A 6 Step Guide to Getting Your Child A Passport (With A Free Printable)

We recently took our girls to “renew” their passports and I was reminded of how tricky and involved this process can be. My husband and I visited several websites to make sure we had everything we needed.

To make this a little easier next time, I created a guide with a free printable checklist that includes everything you need to do to get your child a passport.

A Few Notes about Kids’ Passports:

• Passport applications take up to 6 weeks to process unless you request expedited service which is more expensive and may need to be submitted through a US passport agency or, if this is not possible, through an express passport service.
• Make sure you apply for a passport at least 2 months before your trip — I recommend 4-6 months in advance to allow for any delays or problems.
• Children’s passports (under 16) expire after 5 years (as opposed to adult passports that expire after 10 years).
• There is no renewal process for minors (children under 16) so the process is the same as if it is their first passport.
• Both parents have to be present with the child when applying unless forms are filled out for a parent who cannot come due to separation, divorce, death, etc. (see more details below)

Step One: Get a 2×2 Passport Photo

• You can save money and take your own photo, although there are several rules and regulations for photos to be accepted (neutral face, specific measurements, no shadows, white background, etc.). We tried this once and several were rejected.
• Walgreens and CVS take photos for about $14 for 2 photos (per person).
• Costco Charges around $6.
• AAA Premier Members offers free passport photos.
• Some Post Offices will provide passport photos for $15.
• Many Target, Sams, Rite Aid, FedEx, and UPS stores also take passport photos.

Step Two: Print & Fill Out the Online Passport Application (one for each child)

Online Passport Application — There are 22 questions on 2 pages. You can either fill it out online and print or print the document and fill out by hand. Personal information that is requested includes the full name, date and place of birth, sex, phone number, travel plans, and an emergency contact.

Step Three: Gather all of the Required Documents

1. The child’s evidence of U.S. Citizenship such as:
   • Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state (must be long form)
   • A previously issued, undamaged passport
   • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
   • Naturalization Certificate
   • Certificate of Citizenship
2. The Parents’ or guardians’ proof of relationship to child such as:
   • U.S. birth certificate
   • Foreign birth certificate
   • Adoption decree
   • Divorce/Custody decree
3. Photo ID of parents/guardians or child

The parents or guardians who are applying for the child’s passport must submit a photo ID. Acceptable IDs or documents include an undamaged passport or a valid driver’s license. Typically the office will photocopy this for you but you can also photocopy it yourself onto plain white paper that is 8 1/2 x 11″ in size. Images can only be on one side of the paper.

4. Photocopy of identification documents for special circumstances (see other special circumstances here):

If the minor has only one parent/guardian evidence, you must submit evidence of sole authority. This can be:

• U.S. or foreign birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or adoption decree, listing only the applying parent
• Court order granting sole legal custody to the applying parent (unless child’s travel is restricted by that order)
• Court order specifically permitting applying parent’s travel with the child
• Judicial declaration of incompetence of the non-applying parent
• Death certificate of the non-applying parent

Step Four: Make an appointment at your local post office that processes passports (you can do this online) or at a passport office.

Contact the nearest application acceptance facility. Most of them are located in post offices — but not all post offices are passport facilities. Call or look online to schedule an appointment time — some post offices have very specific passport application days and hours. Also, some don’t take appointments and you have to wait in line during specific hours. If possible, schedule an appointment!

Step Five: Determine Fees Required (& Bring a Checkbook)

You need to pay the child passport fees that average around $135 per child. There is an application fee ($85) and an execution fee ($35). The first is paid to the Department of State and the second to the attending agent. The application fee must be paid with a check or money order. The execution fee can be paid with a credit card.

Step Six: Head to The Passport Application Acceptance Office With Everything

Bring your passport photo, your completed and printed online passport application, all of your required documents, a checkbook, both parents (unless special circumstances) and any kids getting a passport to the appointment! Expect the appointment to last 30 minutes to an hour. Bring books, small games or activities for the kids to stay occupied while waiting.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get those passports and show your kids the world!

Here are some of the ways we budget for family travel, and how to help your kids find their wanderlust!