Every child, including newborns, needs their own passport. Children under 16 always apply in person with form DS-11 at an acceptance facility, and both parents or guardians must agree.
Who must attend
- The child.
- Both parents or guardians, or one parent with form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) signed by the other parent and notarized, or proof of sole custody.
Documents
- Form DS-11, unsigned.
- The child's proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate) and a photocopy; it must list the parents, which also proves the relationship.
- Each parent's photo ID and photocopies.
- One photo of the child (photo rules).
Cost
$100 for a child's book plus the $35 acceptance fee: $135. A child's card is $15 plus $35. Child passports are valid for 5 years. See all fees.
Where to apply in California
Any of the 583 acceptance facilities accepts children's applications. Some families prefer offices with Saturday passport hours (246 in California), for example in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento and Fresno. Ages 16 and 17 follow adult rules with parental awareness; see how to get a passport.
Questions
Do both parents have to go?
Yes, for a child under 16, unless one parent signs form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) or you have documents showing sole custody.
How long is a child passport valid?
Five years for children under 16.
Sources
- U.S. Department of State, Passport Fees (updated October 9, 2025; checked November 6, 2026)
- U.S. Department of State, Get My Passport Fast (checked November 6, 2026)
- U.S. Department of State, Passport Forms
- U.S. Department of State, Passport Acceptance Facility Search (California offices, retrieved July 2026)
Independent guide, not a government website. Rules can change; the State Department has the final word.