How to Easily Get a Passport for Your Baby: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re planning a family trip abroad, one of the first things you’ll need is a passport for your baby. Traveling with Aydin has been one of the most special moments of motherhood for me, and sharing my love of traveling the world with my son has been the ultimate gift. Getting a passport for a baby might sound daunting and you may not know where to start or what is the best options. Keep reading below and I’ll walk you through a step by step guide through the entire process!
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Before you even think about scheduling an appointment, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready and start early. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Baby’s Birth Certificate: This must be an original or certified copy, showing both parents’ names.
- Parental Identification: A valid, government-issued photo ID for each parent (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
- Passport Application Form DS-11: You can fill this out online and print it or pick one up at the passport acceptance facility.
Step 2: Schedule Your Appointment
Now that you have your documents, it’s time to schedule your appointment. You can do this at a nearby USPS location or another passport acceptance facility. Some locations offer walk-in services, but it’s usually safer to make an appointment, especially if you’re on a tight timeline.
Step 3: Take the Perfect Passport Photo
Many USPS locations offer passport photo services at the time of your appointment, so you can get everything done in one trip. Alternatively, you can take the photo at home, just make sure it meets the requirements. We decided to use the passport photo services at our local USPS location. Taking a passport photo of a baby can be a bit tricky, here are some tips:
- Background: Use a plain white or off-white background.
- Positioning: Ensure your baby is facing forward with both eyes open. A good tip is to lay your baby on a white sheet and take the photo from above.
- Size: The photo must be 2×2 inches.
Baby Photo Hack
If you have a bouncer chair, bring it with a white bedsheet to the photography location. Place the sheet over the back of the chair and pop your baby in it for the photo. This makes it much easier to get a nice picture.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
When it’s time to submit your application, you’ll need to bring your baby with you to USPS or a nearby passport acceptance facility if you’re applying for the first time. Both parents must be present, or you’ll need a signed and notarized statement of consent from the absent parent.
You can check the status of your application using the government’s passport application status tracker.
Costs and Processing Time
While the average processing time may vary, standard passport processing usually takes 10-13 weeks. To avoid unnecessary stress, I recommend applying for your baby’s passport at least 3 months before your trip.
The total cost for a baby’s passport is typically around $100-$135. This includes the application fee and execution fee. If you opt to have the passport photo taken at the post office, that’s usually an additional $15.
If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for expedited processing for an additional $60, cutting the wait time down to 7-9 weeks. For those with even more urgent needs, some passport agencies offer urgent travel processing. You can get your baby’s passport as soon as the next day by showing printed proof of international travel within 14 calendar days.
Tips for Coordinating Around Your Baby
- Timing: Try to schedule your appointment around nap times to avoid a cranky baby. Our son fell asleep right before the photo so we had to pull out all the stops to wake him up and keep his eyes open.
- Be Prepared: Bring along snacks, toys, and a stroller or carrier to keep your little one comfortable while you wait.
- Dress Code: Dress your baby in something simple—no hats or headbands that could interfere with the photo.
Final Thoughts
Getting a passport for your baby might seem like a big task, but with a bit of preparation, it’s a breeze. By following these steps, you’ll be one step closer to your family’s next big adventure. Safe travels!
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with other parents who might be in the same boat. Happy passport hunting!
You might also be interested in: Infant Packing Checklist
