One of the things I was so excited for once my daughter was born was getting her first passport! We are looking forward to traveling the world with our girl so this was the first step towards our family adventures. While we didn’t have an international trip planned right away, I wanted to have it in case we wanted to go somewhere. The process is pretty straight forward, but I had many questions and things to figure out like taking the photo, what if my husband couldn’t make the appointment times, and more. I’m sharing a quick breakdown for how to get your baby a passport and my experience!
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Disclaimer: I’m obviously not an expert, but this is what I personally did. Be sure to refer to the State Department’s website for all of the latest requirements.
7 Steps to Get Your Baby’s First Passport:
If you are short on time, here is a quick list for what you need to do.
- Complete form DS-11
- Take Baby’s Passport Photo
- Find Baby’s Birth Certificate and Make Copies
- Make Copies of Both Parent’s ID (front and back)
- Schedule an Appointment at an Acceptance Facility.
- If both Parents can not be present, complete a Statement of Consent
- Pay the Fees
1. Complete Form DS-11
First, you will need to fill out your appilication! Use Form DS-11 for a new passport via the State Department website. If you read the form instructions, it has all of the details for what will be required!
2. Take Baby’s Passport Photo
You will need two copies of the baby’s photo. They can also take this for you at an acceptance facility although it may be easier to do yourself. My child could not hold her head up well so it was easier for me to take it on my iphone and have printed. I wasn’t sure if she’d even be awake at the appointment and it just sounded stressful!
Refer to the state department website for official rules for the photo. There is some leniency for infant photos, but still some rules! Infants can be lying down for the photo.
If doing yourself, use this site to have the photo put into a 4×6 template so you can get a 2×2 printed easily for only a few cents! Most sites/stores charge $15.00 for a 2×2 print (because they know it is a passport). You can also google a free background remover tool if you are not able to take the photo against a white backdrop.
3. Find Baby’s Birth Certificate and Make a Copy
You should have baby’s long form birth certificate with state seal on it. If not, request a copy via your state’s vital records. You’ll need to send off an original plus a copy. They will mail back the original.
This will serve as their citizenship requirement and show your parental relationship. If you adopted, you’ll need to show an adoption decree.
4. Make Copies of Both Parent’s ID (Front and Back)
You will need photocopies of both parents ID to include with the application to show relationship.
5. Schedule an Appointment at an Acceptance Facility
You must apply in person for a child’s passport with the child and both parents present. Use this site to find an acceptance facility near you. I highly recommend scheduling an appt vs walking in. They are required to take appointments first so you could be waiting a while.
6. If Both Parents Can’t Be Present, Complete a Statement of Consent
If you plan to take a child out of the country, you’ll obviously need both parents’ consent. You are required to both be present at the appointment, however if one of you can’t make it, complete a statement of consent for issuing a passport to a minor with form DS3053. I found that many of the appointments were only select hours and on weekdays which was quite inconvenient if you both work full time! I did this and was able to take my daughter without my husband having to be present.
7. Pay the Fees
You will need a check to pay the passport cost at your appointment (~$100). Don’t fill it out until you get there so you make sure it is correct. The acceptance facility may also charge a fee. My local post office charged $35.00 and I was able to pay that via credit card.
And that is how to get your baby a passport! Currently, routine processing is back to normal times of about 6-8 weeks. I got my child’s in 3 weeks! Any questions? Let me know in the comments below.
Be sure to grab one of these cute passport holders too!