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U.S. Passport Application Guide for Minors Under 16
Applying for your child's first passport requires careful preparation and attention to detail. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the process, from gathering documents to receiving your child's passport. Whether you're planning a family vacation abroad or need documentation for future travel, understanding the requirements will make the application process smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Complete the DS-11 Application Form Online
Begin your child's passport application by visiting the official U.S. Department of State website. You'll need to acknowledge the Privacy and Computer Fraud and Abuse Acts before accessing the online form. The digital application system generates a unique barcode that must appear on your printed application.
Critical Application Requirements
  • Enter all names exactly as they appear on the birth certificate or naturalization document
  • Consider selecting a large book format if your family travels internationally frequently
  • Choose expedited processing at agency service for faster turnaround
  • Select standard delivery to avoid additional shipping fees
  • Print the completed form with the auto-generated barcode clearly visible

Important: DO NOT sign or date the application until you meet with the Acceptance Agent. Any pre-signed applications will be rejected, and you'll need to restart the process.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applications cannot contain any corrections including write-overs, scratch-outs, or white-out marks. Even minor alterations will result in rejection. Take your time completing each field accurately to prevent delays in processing your child's passport.
Required Documents Checklist
1
Passport Photos
Two identical color photos taken within the last three months. Photos must be 2×2 inches with a plain white or off-white background. The child must face the camera directly with a neutral expression. Glasses are not permitted under current regulations.
2
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Submit the original or certified birth certificate showing both parents' names. Abstract birth certificates (short form) are not accepted. Alternatively, provide a naturalization certificate. These documents will be returned with the new passport.
3
Evidence of Relationship
Provide documentation proving parental relationship such as the child's birth certificate, adoption decree, or court order establishing custody or guardianship. If a parent's name has changed, include legal name change documentation like a marriage certificate.
4
Parental Identification
Both parents must present valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state identification card. Bring the original documents and provide photocopies for the application package.
Understanding Passport Photos Requirements
Photo Specifications
Passport photos must meet strict government standards. The image should show your child's full face, taken within the last three months. Position your child directly facing the camera with eyes open and a neutral expression.
Technical Requirements
  • Exact dimensions of 2 inches by 2 inches
  • Head size between 1 and 1⅜ inches from bottom of chin to top of head
  • Plain white or off-white background without shadows
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
  • Taken in normal street attire (no uniforms except religious clothing)
  • No glasses, hats, or headphones visible
Many pharmacies, post offices, and professional photography studios offer passport photo services that guarantee compliance with U.S. Department of State requirements. This investment can prevent application delays caused by photo rejection.
Proof of Travel Documentation
When applying for expedited passport processing, you must demonstrate imminent travel plans. The U.S. Department of State requires concrete evidence that your child needs the passport within a specific timeframe. This requirement helps prioritize applications for families with immediate travel needs.
Acceptable Proof of Travel
  • Copy of confirmed airline ticket or e-ticket receipt showing departure within 14 days of application
  • Hotel reservation confirmations with dates matching your itinerary
  • Cruise ship booking documentation with passenger names and sailing dates
  • Written confirmation of international meetings or events requiring attendance
Visa Application Timeline
If your destination country requires a visa, you'll need to allow additional processing time. Applications submitted with proof of travel within 21 days qualify for expedited processing when visa applications are pending. Coordinate your passport and visa applications carefully to ensure all documentation arrives before departure.
Parental Consent Requirements
The U.S. government requires consent from both parents or legal guardians for minors under age 16. This protection prevents child abduction and ensures both parents approve of the passport issuance. The specific requirements depend on your family situation and custody arrangements.
Both Parents Present
Both parents must appear in person with the minor at the acceptance facility. Each parent will sign Form DS-11 in the presence of an Acceptance Agent who will verify identities and witness the signatures.
One Parent Present
If one parent cannot attend, they must complete Form DS-3053 Statement of Consent and have it notarized. The attending parent brings this notarized form along with the child to the appointment and signs DS-11 in front of the agent.
Sole Legal Custody
Parents with sole legal custody must provide primary evidence including a birth certificate listing only the applying parent, court order granting sole custody, adoption decree, judicial declaration of incompetence, or death certificate of the non-applying parent.

