Child Passport Instructions

Expedited Child Passport Service with 48HourPassport.com

Children under age 16 must apply for a U.S. passport in person using Form DS-11. Child passports cannot be renewed. Every child passport application is processed as a new passport application.

Our expedited passport service helps families prepare their child’s application and ensures the documents reach the U.S. Passport Agency as quickly as possible.

48 hours refers to agency processing time only and does not include shipping time.

Important Requirements for Child Passports

When applying for a child passport:

  • the child must appear in person
  • both parents are usually required to appear
  • proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship must be provided
  • proof of parental relationship must be shown

These requirements help protect children from international parental abduction.

Overview of the Child Passport Process

  1. Complete the passport application
  2. Gather the required documents
  3. Attend a passport acceptance appointment with the child
  4. Ship the sealed government envelope to our office
  5. Courier submission to the U.S. Passport Agency

Our Passport Specialists help ensure the application materials are properly prepared before submission.

Step 1 — Complete Form DS-11

Child passport applicants must complete:

Form DS-11 — Application for a U.S. Passport

This application can be completed online through the U.S. Department of State website and printed before the acceptance appointment.

Do not sign the application until instructed by the Passport Acceptance Agent.

Step 2 — Proof of the Child’s U.S. Citizenship

You must provide one of the following:

  • Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Certificate of Naturalization

The document must be an original or certified copy.

Step 3 — Proof of Parental Relationship

Documents showing the relationship between the child and the parent(s) may include:

  • the child’s birth certificate listing both parents
  • adoption decree
  • court order establishing parental guardianship

These documents confirm parental authority for the passport application.

Step 4 — Parent Identification

Both parents must present valid photo identification such as:

  • state driver’s license
  • state identification card
  • military identification
  • government employee identification

Photocopies of the identification documents must also be provided.

Step 5 — Passport Photo

You must provide:

  • one passport photo of the child
  • size 2 x 2 inches
  • taken within the last six months

Many pharmacies and shipping centers offer passport photo services.

Step 6 — Passport Acceptance Appointment

Children must appear in person before a Passport Acceptance Agent along with their parent(s).

These agents are commonly located at:

  • post offices
  • county clerk offices
  • municipal government offices
  • libraries

At the appointment:

  • the agent reviews the documents
  • the application is signed
  • all materials are placed into a sealed government envelope

Do not open the envelope.

Step 7 — Send Documents to Our Office

After the acceptance appointment, ship the following to our office:

  • sealed government envelope
  • passport photo (if not included)
  • service documents and payment authorization

We recommend using secure overnight shipping with tracking.

Step 8 — Courier Submission to the Passport Agency

Our courier hand-delivers your child’s passport application to the U.S. Passport Agency.

Once accepted by the agency, passport processing can occur in as little as 48 hours.

Processing time does not include shipping time.

Special Situations

If one parent cannot appear at the acceptance appointment, a signed consent form from the absent parent may be required.

Your Passport Specialist can help explain these situations before your appointment.

Helpful Passport Resources

You may also want to review:

Need a Child Passport Quickly?

If your child needs a passport for an upcoming trip, our Passport Specialists can guide you through the expedited application process.

Start Your Expedited Passport Order

Common Child Passport Delays

Delays often occur due to:

  • Missing second parent consent
  • Incorrect Form DS-3053
  • Expired or invalid photo
  • Incomplete custody documentation
  • Child not present at appointment
  • Incorrect form completion

Careful preparation reduces these risks.