How to apply for a US passport for your baby? 07 Steps Full Guide

Did you know that even newborns need a passport for international travel? When I first had to apply for my baby’s US passport, I was surprised by how many steps were involved. It felt like a daunting process with all the paperwork, forms, and requirements.

If you’re in the same boat and wondering how to apply for a US passport for your baby, don’t stress—I’ve been there. From gathering documents to scheduling that all-important appointment, I’ve navigated the process and learned a few tips along the way.

Let me walk you through it step by step, so you can get your baby’s passport with ease and focus on the exciting adventures ahead.

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📝 07 Step Full Guide To US Passport for Newborn Babies

Below are the main steps we to follow while applying US passport for your child

• Step 1: Fill up form DS-11
• Step 2: Proving US citizenship
• Step 3: Relationship evidence
• Step 4: Parents’ identity proof
• Step 5: Parents’ identification photocopy
• Step 6: In the case of a parent/guardian’s absence
• Step 7: Paying fees and providing 2 passport-size photos

Step 1: Fill up form DS-11

Download the form from the website USCIS and fill it up according to the guidelines provided.

• The parents of the applicant ( the newborn in this case) must be present in person when submitting the application form. The legal guardian of the newborn must be present along with the infant for completion of the application submission procedure.
• The Form DS-11 must be completed thoroughly with the newborn’s full name, the baby’s social security number, and other personal information that needs to be provided.
• Any supporting documents that might be necessary should be submitted as the officials advise.
• The application form cannot be signed unless the parents receive instructions to do so.

Also Read: How to Legally Obtain a Second Passport Through Investment Programs

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Step 2: Proving US citizenship

The parents must submit any document that serves as evidence to prove that the infant is a US citizen.

• Certified birth certificate 
• Citizenship certificate
• Any US passport if issued previously
• Birth abroad with a consular report

Note that no unregistered or duplicate birth certificates are accepted.

The birth certificate that will be provided must have a registrar’s signature, date, and seal and has to be registered from a concerned registering office.

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Step 3: Relationship evidence

The proof of the relationship that parents have with the infant must be presented for the application verification process. The documents which will be submitted should be the original copy.

• The certified birth certificate is the most ideal method of proving the relationship as it indicates the names of both parents.
• If the child was not born in the US and does not have residential certified citizenship.
•  The foreign birth certificate is to be submitted which usually contains both parents’ names.
• The birth report of the child should be presented.

In the case where the child is adopted, the parents must submit the following documents:

• An adoption certificate with parents’ names on it.
• The birth certificate was registered with the parents’ names.

In the case where there is a guardian of a newborn baby, they must submit:

• The court order established custody of the child.
• Guardianship certificate issued by the court.
• Previously made US passports are not approved to prove the relationship with parents.
• If the child is under the sole custody of a parent, then the parent must present the proof of sole custody or the court order to get the form signed by another parent under special circumstances.

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Step 4: Parents’ identity proof

The parents should be able to provide any kind of identity proof for the application approval. The documents accepted are as follows:

• US passport which isn’t damaged. Condition to prove their identity.
• A driver’s license will also work if it is valid.
• Current Government ID or military ID (if any).
• Naturalization certificate.

If the above-mentioned documents are not available, then there are other options too such as:

Secondary identity proof:

Some documents can be used to prove identity and these must be submitted together.

• Social Security card
• Library card
• Credit/debit card
• employee ID

These documents do not get approval if they are presented alone. Any witness can also be brought along who can prove the identity and swear by it. However, there are a few things to be noted before the person can be a witness:

• The witness must be of US citizenship and residential.
• They should have valid identity proof.
• Must be present while the application is being submitted
• The witness must have known the person for more than 2 years.

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Step 5: Parents’ identification photocopy

The parents must be able to submit a photocopy of their identification 

• The photocopy must be presented with the identification documents while applying.
• If there is more than one child, then an individual passport application should be submitted for each child along with documents and identity proof.
• The paper should be plain white 81/2*11′ and a standard stock paper that will show both sides of the ID. The other types of papers are not accepted.
• Both sides of the paper should not be used.
• The image size can be enlarged, but cannot be made smaller on that standard stock paper.
• The photocopies of all the secondary identification must also be attached in the same manner as stock paper.
• If there is a case of any witness or applicant being disabled, then the assisting individual must present the required photocopies on their behalf with identity proof.
• The person who acts as a witness in the process will need to submit his/her photocopies of identity.

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Step 6: In the case of a parent/guardian’s absence

For the application of form DS-11, both parents must be available at the time of verification by the Acceptance Agent but there may be some exceptions such as:

If only one parent is present:

• The parent must be present with the infant or child while submitting.
• The parent must sign the Form DS-11 in the presence of the Acceptance Agent.
• The consent statement of the second parent may be needed during the inspection.

If the parent has sole custody of the child:

• The parent must appear with the newborn baby.
• They should sign the form DS-11 in front of an Acceptance Agent.
• The sole authority certificates must be presented.

The evidence of the sole authority of the infant can be provided:

• A letter from the second parent to consent to the application should be less than 3 months old.
• A birth certificate mentioning only the applying parent.
• Consular report and certification of birth abroad, which lists only the applying parent.
• The court order grants a sole parent and as the only applying parent
• Adoption decree(if any)
• Death certificate of the parent who is unavailable for application.
• The juridical notation of incompetence of the parent who is not applying.

If any of the mentioned forms and certificates are not available, then the parent must fill up form DS-3053 which will state why the other parent is not present at the time of application.

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Step 7: Paying fees and providing 2 passport-size photos

• Two color photos of the infant must be attached.
• The photos should not have differences, and the official size is 2X2 inches.
• The changes in human appearance are frequent, the photos attached must have been recently taken.
• The child’s face should be visible in the photo with a white background.
• The photos must have the baby’s face, and no other individual should be visible.
• The pictures should be taken in an upright position, and if the baby cannot do so, the parent can use any white surface as a background, and the baby can lie down on it for pictures.

The fees range for different types of forms, and the Form Ds-11 charges are as follows:

• Application fees: 95$
• Execution fees: 35$

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🤷 How long does it take to get a passport for a baby in the US?

Usually, it takes around 4 to 6 weeks to process the application for a baby passport.

Parents can use expedited services which can cost an additional 60$ as they process it within three weeks or 8 to 10 business days.

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🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQs About How to apply for a US passport for your baby

People have a lot of questions while applying for passports for their kids some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.

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😇 Conclusion

The best way to apply is to visit a passport agency nearby and always carry the required documents with you, so the passport application can be processed instantly. Checking the Department of State website will keep you updated with the vital information that may be necessary for the application. Confirming these points will make the procedure prompt and simple.

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🗨️ Please share your suggestions in the comments section on how to apply for your child’s US passport.

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