If you want to travel overseas from the U.S., you’ll need a passport for your baby (or kiddo!) It might seem like a lot of steps, but I promise that getting a passport for your baby is actually very simple.

My reel has a basic overview, but here it is in more detail:

** Note that this is current as of July 2024 but passport requirements for babies / kids can change at any time **

1 - We made our passport appointments at USPS.com Some appointments are also available at places such as libraries or other government centers. We found the post office to be the most convenient.

2- You will want to fill out the DS-11 form. You can get it from travel.state.gov (but also, if you just google “DS-11 form” it will take you to the right place). Fill it out ahead of time but DO NOT SIGN IT until you are with the official passport agent. If you’re unable to fill it out online, you can also pick up the form from a local passport acceptance agency.

3 - You need to provide proof of your child’s U.S. citizenship. We did this with the birth certificate. You need to bring the original document or a certified copy.

4 - Parents also need to bring their ID AND a photocopy of both the front and the back of the ID. To get a passport for a child, BOTH parents need to consent. If one parent can’t be at the appointment to consent, you’ll need a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053).

5 - You need to prove your relationship with the child. This was covered for us with the birth certificate.

6 - You need a photo of your child with a neutral expression, plain background, and no shadows. You can do this yourself and print it off. It’s a little cheaper that way but we preferred to just do it at the post office. It cost a little bit more ($15) but it was one less stop we had to make with a baby and a toddler. And this way, we didn’t have to worry about whether it was done right or not.

7 - The passport fee needs to be paid via check or money order payable to the US Department of State. The photo fee is a different fee which will be paid for separately.

It took us around 4 weeks to get our passports but this can always change!