Applying for your baby's first US passport is simpler than most parents expect, but it requires a few specific documents and an in-person visit. This guide walks through the entire process — from booking the appointment to what to do if the photo is rejected — based on current US Department of State requirements for 2026.
Before your appointment, you will need a compliant photo. For the full size, background, and expression specs, see the US Baby Passport Photo Requirements guide. This guide focuses on everything else: the application, the paperwork, the visit itself, and the timelines.
Who Needs a Passport?
Every US citizen, including newborns, needs their own passport to travel internationally. There is no minimum age — babies can get a passport from the day they are born, as soon as you have their birth certificate. Many parents apply within the first few weeks of birth so the passport is ready before a planned trip.
Passports for minors under 16 have two differences from adult passports:
- They must be applied for in person — you cannot renew a minor's passport by mail.
- They are only valid for 5 years (vs. 10 years for adults over 16), because children change appearance rapidly.
Required Documents
You will need to bring all of the following to the appointment. Missing any single item means you will be turned away and have to rebook.
Proof of US citizenship (one of the following)
- Original US birth certificate (certified copy with raised seal, registrar's signature, and filing date)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Previous US passport (if this is a renewal rather than a first-time application)
Proof of parental relationship
- The same US birth certificate listing both parents' names is the most common proof
- Adoption decree if applicable
- Court order establishing custody if applicable
Parental consent (both parents)
- Both parents must appear in person at the appointment to give consent, OR
- One parent can appear alone if they submit Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent), signed and notarized by the absent parent within the last 90 days, along with a photocopy of the absent parent's ID
- If one parent has sole legal custody: bring a court order, death certificate, or other evidence
Photo ID for the applying parent(s)
- Valid driver's license, state-issued ID, military ID, or current US passport
Two identical 2x2 inch passport photos of the baby
- Must meet full US State Department photo requirements (see US Baby Passport Photo Requirements)
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Bring two printed copies — the acceptance agent staples them to the application
Completed Form DS-11
- Available at travel.state.gov or at the acceptance facility
- Do NOT sign the form before the appointment — you must sign it in front of the acceptance agent
- You can fill out the form online and print it, or pick up a blank form at the facility
Payment for the fees
- See fees section below. Most facilities accept check or money order for the application fee and cash or card for the execution fee — double-check with your specific location.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Gather documents and take the photo
Start 2-3 weeks before you plan to apply. Order a certified copy of the birth certificate if you do not already have one (state vital records offices typically take 5-10 business days). Take the baby passport photo at home using Snap2Pass — unlimited retries until you get a compliant shot — and print two copies.
Step 2: Fill out Form DS-11
Download from travel.state.gov or use the Form Filler online tool. Complete all fields except the signature. If you make a mistake, start over on a new form — crossed-out fields can cause rejection.
Step 3: Book an appointment OR find a walk-in location
Both options are available at passport acceptance facilities (most USPS locations, some libraries, clerks of court). Pick whichever works for your schedule.
Appointment option
- Book through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or call the location directly
- Wait times vary by season — 2 to 4 weeks is common, 6-8 weeks during peak summer travel season
- Appointments are less stressful with a baby because you have a guaranteed time slot and shorter wait
Walk-in option
- Available at some USPS locations during specific hours (use the USPS Locator and filter for "Passport Walk-in")
- Only a limited number of walk-ins are accepted each day — arrive early, especially in high-volume locations
- Call ahead to confirm walk-in availability and how many slots they accept per day
- Advantage: immediate if there's a slot available. Disadvantage: you may be turned away and have to come back.
Step 4: Attend the appointment
Bring the baby, both parents (or Form DS-3053 if one parent is absent), all documents, the blank DS-11, and the two printed photos. The acceptance agent will:
- Review all documents for completeness
- Have you sign the DS-11 in front of them (this is why you do NOT sign in advance)
- Collect fees
- Witness both parents' consent (or verify the DS-3053)
- Staple the photos to the application
- Seal the packet and mail it to the passport processing center
The appointment itself typically takes 15-30 minutes once you're at the counter.