If documentation proving sole custody is unavailable, the applying parent must submit Form DS-3053 explaining why the non-applying parent's consent cannot be obtained.
Third-Party Applications
When Someone Else Applies for Your Child
In situations where neither parent can attend the acceptance facility, a third party acting in loco parentis (in place of parents) may submit the application. This typically includes grandparents, other relatives, or legal guardians who have temporary care of the child.
Required Documentation
The third party must present a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents authorizing them to apply for the child's passport. This document should clearly identify the authorized person, state the relationship to the child, and specify the purpose and duration of their authority.
If only one parent provides authorization, the third party must also submit evidence of that parent's sole custody rights, following the same documentation requirements outlined for sole custody situations.
Understanding Passport Fees and Payment
$178.32
Application Fee
Payable to U.S. Department of State via money order or check. This covers the passport book production and processing costs.
$35
Execution Fee
Paid directly to the acceptance facility where you submit your documents. Payment methods vary by location—call ahead to confirm they accept credit cards, checks, or cash.
$60
Expedited Processing
Optional fee for faster service when you need the passport urgently. Reduces processing time significantly for imminent travel plans.
The total cost for a minor's passport is $213.32, or $273.32 with expedited processing. Make the $178.32 payment to "U.S. Department of State" using a money order or personal check—these payment methods are trackable and provide proof of payment. The $35.00 execution fee must be paid separately at your acceptance facility appointment.

Keep receipts for all payments as proof of submission. The acceptance facility will provide documentation showing both fees were collected at the time of application.
Step 2: Visit an Acceptance Agent
After gathering all required documents, schedule an appointment with a government-authorized Passport Acceptance Agent. These agents work at designated post offices, clerk of court offices, public libraries, and other government facilities throughout the United States.
01
Find Your Nearest Location
Visit iafdb.travel.state.gov to search for acceptance facilities near you. Contact them in advance to confirm hours, appointment requirements, and accepted payment methods for the $35 execution fee.
02
Bring All Required Documents
Present your completed but unsigned DS-11 form, two passport photos, original citizenship proof, evidence of relationship, parental IDs and photocopies, proof of travel, money order, authorization form, and any required consent forms.
03
Sign in Agent's Presence
The Acceptance Agent will verify all documents and identities, then instruct both parents to sign and date the DS-11 form. The agent witnesses these signatures, confirming the application's authenticity.
04
Receive Sealed Envelope
The agent places your signed application, photos, original documents, copies of IDs, consent forms, proof of travel, and payment in an envelope. They seal it with official tape. Do not open this envelope—it must arrive sealed at the processing facility.

Critical Timing: The sealed documents must reach the processing office within 5 days from the date on your signed application. Plan accordingly to avoid expiration of your authorization.
Step 3: Submit Your Sealed Application Package
Final Submission Requirements
After your appointment with the Acceptance Agent, you're ready to submit your child's passport application for processing. The sealed envelope contains all the critical documents that will be reviewed by the U.S. Department of State.
What to Send
  • The sealed envelope from the Acceptance Agent (do not open or tamper with official seals)
  • Complete photocopies of all documents enclosed in the sealed envelope for your records and processing verification
Before sending your package, we strongly recommend emailing scanned copies of all documents for review and accuracy verification. This proactive step can identify any potential issues before the official application is submitted, saving valuable time in the expedited processing timeline.
What Happens Next
Once received, your application enters the expedited processing queue. The U.S. Department of State will review all documents, verify citizenship and parental consent, and produce your child's passport. Original documents proving citizenship and relationship will be returned to you along with the new passport.
Processing Timeline
Expedited applications typically process within 2-3 weeks from receipt at the processing facility, plus mailing time. Track your application status online using the reference number provided at your acceptance appointment.