How to Get a Passport for a Child
How to get a passport for a child or baby: the consent rules, why both parents usually have to be involved, what it costs, and how long it stays valid.
A child's passport has stricter consent rules than an adult's, and it cannot be renewed, so plan it as a fresh, in-person application each time.
The usual steps
- 1
Complete the in-person application form
For US minors under 16, that is Form DS-11. - 2
Sort out parental consent
Both parents consent; a notarized form covers a parent who cannot attend. - 3
Bring proof of the child's citizenship
Such as a birth certificate, plus the child's photo. - 4
Apply in person with the child
The child generally needs to be present. - 5
Pay the fees
Application fee plus the in-person execution fee.
What to bring
- The child's proof of citizenship (often a birth certificate).
- Both parents' ID, and evidence of the parental relationship.
- A compliant photo of the child alone.
- A consent form if one parent cannot attend.
Good to know
- A child's passport is usually valid 5 years, so track the expiry date.
- It must be done in person and cannot be renewed, even for a second or third passport.
- Start early. The consent rules can add time if one parent is hard to reach.
Frequently asked questions
Do both parents have to be present for a child's passport?
In the US, for a child under 16, both parents or guardians must consent, and ideally both appear in person. If one cannot attend, they can provide a notarized Form DS-3053, which must be submitted within 90 days of being notarized. This rule exists to help prevent international child abduction.
Can I renew a child's passport online?
No. In the US, a child's passport cannot be renewed. Each one is a brand-new application made in person on Form DS-11, even if the child has had a passport before. That is because identity and consent have to be reconfirmed as the child grows.
How long is a child's passport valid?
Typically 5 years, in both the US and UK, compared with 10 years for an adult. Children change quickly, so the shorter validity keeps the photo a reasonable likeness. Plan to renew well before family trips.
How much does a child's passport cost?
In the US, a child's passport book is a 100 dollar application fee plus a 35 dollar execution fee. In the UK, after the April 2026 update, a child passport is 66.50 pounds online or 80 pounds by paper form.
What are the photo rules for a baby's passport?
The child must appear alone in the photo, with no parent, hands, or toys visible, against a plain background with eyes open where possible. For very young babies, you can lay them on a plain white sheet and photograph from above. The usual size and quality rules still apply.
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