Key Highlights
Planning a trip with your little one? Here’s what you need to know about getting a baby’s passport.
- Yes, all U.S. citizens, including newborns, need a passport for international travel by air.
- The U.S. Department of State issues a passport book for all travel and a passport card for limited land/sea travel.
- The passport application for a child under 16 must be done in person with both parents present.
- You will need specific documents, including proof of citizenship and parental consent, to get a new passport.
- Exceptions exist for domestic travel and certain land or sea border crossings where a passport may not be required.
Why Passports Are Required for Babies
If you’re planning international travel with your infant, you might be wondering if they need their own passport. The short answer is yes. The U.S. Department of State requires every citizen, regardless of age, to have a valid passport for travel by air outside the United States. This rule ensures that your baby has official documentation proving their identity and citizenship.
Getting a new passport for your baby involves a specific passport application process. You must provide official citizenship evidence, like a birth certificate, to prove your baby is a U.S. citizen. This requirement helps protect against international child abduction and ensures smooth passage through border control.
International Travel Regulations for Infants
When it comes to international travel by air, the rules for infants are just as strict as they are for adults. Every baby must have their own valid passport to board a flight to a foreign country. A birth certificate alone will not be accepted for international air travel. This is a standard security measure enforced by authorities worldwide.
The U.S. Department of State issues passports, and you will need to complete a passport application specifically for a minor. This process must be completed in person at a designated passport acceptance facility. It’s crucial to start this process well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute issues.
Key things to remember for your baby’s international travel include:
- A passport book is required for all international flights.
- You must apply in person with your child.
- Ensure the passport is valid for the duration of your trip, as some countries require at least six months of validity.
Legal Requirements for Crossing Borders
The State Department has specific legal requirements in place to protect children when they cross borders. A key part of the passport application for a minor under 16 is demonstrating parental consent. In most cases, this means both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child to sign the passport application form (DS-11).
This two-parent consent rule is a critical safeguard against international parental child abduction. If one parent cannot be present, they must provide a signed and notarized consent form. Are you the sole legal guardian? You will need to provide documentation to prove it.
Documents you might need include:
- A court order granting you sole custody.
- A death certificate of the other parent.
This ensures that the application is legitimate and that all legal guardians are aware of the child’s travel plans.
Exceptions to Passport Requirements for Babies
While passports are a must for international flights, there are a few notable exceptions where your baby might not need one. These situations primarily involve domestic travel and specific types of land and sea travel. Understanding these exceptions can simplify your travel plans if you aren’t flying abroad.
For example, travel within the United States and its territories, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, does not require a passport. Additionally, for land or sea travel to Canada and Mexico, a U.S. citizen child under 16 can use their birth certificate instead of a passport. The Department of Homeland Security also offers a passport card, which is a valid travel document for these specific land and sea crossings.
Travel Within the United States
Can your baby travel on a domestic flight without a passport? Absolutely. For domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with an adult companion. This means you can fly with your baby within the United States without any form of ID for them.
However, airlines may have their own policies. Some might ask for proof of age for an infant traveling on your lap to confirm they are under two years old. While not officially required by the government for security screening, carrying a copy of your baby’s birth certificate is a wise precaution. It can serve as a backup and help with any airline-specific checks.
For domestic travel with your baby, remember:
- No ID is required by TSA for children under 18.
- Airlines may have different policies, so check with them directly.
- Having a copy of the birth certificate is recommended.
Special Cases and Land Border Crossings
Planning a road trip to Canada or Mexico? The rules for a land border crossing are different than for air travel. For children under the age of 16, a passport is not always necessary. U.S. citizen children can re-enter the United States from Canada or Mexico by land or sea using their original or a copy of their birth certificate.
This exception makes short trips across the border much simpler for families. Another convenient option is the U.S. passport card. This wallet-sized document is cheaper than a passport book and is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for international air travel but is perfect for road trips.
For land travel, your options for a child under 16 are:
- A U.S. birth certificate.
- A U.S. passport card.
Remember, if only one parent is traveling with the child, you should carry a letter of consent from the other parent.
