Learn How to Get a U.S. Passport for Newborns

Understanding U.S. Passport Requirements for Newborns

A U.S. passport is an official travel document issued by the U.S. State Department that allows citizens to travel internationally. For newborns and infants, passports work differently than they do for adults. The U.S. State Department issues passports to children of U.S. citizens, but the process involves specific requirements and documentation that parents need to understand before beginning.

Newborns and infants cannot obtain passports on their own. Instead, a parent or legal guardian must request the passport on their behalf. The child must be a U.S. citizen to receive a passport. Citizenship is typically established through birth in the United States or through at least one parent being a U.S. citizen. If you are uncertain about your child's citizenship status, the State Department website provides detailed information about citizenship requirements.

Passport books for children under 16 years old have a validity period of five years, while adult passports are valid for ten years. This shorter validity period reflects the changes that occur in a child's appearance during early childhood. Parents should be aware that passports for very young children may need to be renewed sooner than they expect, particularly if significant changes occur in the child's appearance.

The cost of obtaining a passport for a newborn includes both execution and issuance fees. As of 2024, the combined cost for a child's passport book is $130 (this includes the $100 issuance fee and $35 execution fee, though fees may vary). An expedited processing fee of $60 may be added if faster service is needed. These fees are subject to change, so checking the official State Department website before submitting your request is important.

Practical Takeaway: Before starting the passport process, confirm your newborn's U.S. citizenship status and review current fee information on the State Department website. Understanding these foundational requirements will help you gather the correct documentation and budget appropriately for the passport.

Required Documents and Birth Certificates

Obtaining the correct documents is the most important step in requesting a passport for your newborn. The State Department has specific document requirements, and submitting incomplete or incorrect paperwork can delay the process significantly. One of the most critical documents is an official birth certificate, which serves as proof of the child's citizenship and identity.

The birth certificate must be an official document issued by the vital records office in the state or country where the child was born. A certified copy is required, not a photocopy or hospital-issued document. The birth certificate should show the child's full name, date of birth, place of birth, and names of both parents. If you do not have an official birth certificate yet, you can request one from the vital records office in the state where your child was born. Many states now offer online ordering, which can speed up this process. The cost typically ranges from $10 to $30, depending on the state.

In addition to the birth certificate, you will need to provide proof of citizenship for at least one parent. This can be demonstrated through:

• A parent's valid U.S. passport
• A parent's birth certificate showing birth in the United States
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad if the child was born to a U.S. citizen abroad
• A Certificate of Naturalization if a parent is a naturalized U.S. citizen
• A Certificate of Citizenship if applicable

You will also need to provide identification for the parent or guardian making the request. This can include a valid driver's license, state ID card, or passport. If you do not have current identification, you may need to obtain it before visiting the passport application facility.

For newborns and infants, a passport photo is also required. The photo must meet specific State Department standards: the child's face must be centered, clearly visible, and fill 50 percent of the frame. The background must be plain white or off-white. For very young infants who cannot sit up, photos taken while held in an adult's arms are acceptable, provided the infant's face is clearly visible and properly positioned. Most drugstores and photography studios can take passport photos that meet these requirements. The cost is typically between $10 and $25.

Practical Takeaway: Begin by requesting your newborn's official birth certificate from the vital records office and gathering your own identification and citizenship documents. Having all required paperwork organized before visiting a passport acceptance facility will reduce delays and make the process smoother.

Where to Submit Your Newborn's Passport Request

There are multiple locations where you can submit a passport request for your newborn. Understanding your options and what each location offers will help you choose the most convenient method for your situation. The State Department operates an extensive network of passport facilities throughout the United States, and several types of organizations can accept passport applications on behalf of the government.

Passport Acceptance Facilities are the most common locations for submitting passport requests. These include post offices, libraries, courthouses, and municipal government offices. According to the State Department, there are approximately 9,000 passport acceptance facilities across the country. Most communities have at least one facility nearby. These locations are staffed with trained personnel who verify documents, collect fees, and take photographs if needed. However, passport acceptance facilities typically cannot issue passports—they only collect applications and forward them to passport processing centers.

Passport Agencies are operated directly by the U.S. State Department and have more advanced capabilities than acceptance facilities. There are currently 17 regional passport agencies located in major cities across the United States. Passport agencies can both process and issue passports, often more quickly than acceptance facilities. If you need expedited service, visiting a passport agency may be beneficial. However, passport agencies typically require appointments, which can take several weeks to schedule. Additionally, some passport agencies limit services for young children or may have specific procedures for processing infant passports.

The State Department also operates passport processing locations at certain U.S. embassies and consulates, which is relevant if you are traveling or living abroad. If you are outside the United States, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can accept your passport request and provide information about processing timelines.

For families who prefer not to visit a facility in person, understanding the mail-in option is helpful. While routine passport requests can be mailed directly to the State Department, this method typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for processing. Given the time required, many parents prefer in-person submission at a passport acceptance facility, which generally takes 4 to 6 weeks for routine service.

Practical Takeaway: Locate your nearest passport acceptance facility by visiting the State Department's facility locator on their official website. Call ahead to confirm hours of operation and any specific procedures for infants, as policies may vary by location. If you need your child's passport quickly, check whether a passport agency is accessible to you.

The Passport Application Process and Forms

The formal application process involves completing specific government forms and providing required information about your newborn. Understanding what information you will need and how the process works can help you prepare efficiently. The primary form used for passport requests is Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals), though DS-11 is the standard form for first-time passports.

Form DS-11 requires detailed information about your child, including their full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and citizenship information. You will also need to provide your own identifying information as the parent or guardian. The form asks about any previous passports your child may have held and whether your child has a Social Security number. While a Social Security number is not required to obtain a passport, having one can streamline the process.

Both parents typically need to appear in person when requesting a passport for a child under 16, or provide a notarized statement if one parent cannot attend. This requirement exists to prevent passport fraud and ensure that both parents are aware of and consent to the passport request. If the child has only one legal parent or guardian, or if there are custody-related circumstances, different rules may apply. The State Department provides guidance on how to handle situations involving single parents or guardians on their website.

At the passport facility, staff members will review all your documents, verify information, and collect fees. They will also take the passport photograph if you have not already provided one. The passport photo must be taken in person at the facility if it was