Passport for Kids, 15 Years Old or Younger: A Parent's Complete Guide

Applying for a passport for your child might seem overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time navigating the process. Between collecting documents, understanding the rules, and scheduling an appointment, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s required or how to get started. But with a little preparation and the right information, it’s entirely manageable.

This guide is built specifically for parents and guardians applying for a passport for kids under age 16. We’ll break down every step clearly and help you avoid the common delays and confusion. Whether your child is preparing for their first international trip or you’re renewing a passport that’s about to expire, you’ll find everything you need here—including important details about documents, costs, timelines, and more.

Let’s get started by understanding why getting a passport for your child is a bit different than getting one for yourself.

Why getting a passport for your child is different.

Applying for a passport for kids under 16 involves more steps—and more safeguards—than applying for an adult passport. That’s because U.S. law has specific requirements to help prevent child abduction and protect minors during international travel.

Unlike adult applicants, children must apply in person and be accompanied by both parents or legal guardians. This rule ensures that both parents consent to the child’s international travel. In cases where only one parent can attend, additional documentation—like a notarized consent form or proof of sole custody—is required.

There are also stricter documentation standards. Parents must show proof of their relationship to the child, valid identification, and official evidence of the child’s U.S. citizenship. These additional checks may seem time-consuming, but they exist to protect children and ensure all travel is authorized.

Finally, children’s passports are valid for only five years (compared to ten years for adults), meaning families need to plan for renewals more frequently. If your child is approaching their fifth birthday with an upcoming trip on the horizon, it’s wise to check their passport expiration date now.

Who needs a child passport and when to apply.

In the eyes of U.S. passport law, any individual under the age of 16 is considered a minor and must follow the child passport application process. This applies whether your child is a newborn or a teenager up to their 16th birthday. Even if your child has previously held a passport, they cannot renew it by mail—children’s passports must be applied for in person, every time.

This process is mandatory for all international travel for kids, regardless of the destination. That includes air, land, and sea travel—even if you're just taking a cruise that docks in another country. If your child is a dual citizen or was born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, a children’s travel document may also be required from another country, but a U.S. passport is still essential for re-entry into the United States.

Parents should apply as early as possible to avoid travel disruptions, especially during busy travel seasons or if expedited processing might be needed. Some embassies, visa offices, or border crossings also require that a passport be valid for six months beyond the return date, making advance planning even more important.

When to start the application process.

It’s recommended to apply for your child’s passport at least 3–4 months before any planned travel. Standard passport processing can take 6–8 weeks, and that doesn’t include mailing time. If you opt for expedited service, processing may take about 2–3 weeks—but appointments, document collection, and scheduling still require time.

Unexpected delays can happen, especially if any required documents are missing or incomplete. Starting early helps ensure you have time to resolve issues without added stress.

Passport requirements for teens (16–17 years old).

Teenagers aged 16 or 17 fall into a transitional category. While they’re not considered full adults under passport law, they don’t follow the exact same rules as younger children. Teens must apply in person using the same DS-11 form, but typically only one parent or guardian needs to be present to provide consent.

They must show they have their own identification—such as a driver’s license or learner’s permit—and parental awareness of the application is still required. If the teen doesn’t have ID, a parent’s identification and co-signed statement may be needed. Like adult passports, teen passports are valid for 10 years.

Required documents for a child passport application.

To get a passport for kids under 16, parents must provide a specific set of documents that prove the child’s identity, U.S. citizenship, and legal relationship to the parents or guardians. Gathering these documents in advance is one of the most important steps in the application process. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork is one of the top reasons for delays.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Proof of U.S. citizenship.

To prove your child is a U.S. citizen, you must submit one of the following original documents (not photocopies):

• A U.S. birth certificate (issued by the city, county, or state)
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240
• A Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
• A Certificate of Naturalization

Hospital-issued birth certificates and photocopies are not accepted. If the document is not in English, an official translation must accompany it.

Proof of parental relationship.

You must also show documentation that confirms your legal relationship to the child. Acceptable options include:

• The child’s U.S. birth certificate (if it lists parent names)
• Adoption decree
• Court order establishing custody or guardianship
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad that includes parent names

These documents should be originals or certified copies. They will be returned after processing.

Valid ID for parents.

Both parents or guardians must present valid photo identification at the appointment. Acceptable forms include:

• U.S. passport (current or expired)
• Valid driver’s license
• Government employee ID
• U.S. military ID
• Permanent resident card (Green Card)

Bring both the original ID and a photocopy of the front and back of each ID used.

Parental consent requirements.

For children under 16, both parents or legal guardians must give consent. If both parents cannot attend the in-person appointment, you must follow one of these alternative procedures:

• One parent present: The absent parent must complete and notarize Form DS-3053, giving consent for the child’s passport application. A copy of the ID used during notarization must also be submitted.
• Sole custody: If only one parent has legal custody, they must bring official documentation showing sole authority. This might include a court order, death certificate, or a birth certificate listing only one parent.
• Special cases: In situations where a parent’s whereabouts are unknown, consult with a passport acceptance facility ahead of time. Additional documentation may be required.

How to get a child’s passport

Step 1: Select the speed of service and submit your request for a Child’s passport.

CIBTvisas will provide you with a list of documents needed for your passport order, processing fees for your requested service, and the next steps required to start your passport order with CIBTvisas.

Start your order here.

Step 2: Download your forms and requirements.

CIBTvisas’s Application Kit provides you with a summary of the Child Passport service, important information, a list of the personal documents you need to provide, step-by-step instructions for completing your passport order, as well as the required application forms you need to fill out.

