Important Guidelines for Obtaining Passports for Infants: Here’s What You Should Know

Traveling with babies can be quite the adventure (in more ways than one), but don’t let the challenges deter you from exploring the world with your little one. The sooner you begin, the smoother it will be down the line. Before you can jet off to another country with your baby, securing their passport is essential. Here’s everything you should know.

Initiate the application process as soon as possible—right after birth

For those of you who love to plan ahead, unfortunately, you can’t submit a passport application until after your baby is born. However, as soon as you’re ready, it’s best to apply for your infant’s passport. The processing time is similar to that of anyone else's, with current first-time passport wait times averaging around 10 to 13 weeks.

Schedule an appointment in person

For children under the age of 16, passport applications (and renewals) cannot be submitted by mail; you must visit an authorized facility in person, typically a post office or library. It's essential that all legal parents accompany the child during the application. If both parents can't be present, the absent parent must complete a notarized DS-3053 consent form and provide a photocopy of their ID. If there's only one legal parent involved, bring documentation proving sole custody or parenthood—if the child's birth certificate lists only the applying parent, that suffices.

For my youngest, we visited the Central Library in Brooklyn, which features a lovely and highly efficient passport center. The best part is that they take the photo for you, which I highly recommend (details below).

Collect your necessary documents

You’ll need to complete form DS-11 and provide several documents that verify your baby’s identity and U.S. citizenship. Required documents include your child’s U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or certificate of citizenship. Fortunately, a birth certificate also serves as proof of the parental relationship. If not, you’ll need a foreign birth certificate, adoption decree, or divorce or custody decree along with the citizenship document. Make sure to bring both the original and a photocopy of each document—don’t worry, your birth certificate will be returned to you after the process is complete. This applies to all minors until they reach 16 years of age.

Additionally, each parent or guardian must provide an unexpired form of ID, such as a driver’s license or passport (both the original and a photocopy).

Let a professional handle the photos, and do it while the baby is lying down

Although there are apps that can help you take a proper passport photo at home, it’s advisable to leave this task to the experts when it comes to babies. Capturing a baby’s photo can be quite challenging, and when it comes to positioning, proportions, and sizing, it becomes even trickier. Check local Walgreens, passport photo studios, or travel centers to see if they can photograph infants. Some passport facilities even provide on-site photography—a service I found very helpful. Since you can’t hold the baby in the picture, the easiest way is to lay them down on a white poster board and take the photo from above.

Parents might be surprised to learn that it’s not necessary for an infant's eyes to be open in their passport photo. I thought I’d have to wake my sleeping baby for his photo session, but the library staff simply had me lay him on the white poster board while he was still asleep. His eyes were closed in the photo, and I’ve never faced any issues. This rule only applies to infants. According to the Department of State’s FAQ on passport photos, “It’s acceptable if an infant’s eyes are not fully open. All other children must have their eyes open.”

Make your payments upfront

During your appointment, you'll need to make two separate payments: $100 to the U.S. Department of State and a $35 fee to the facility assisting with the process. To expedite the service, there’s an additional charge of $60.

Your baby’s passport will arrive by mail

Similar to adult passports, your baby’s passport will be sent to you via mail. As of September, the official processing time is 10 to 13 weeks, not counting mailing times, which the Department of State estimates can take up to two weeks. Expedited processing typically ranges from seven to nine weeks. If you have an international travel ticket within 14 days, you can apply in person at a passport agency for expedited service. You can also subscribe to email updates regarding your application status.

Valid for five years

Unlike adult passports, which last for 10 years, passports issued to children under 16 are valid for only five years. Make sure to allow enough time for renewal—and keep in mind that renewal must be done in person until the child turns 16.