Do kids need a passport?

Yes. If you’re traveling out of the country, everyone traveling internationally needs their own passport. That includes babies. Yes, even babies need a passport.

That means that if you want to fly internationally with your one-month-old baby, you first have to get him/her a passport.  If you show up at the airport without a passport for your child, you will not be allowed to get on the plane.

It used to be that kids could be on their parent’s passport, but that hasn’t been true for a long time.  Now, every US citizen traveling internationally needs their own passport.

How to get a child’s passport

Here are the steps to apply for a child's U.S. passport.

1. Gather the required documents

   You will need to provide proof of your child's U.S. citizenship, proof of your relationship to the child, and proof of your identity. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Citizenship, or Naturalization Certificate. You will also need to provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.

2. Fill out the passport application

   You can download the passport application form online at the U.S. Department of State's website or obtain it from a passport acceptance facility. You will need to fill out the form on behalf of your child if they are under 16 years old.

3. Have your child's photo taken

   You will need to provide a passport photo with your application. This photo should be taken within the past six months, show a clear image of your child's face, and meet all other passport photo requirements. You can have the photo taken at a passport acceptance facility, a passport photo service, or a professional photographer.

4. Submit the application and required documents

   You can submit your child's passport application in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or library. You will need to pay the passport fee at the time of application.

5. Wait for processing

   It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to process a child's passport application. You can check the status of your application online or by phone.

6. Get the passport

   Once your child's passport is ready, you will receive a notification in the mail. You will need to bring this notification, along with a government-issued photo ID, to a passport agency or passport acceptance facility to pick up your child's passport.

Both parents must provide consent for the passport

It's important to note that both parents or legal guardians must be present to apply for a child's passport unless one parent is unable to be present due to circumstances beyond their control (such as military deployment). In this case, you will need to provide a notarized statement of consent from the absent parent, as well as evidence of their inability to be present.

It's also important to keep in mind that the requirements for obtaining a child's passport may vary depending on the child's age and circumstances. For more information on applying for a child's U.S. passport, visit the U.S. Department of State's website or contact the National Passport Information Center.