Traveling with a baby is an exciting experience but can also be daunting when you think about all the paperwork and documentation needed. And one of the essential documents for international travel with your baby is a passport. According to the U.S. Department of State, babies and children need their passports to travel abroad.
Read more: Do Babies Need Passports? A Comprehensive Guide.
You’ll need to take specific steps when applying for a passport for your baby. Here is the ultimate guide on how to get a passport for your baby.
What Documents Are Needed to Get a Passport for a Baby?
When it comes to getting a passport for your baby, there are certain documents you need to have in order. These include the following:
- A completed and signed application (Form DS-11).
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship: Your child’s original, long-form birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified copy).
- Proof of parental relationship: A valid government-issued identification card with a photograph of both parents, such as a driver’s license or passport. If only one parent appears on the birth certificate, the other will need to provide additional documentation, such as a court order and adoption certificate.
- Passport photo: Your child must have a separate passport photo taken within the last six months.
- Payment: The applicable fee for the passport application can be paid with a check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State.
In addition to the documents outlined above, you may also need to provide additional evidence if your child was born abroad or out of wedlock.
It is important to note that both parents – or the legal guardian – must appear together at the passport office when applying for a passport on behalf of their minor child. For security reasons, notarized parental consent may not be accepted.
Steps To Apply for a Baby’s Passport
1. Gather required documents
To apply for a passport for your baby, you will need to provide two recent, identical passport photos of the baby and proof of the baby’s U.S. citizenship.
2. Fill out the passport application form
You must fill out your baby’s DS-11 passport application form. The parent or guardian filling out this form must have a valid photo ID present when submitting it.
3. Visit a passport acceptance facility
Once you have all the documents, you will need to take them to an authorized U.S. passport acceptance facility and review them.
4. Pay the fees
The total cost for a baby’s passport will depend on the type of passport you are applying for and how quickly you need it processed.
5. Submit supporting documents
Along with your application form and fees, you must submit any additional documents required for the passport application.
6. Receive the passport
Once it is processed, you will receive it in the mail. It typically takes 4-6 weeks for a baby’s passport to be approved and delivered to you.
Getting a passport for a baby can seem like a daunting process, but with the correct information, it can be surprisingly simple. Contact Passport Express, the best passport office in Roswell, GA. We offer expedited service and a step-by-step guide to help you on your passport journey.
