Child Passport Application in the USA

All citizens of the United States are eligible to apply for a US passport, including minors. However, there are plenty of differences in the application process. This article will explain the basics of a child’s US passport.

Table of contents

US passport application process for children
Documents needed for a child to apply for a US passport
How to take a passport photo for children
USA passport photo parameters for children
Get a USA passport photo for children online

US passport application process for children

Children's passport application differs from that of adults, as minors do not have the same legal rights and duties. This is most noticeable in the parents’ or guardians’ consent requirement. Here are the steps of the process:

Fill out the form

As is the case of an adult’s application, a child’s application starts with filling out the DS-11 form. The difference is that the parents or guardians need to fill this out for the child. You may fill it out online or download, print, then fill it out by hand.

Do not sign the form until you have been told to do so by the officer when applying in person.

Gather the required documents

The documents needed are proof of eligibility for a passport. In general, these are:

Evidence of US citizenship and its copy;
Proof of parental relationship or guardianship;
Parents’ IDs with copies;
Proof of parental consent;
Photo fulfilling requirements;
Application fee.

The complete list of documents and photo requirements are in the following sections.

Submit with a child in person and both parents or guardians

You must apply in person with your child along with all the needed documents and forms at a passport acceptance facility. If you’re currently abroad, apply to a US diplomatic mission.

Documents needed for a child to apply for a US passport

Evidence of US citizenship

Use one of the following documents:

Undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired);
US birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
- Issued by the city, county, or state of birth;
- Lists applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth;
- Lists the parent(s)' full names;
- Has the date filed with the registrar's office (must be within one year of birth);
- Has the registrar's signature;
- Has the seal of the issuing authority.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth;
Certificate of Citizenship.

Do not also forget to bring a copy of the chosen document. The copy must be:

Legible;
On white 8.5"x11" standard paper;
Black and white;
Single-sided.

Proof of parental relationship or guardianship

Use one of the following documents:

US birth certificate;
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth;
Foreign birth certificate;
Adoption decree;
Divorce/Custody decree.

Parents’ IDs with copies

IDs may be one of the following:

Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card;
In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with a photo;
Certificate of Naturalization;
Certificate of Citizenship;
Government employee ID;
U.S. military or military dependent ID;
Current (valid) foreign passport;
Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID);
U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card);
Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards);
Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs.

Copies of the IDs are also required.

Proof of parental consent

Suppose the child is not applying with both parents. In that case, the application will not be accepted without documental proof that your claim is justified, such as if you hold the sole legal authority, one parent is unable to appear or cannot be located, or even if neither parent can appear.

How to take a passport photo for children

Here are some tips on taking passport photos of children:

Place the child in a car seat or on his/her back on a blanket to ensure his/her head is supported;
Use a white/off-white blanket or sheet to provide a proper background;
Ensure the child’s eyes are open and the child is facing the camera;
Ensure there are no shadows on the face.

USA passport photo parameters for children

The photo used to apply must fulfill these requirements:

The picture must not be older than six months;
The photo’s background must be plain white;
The US visa photo size is 2x2 inches (5x5 cm) in print and 600 - 1200 pixels in digital;
Face to photo ratio: your face should occupy about 70% of the picture;
It is acceptable if the infant's eyes (particularly a newborn's) are not (fully) open.

Here is an example of a USA passport photo:

Get a USA passport photo for children online

Taking the right photo of your child for a passport application can already be tricky enough, but then it will still have to fulfill all the technical requirements. To save time and resources, you can trust professionals to take care of your photo.

Just take a picture of your child in good lighting with the tips above and upload it to our tool below.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.

Upload photo & Continue

Source

Result

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.