal the application. We'll prepare a complete packet so nothing is missing at your appointment.
We Expedite & Deliver Your Child's Passport
After the sealed application is returned to us, we hand-carry it to the U.S. Department of State for expedited processing. You get real-time tracking updates. The child's new 5-year passport arrives at your door — as fast as 24 hours for emergency service. If you need multiple family members' passports, we can coordinate them all in one batch.
Why Fast Passport Center
Why Families Choose Us for Child Passports
Child passport applications have the highest rejection rate of any passport type. Missing parental consent, incorrect photos, or incomplete documentation can ruin a family trip. Here's why parents trust us.
Child Passport Specialists
Child passports have unique rules — both parents must appear (or provide notarized consent), the child must be present, and even the photo rules are different for infants. Our specialists know every nuance. We've helped thousands of families navigate these requirements without rejections or delays.
Parental Consent Made Simple
The most common child passport rejection: incomplete parental consent. If one parent can't appear, we guide you through Form DS-3053 — where to get it notarized, exactly what to fill in, and how to avoid common mistakes. We review it before you go to the acceptance facility so there are no surprises.
Family Batch Coordination
Need passports for multiple children? Or a child passport plus your own renewal? We coordinate everything in one streamlined process. Same acceptance facility appointment, same courier submission, same tracking dashboard. No juggling multiple applications alone.
Infant Photo Expertise
Getting a compliant passport photo of a newborn is notoriously difficult. No smiling, no pacifiers, eyes open, white background, both ears visible. Our photo specialists know the State Department's infant photo rules inside out and will verify your photo before submission to prevent rejection.
What You'll Need
Child Passport Requirements & Documents
Children under 16 have stricter requirements than adults. Here's everything you'll need. We'll review all your documents before submission to avoid rejections.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
- Certified U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy — no photocopies)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) if born overseas
- Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization if applicable
- If the child has a previous U.S. passport, it serves as proof of citizenship (even if expired)
Both Parents Must Appear (or Provide Notarized Consent)
- Both parents/guardians must appear with the child at the acceptance facility
- If one parent cannot appear: submit Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent), notarized within 3 months
- If only one parent has legal custody: provide court order, death certificate, or other documentation of sole custody
- Both parents must present valid government-issued photo ID
- Photocopies of both parents' IDs (front and back) must be submitted
Child Must Appear in Person
- The child must be physically present at the acceptance facility appointment
- No exceptions — even for infants and newborns
- The acceptance agent must verify the child's identity in person
- Child's photo must be taken within 6 months of application — can be challenging for rapidly growing infants
Passport Photo
- One 2×2 inch color passport photo taken within 6 months
- White or off-white background
- Full face, front view, eyes open — no smiling with teeth showing for infants (neutral expression preferred)
- No glasses, no pacifiers, no hats (religious exemptions may apply)
- Infant photos: the baby can be in a car seat covered with a white sheet — we can advise on compliant infant photos
Form DS-11
- Complete Form DS-11 online or by hand in black ink
- Do NOT sign the form until instructed by the acceptance agent
- Provide the child's Social Security number (required by law)
- Include both parents' full legal names, dates of birth, and places of birth
- If the child previously held a passport, include the passport number and issue date
Government Fees
- Child passport application fee payable to the U.S. Department of State
- Execution (acceptance) fee payable to the acceptance facility
- Child passports (under 16) are valid for only 5 years — not 10 years like adult passports
- Exact fees vary — check current fee schedule on travel.state.gov
- Our service fee is separate and covers expert document review, application preparation, and expedited courier submission
Passport Courier LOA
- A Letter of Authorization (LOA) is required for a courier service to submit your passport application on your behalf
- Without a signed LOA, the passport agency won't accept a courier-submitted application — this is non-negotiable
- When you sign up, Fast Passport Center sends you a pre-filled LOA along with complete step-by-step instructions
- Need a courier LOA? Click here to get started today
Tip: Child passport applications cannot be renewed — when the 5-year passport expires, you must submit a new DS-11 application in person again. Plan trips accordingly and consider applying well before your child's passport expires.
Questions?
Child Passport FAQs
Common questions from parents applying for their child's first U.S. passport.
Every U.S. citizen — including newborns and infants — must have their own passport for international air travel. Children can no longer be added to a parent's passport. This applies from birth onward. For land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, children under 16 can use a birth certificate instead of a passport, but a passport is still strongly recommended.
Still have questions about your child's passport? Our team is here to help.
Call 877-253-0084Ready to Apply?
Your child's passport is closer than you think.
Don't let complicated paperwork delay your family trip. Our child passport specialists handle every detail — parental consent forms, infant photo verification, acceptance facility coordination — so you can focus on packing.
Get My Child's Passport Now