Types of Passports Available for Babies
When you apply for your baby’s first passport, the U.S. Department of State gives you two options: a passport book or a passport card. The one you choose depends entirely on your family’s travel plans. You can apply for either or both at a passport acceptance facility, like a post office.
The passport book is the traditional document recognized for all forms of international travel—air, sea, and land. If you plan on flying to another country, a new passport book is mandatory. The passport card, on the other hand, is a more limited, wallet-sized option designed for land and sea travel to specific nearby countries. Let’s look at the differences to help you decide.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card
Deciding between a passport book and a passport card for your infant comes down to how you plan to travel. The passport book is the all-purpose document required for any international travel by air. It’s also valid for all sea and land crossings. If your plans include flights to other countries, the passport book is the only choice.
The passport card is a more limited and affordable alternative. It’s a convenient, wallet-sized ID that is valid only for entering the United States at land border crossings and seaports of entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for any international air travel.
Here is a quick comparison to help you understand the differences:
| Feature | Passport Book | Passport Card |
|---|---|---|
| Valid for Air Travel | Yes, worldwide | No |
| Valid for Land/Sea Travel | Yes, worldwide | Yes, to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda |
| Size | Booklet | Wallet-sized |
| Cost (Under 16) | $100 application fee | $15 application fee |
Choosing the Right Passport for Your Infant
So, which new passport is right for your baby? The answer depends entirely on your travel habits. If you have any plans for international air travel, even if it’s just a possibility, you must get a passport book. This document is your baby’s ticket to the world, allowing entry into any country by air, land, or sea.
If your family’s adventures are limited to road trips or sea cruises to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean, the passport card is an excellent and cost-effective option. It’s easy to carry and provides all the necessary documentation for these specific types of travel. Many parents choose to get both documents at the same time.
Applying for both the passport book and passport card simultaneously can be a smart move. This gives you maximum flexibility for future travel and is more convenient than submitting two separate applications later. Carefully consider your potential travel information before you apply to make the best choice for your family.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Baby’s Passport
Applying for a baby’s passport requires gathering several important documents before your appointment. The most critical item is proof of U.S. citizenship, which is typically your baby’s original birth certificate. You cannot use a digital or mobile version; it must be the physical document.
In addition to the original citizenship evidence, you’ll need a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is information there). You’ll also need to provide parental identification and proof of your relationship to the child. Being prepared with all the correct paperwork will ensure the process goes smoothly. Let’s explore these required documents in more detail.
Proof of Citizenship and Identity
To get a passport for your baby, you must present original proof of their U.S. citizenship. You cannot submit digital copies; physical documents are required. The most common form of citizenship evidence for a U.S.-born child is their official birth certificate. It must be an original or certified copy that includes specific details, such as a seal and the parents’ full names.
For a child born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is the standard document. In addition to the baby’s citizenship evidence, both parents must present their own government-issued photo identification, like a driver’s license or passport. You will also need to provide your child’s Social Security number on the passport application form if they have one.
Acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship includes:
- A U.S. birth certificate that meets all requirements.
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship.
Parental Consent and Supporting Forms
One of the most important legal requirements for a child’s passport is demonstrating parental consent. For a child under 16, both parents or legal guardians must authorize the issuance of the passport. The most straightforward way to do this is for both parents to attend the application appointment in person with the child.
What if one parent is unable to attend? The absent parent must complete and sign a Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053). This form must be signed in front of a notary public and submitted along with a photocopy of the ID they presented to the notary. This notarized statement confirms their consent for the child to receive a passport.
If you are the child’s sole legal guardian, you must provide documents to prove it. This can include:
- A court order granting you sole legal custody.
- The child’s birth certificate listing you as the only parent.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Baby’s Passport
Ready to apply for your baby’s passport? The process involves a few key steps that must be completed in a specific order. You’ll need to fill out the correct passport application form, gather all your supporting documents, get a compliant passport photo of your baby, and pay the required fees.
