Do infants require passports? How to obtain a passport for a newborn

If you’re a parent, expecting a child, or considering parenthood and you enjoy international travel, you might be wondering whether your baby needs a passport. The straightforward answer is yes, especially if they’re flying abroad. While there are some exceptions, it’s generally advisable to secure a passport for your little one. Here’s a comprehensive guide on baby passports, including how to obtain one.

Is a passport necessary for infants?

In most cases, American infants do need passports for international travel. The exceptions include land or sea travel to Canada and Mexico, as well as closed-loop cruises. Similar to adults, babies do not require passports for domestic travel within the U.S. or its territories.

When can a newborn obtain a passport?

Newborn passports can be issued right after birth, though the process might take several weeks or even months. However, you can speed up the passport application for newborns, similar to adults. Additionally, emergency passports can be requested for urgent travel due to life-or-death situations.

How to apply for your baby's passport

Getting a passport for minors, including infants, involves a few extra steps compared to adult applications.

What information do parents need to obtain a passport for their baby?

To secure a passport for a baby, parents must provide:

What steps should you take?

Parents need to present all necessary documents at a passport acceptance facility, and both must be present. If one parent is unavailable, you must complete and bring a Form DS-3053, signed in front of a notary public, along with a photocopy of the absent parent's ID. If neither parent can attend, a designated third party can apply on their behalf with the same Form DS-3053 or a notarized statement granting permission to this individual for the passport application.

Can newborns travel without having a passport?

Newborns can travel within the U.S. without a passport, including trips to territories like Puerto Rico or Guam—great options for beach getaways. They can also cross into Canada or Mexico by land or sea without a passport, but they must carry their birth certificate during the journey.

Can babies use Real IDs instead of passports?

Helpful hints for applying for your baby's passport

Final thoughts

Babies require passports for international travel unless they are heading to Canada or Mexico via land or sea, or are on closed-loop cruises. However, it’s advisable to obtain a passport for your newborn to maximize your family’s travel options abroad. For additional tips on traveling with infants, check out our guides on babyproofing your vacation rental and breastfeeding while traveling.

How Dinogo curates this guide

As a travel writer, I make it a priority to stay informed about current passport regulations, including processing times for applications and renewals. I advocate for family vacations abroad and believe that obtaining a passport for your child should be a priority. In creating this guide, I researched the passport policies for minors as outlined by the U.S. Department of State, the agency that issues U.S. passports.

Common inquiries regarding passports for infants