Step 5: Track and wait
After submission, you can track the application status at the Online Passport Status System. Processing times vary:
- Routine processing: 4-6 weeks from the date of submission
- Expedited processing: 2-3 weeks (additional $60 fee, request at the time of application)
- Urgent life-or-death travel: Same-day passport agency appointments available — requires documented emergency
Both the baby's new passport and the supporting documents (birth certificate, etc.) are returned by mail, usually in separate envelopes.
Fees (2026)
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Passport book (minor under 16) | $100 |
| Passport card (minor under 16) | $15 |
| Acceptance execution fee | $35 |
| Expedited processing (optional) | $60 |
| Overnight return shipping (optional) | $21.36 |
Minimum total for a standard passport book: $135 ($100 application + $35 execution fee).
Fees are current as of April 2026 — confirm with travel.state.gov before applying.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
The photo was rejected
This is the most common issue. Most rejections are fixable with a retake. See our full guide on how to fix a rejected infant passport photo for step-by-step resubmission tips. With Snap2Pass, retakes are unlimited and free within 14 days of purchase.
One parent cannot attend
Submit Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) signed and notarized by the absent parent within 90 days of the appointment, plus a photocopy of the absent parent's valid photo ID. If the absent parent cannot be located or refuses to consent, file Form DS-5525 (Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances) with supporting documentation.
You need the passport urgently
- Expedited processing ($60 extra): 2-3 weeks instead of 4-6 weeks
- Urgent travel (within 14 days): Schedule an appointment at a Passport Agency — requires proof of international travel within 14 days and typically issues the passport the same day or next day
- Life-or-death emergencies: Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for same-day emergency processing
The birth certificate hasn't arrived yet
You cannot apply without proof of citizenship. Order a certified copy from the state's vital records office immediately — most states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Hospitals sometimes provide a certificate at discharge, but it must be a certified copy from the state vital records office, not a hospital souvenir certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to receive my baby's passport?
Routine processing is 4 to 6 weeks from the date of submission. Expedited processing (additional $60) is 2 to 3 weeks. For urgent travel within 14 days, you can book an appointment at a Passport Agency for same-day or next-day issuance with proof of international travel.
Can one parent apply for a baby's passport alone?
Usually no — both parents must appear in person to give consent. If one parent cannot attend, the absent parent must submit Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent), signed and notarized within the last 90 days, along with a photocopy of their ID. Exceptions exist for sole legal custody and special circumstances.
How much does a baby's first passport cost in 2026?
The minimum cost is $135: $100 for the passport book and $35 for the acceptance execution fee. A passport card is an additional $15. Expedited processing adds $60. Overnight return shipping adds about $21.
Can a newborn get a passport?
Yes. There is no minimum age — US citizens can apply for a passport from the day they are born, as soon as you have their birth certificate. Many parents apply within the first few weeks after birth so the passport is ready before a planned trip.
How long is a baby's passport valid?
Passports for minors under 16 are valid for 5 years (vs. 10 years for adults). After 5 years, you will need to renew in person and bring a new compliant photo.
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
Both options are available at passport acceptance facilities. Appointments are more reliable but usually booked 2-4 weeks out. Walk-ins are immediate if a slot is available, but many locations have very limited daily walk-in capacity and you may be turned away. Call ahead to confirm.
What if my baby moves during the photo?
Take 20-30 attempts in burst mode. Use the car seat or white sheet method (both State Department approved). Shoot right after a feeding and nap when the baby is calm. Snap2Pass lets you upload different attempts for free until one passes compliance.
Can I skip the photo and take it at the post office?
Most passport acceptance facilities offer photo services for an additional fee ($15-$17 at USPS), but the camera is built for adults and staff are rarely trained for infant photos. You typically get 1-2 attempts before they print whatever they captured. Taking the photo at home with unlimited retries is usually easier and more reliable for babies.
Get Your Baby's Passport Photo First
Everything in this guide depends on having a compliant photo. Start there. With Snap2Pass, you take the photo on your own schedule at home, upload as many attempts as needed, and our AI verifies compliance against every State Department rule in about 60 seconds. 99.8% acceptance rate, unlimited retries, and a 14-day resubmission window included.
