How to Apply for Your Child’s First Passport Without the Stress

Planning your first international trip with your child is exciting, until you realize you need to apply for their very first passport. Suddenly, what should be a simple step can feel overwhelming. Between government forms, specific photo rules, identity checks, and fees, the process can look like a maze, especially for first-time parents.

Luckily, getting your child’s passport doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a little expert support from services like Get My Passports, you can make the process quick, smooth, and stress-free.

Let’s go step by step so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Children Need Their Own Passport

Many parents assume that since their child has a birth certificate, that’s all they’ll need. But for international travel, every U.S. citizen—regardless of age—must have their own passport. That means even newborns need one if they’re going abroad.

Having a passport also helps beyond travel:

• It serves as an official form of identification.
• It simplifies future renewals since you’re starting the process early.
• It ensures you’re ready for emergencies—like a sudden family trip or unexpected travel needs.

In short, getting your child’s passport is less about the paperwork and more about opening doors to travel opportunities.

What You Need Before You Apply

The most common reason families get delayed in the process is missing paperwork. To save yourself the hassle of last-minute scrambling, here’s the full checklist of what you’ll need:

1. Form DS-11: This is the official U.S. passport application for minors. Fill it out online or by hand, but don’t sign it until you’re at your appointment.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Usually, this is your child’s original birth certificate, showing they were born in the U.S. If they were born abroad, you’ll need a consular report of birth abroad or a certificate of citizenship.
3. Proof of Parental Relationship: Most of the time, the birth certificate works for this as well. Adoption decrees or guardianship papers may also apply.
4. Parent/Guardian ID: Both parents must show a valid ID, like a driver’s license or passport. Bring photocopies of those IDs as well.
5. Passport Photo: One recent color photo of your child, 2×2 inches, with specific background and quality requirements. Pro tip: don’t try to DIY this on your phone. Go to a professional service that knows the passport rules.
6. Payment: Fees vary depending on standard or expedited processing. You’ll typically need two payments—one for the application and one execution fee.

Having these items ready before you walk into your appointment saves you time and stress.

How to Apply for Your Child’s First Passport – Steps 

The application process is pretty straightforward. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Step 1: Fill Out Form DS-11

Download and complete the form carefully. Double-check all the details; errors or omissions can cause delays. And remember, don’t sign it until you’re in front of the acceptance agent. Also, this form must be submitted in person, not by mail.

Step 2: Get the Passport Photo Right

Passport photos are stricter than normal snapshots. Children, especially infants, can make this tricky. The photo must be:

• 2×2 inches in size
• Taken in color with a plain white background
• Face looking directly at the camera, eyes open

For infants, you can lay them on a white sheet and take the photo from above, making sure there are no shadows. If you’d rather not worry about the details, many pharmacies, post offices, and photo centers specialize in passport photos for kids.

Step 3: Gather the Right Documents

This is where many parents feel overwhelmed—digging up paperwork. The most important part is making sure you bring original documents or certified copies. Photocopies won’t be accepted.

Pro tip: Organize everything in a folder. Place your child’s birth certificate, your IDs, and the filled DS-11 form together. That way, you’re not scrambling the night before your appointment.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment

Unlike adults, children’s first passports must be applied for in person. You’ll need to visit an official passport acceptance facility, which could be a post office, library, or county clerk’s office. Both parents must attend with the child.

Appointments can fill up fast, especially before holiday seasons. Booking early ensures you get a convenient time and avoid last-minute stress.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

As of now, the application fee for a child’s passport book is $100, plus a $35 acceptance fee. If you need the passport faster, you can pay extra for expedited processing, which reduces the waiting time from 8–11 weeks to as little as 3–5 weeks.

Step 6: Submit and Track Your Application

Once you’ve submitted everything, you’ll receive a receipt with a tracking number. You can use it on the U.S. State Department website to check the status.

Most parents breathe easier at this stage—it’s just a waiting game now.

Stress-Free Tips for Parents

Even when you know the process, a few extra tips can make things much smoother:

• Double-Check Documents: Make sure all forms, IDs, and proof of citizenship are ready before your appointment.
• Plan Ahead: Apply well before your trip to avoid last-minute pressure.
• Use Expedited Services: If you’re short on time, expedited processing ensures the passport arrives quickly.
• Get the Photo Right: A clear, compliant photo is essential—poor photos are one of the most common reasons for delays.
• Keep Copies: Save both paper and digital copies of all documents for your records.
• Prepare Your Child: Show them how to sit still and look at the camera for the photo.

These small but practical steps can save time, prevent mistakes, and make the entire process smoother.

Final Thoughts

Applying for your child’s first passport feels like a big job, but it’s completely manageable with the right approach. Preparation is key: gather documents early, make your appointment, and check everything twice before submission.

And if you’d rather avoid the stress, Get My Passports is the easiest way to make sure the process is done right and on time. They’ve already helped countless families and can do the same for you.

So instead of worrying about forms and deadlines, shift your focus to the fun part: planning the adventures you’ll enjoy once your child’s passport is safely in hand.