Unlike adult renewals, a child’s passport application must be submitted in person. This means you, your child, and the other parent will need to go to an application appointment at a designated passport acceptance facility. Taking the time to understand each step will help make the process feel less overwhelming.
Scheduling an Application Appointment
Your first step in the application process is to find a passport acceptance facility and schedule an appointment. These facilities are authorized by the State Department to accept passport applications and are often located in a post office, public library, or local government office. Most facilities require an appointment, so be sure to check online or call ahead.
When you go to your appointment, you must bring your completed (but unsigned) application form, all supporting documents, your baby’s photo, and payment for the fees. The acceptance agent will verify your identity, witness you signing the application, and formally submit the package for processing.
If you have urgent travel plans (in less than three weeks), you may be able to make an appointment at a passport agency or center. These regional centers offer expedited services for an additional fee but require proof of imminent travel. Also, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for travel updates from the State Department.
Completing the Application and Submitting Photos
You must complete the passport application form DS-11 for your baby. You can use the online form filler tool on the State Department’s website or download a PDF. It’s important to fill it out completely and accurately but do not sign it. You will sign the form in person in front of the acceptance agent.
You also need to provide one recent passport photo of your baby. Getting a compliant photo of an infant can be tricky, as they must have their eyes open with a neutral expression or a slight smile. There should be no one else in the photo, and the background must be plain white or off-white. You can find detailed guidelines and examples of photos on the State Department’s website.
Key tips for the application:
- Do not sign the DS-11 form until the agent instructs you to.
- Do not staple the passport photo to the application; the agent will do this for you.
Once submitted, you can track the application status online.
Important Considerations for Parents
As you finalize your baby’s passport application, there are a few more important details to keep in mind. These include understanding the full cost, current processing times, and what to do in special family circumstances. Being aware of these factors will help you manage your expectations and navigate the process successfully.
From the different payment methods for passport fees to knowing how to check the status of the application, these considerations are key to a stress-free experience. You’ll also want to know the procedure if one parent cannot be present at the appointment. Let’s cover these crucial points so you’re fully prepared.
Processing Times and Fees
Understanding the costs and timeline is essential when applying for a new passport book for your baby. You will need to pay two separate passport fees. The first is the application fee, which is paid directly to the U.S. Department of State. The second is the facility acceptance fee, which you pay to the location where you submit the application.
As of September 2025, current processing times are 4-6 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, which costs an extra $60. These timelines do not include mailing times, which can add up to two weeks on each end. Always apply as early as possible before your planned travel dates.
The fees for a child under 16 are:
- Passport Application Fee: $100 for a book, $15 for a card.
- Facility Acceptance Fee: $35.
You can pay the application fee with a check or money order, while the acceptance facility may accept other payment methods.
What Happens If One Parent Cannot Be Present
The two-parent consent rule is strict, but the State Department has procedures for situations where one parent cannot attend the appointment. If an applying parent has sole custody of the child, they must submit legal proof, such as a court order, with the application.
If both parents share custody but one cannot be present, the absent parent must provide a signed and notarized letter of consent. This is done using Form DS-3053, the Statement of Consent. This form confirms they give permission for the passport to be issued. It must be submitted within three months of being signed.
In more complex situations, other forms may be needed:
- Form DS-5525: The Statement of Special Family Circumstances is used if you cannot locate the other parent. You may need to provide additional evidence, like an incarceration order or restraining order.
- Military Deployment: A deployed parent can typically provide a notarized Form DS-3053.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive a baby’s passport?
According to the Department of State, current processing times for a passport application are 4-6 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, which has extra passport fees. Remember that these times don’t include mailing, so you should plan for the total process to take longer. You can check your application status online.
Can babies use their birth certificates as travel identification?
A birth certificate is not a valid travel document for international air travel; a valid passport is required for all ages. However, a U.S. birth certificate can be used as citizenship evidence for children under 16 traveling by land or sea to Canada and Mexico instead of a passport.
What type of passport does an infant need for international travel?
For any international travel by air, an infant must have a valid passport book. The U.S. passport card is not accepted for air travel. It is only valid for entering the United States at land border crossings and seaports from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.