Step 3: Send your personal documents and completed forms to CIBTvisas.

Once you have completed all the steps outlined in your passport application kit, you need to submit the required personal documents to your CIBTvisas location listed in the CIBTvisas Application Kit. We will begin processing your passport order as soon as we receive it. CIBTvisas will email you a summary of your passport order and will contact you if additional information is required.

Taking the right passport photo for your child.

One of the most common reasons child passport applications are delayed or rejected is an invalid photo. While the photo requirements may seem straightforward, getting a compliant photo—especially for babies and toddlers—can be challenging. Fortunately, with a few practical tips, you can ensure your child’s passport photo meets all official standards.

Photo requirements.

The U.S. Department of State has strict requirements for passport photos. These apply to both adults and children:

• Must be 2 x 2 inches in size
• Taken within the last six months
• White or off-white background
• Full face visible with a neutral expression or natural smile
• Child must look directly at the camera
• Eyes must be open and clearly visible
• No hats, head coverings, or glasses (unless for religious or medical reasons)
• No shadows, filters, or retouching

You can have your child’s photo taken at many passport acceptance facilities, pharmacies (like Walgreens or CVS), photo studios, or use a vprofessional service that specializes in children’s passport photos.

Tips for babies and toddlers.

Infants and toddlers can be the hardest to photograph, but these strategies can help:

• Lay the baby on a white sheet or blanket on the floor and photograph from above to ensure a plain background.
• Use natural lighting to avoid shadows—position the child near a window during the day.
• Support the baby’s head with a rolled-up towel under the blanket (but make sure nothing is visible in the photo).
• If photographing a baby in a car seat, cover the seat with a white sheet and make sure the baby’s face is fully visible with eyes open.
• Remove pacifiers, toys, and hands from the frame—nothing should obstruct the face.

Patience is key. You may need to take several shots before getting one that meets the requirements. Some professional services offer retakes or digital previews to ensure the image will be accepted.

How long it takes to get a child’s passport.

Processing times for a child’s passport depend on the service level you choose and how you submit your application. While routine government processing typically takes several weeks, families facing tight travel timelines often need a faster, more reliable option.

Routine processing.

Standard passport processing through the U.S. Department of State takes about 6 to 8 weeks, excluding mailing time. This is the most cost-effective method, but it requires planning well in advance—especially during peak travel seasons when delays are common.

Important reminders:

• Mail delays can extend turnaround time.
• Any missing or incorrect documents can result in additional processing time.
• Routine service is not ideal for families with upcoming international travel.

Expedited service options with CIBTvisas.

For families who need a child’s passport quickly, CIBTvisas offers expedited passport processing services that are faster and more streamlined than government options. Depending on your location and travel date, CIBTvisas can help you secure a passport in as little as one business day.

Through CIBTvisas' child passport service, you benefit from:

• Fast turnaround times (as quick as 1–2 days)
• Expert guidance to ensure application accuracy
• Document pre-checks to avoid delays or rejections
• White-glove service to help manage every step of the process

You can explore available expedited timelines and pricing by visiting CIBTvisas' children's passport services page.

This service is ideal if:

• You’re traveling within a few weeks
• You’ve discovered your child’s passport has expired or is missing
• You prefer assistance navigating the complex requirements for minors

While government expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 weeks (plus mailing time), CIBTvisas provides significantly faster options—along with personalized support from experts in children's travel documentation.

Final words of advice for parents.

Getting a passport for kids can feel like a lot—especially when you’re juggling schedules, paperwork, and travel deadlines. But with the right preparation and clear information, the process becomes far more manageable.

Remember:

• Start early. Even if you don’t have an exact travel date yet, it’s worth applying as soon as you think your child might need a passport.
• Stay organized. Keep all your documents, copies, and forms together in one place so nothing is missed on the day of your appointment.
• Know your options. If your timeline is tight, CIBTvisas can support you with fast, expert-guided processing to reduce stress and save time.

Most importantly, once your child has their passport in hand, the hardest part is over. That passport becomes a gateway to opportunity—whether it’s for a family reunion abroad, an educational exchange, or their very first overseas adventure. Each trip gets easier with experience, and future renewals won’t feel nearly as complex.

You've taken a big step toward preparing your child for safe, exciting, and compliant international travel.

We provide specialized passport services for minors under 18, including those with expired or lost passports. As a reminder, for children aged 15 years or younger, specific travel requirements must be met, and a U.S. child’s passport is essential for international travel. Once issued, a U.S. child’s passport is valid for up to five years.

How to Get a Child’s passport:

1. Select the speed of service and submit your request for a Child’s passport above.

   CIBTvisas will provide you with a list of documents needed for your passport order, processing fees for your requested service, and the next steps required to start your passport order with CIBTvisas.

2. Start your order.

   Select Start Order on the following page to complete CIBTvisas’ fast online passport order form.

3. Download your forms and requirements.

   CIBTvisas’s Application Kit provides you with a summary of the Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement service, important information, a list of the personal documents you need to provide, step-by-step instructions for completing your passport order, as well as the required application forms you need to fill out.

4. Send your personal documents and completed forms to CIBTvisas.

   Once you have completed all the steps outlined in your passport application kit, you need to submit the required personal documents to your CIBTvisas location listed in the CIBTvisas Application Kit. We will begin processing your passport order as soon as we receive it. CIBTvisas will email you a summary of your passport order and will contact you if additional information is required.