What Is a Child Passport?
A child passport is an official travel document issued to minors, typically those under 16 years of age, to verify their identity and citizenship for international travel. It carries the same legal weight as an adult passport but has a shorter validity period and requires additional safeguards, including parental consent. Children of all ages, including newborns, need their own passport to travel internationally; they cannot be included on a parent's passport.
Who Needs a Child Passport?
Any minor traveling outside their home country requires a valid passport. This applies to infants, toddlers, and children of all ages. Even if a child is traveling with both parents, a separate passport must be issued in the child's name. Some countries have additional entry requirements for minors, such as notarized consent letters or proof of parental relationship, so it is important to research your destination's specific rules before traveling.
Required Documents for Application
The application process requires gathering several documents before visiting a passport acceptance facility. Having everything prepared in advance helps avoid delays and additional trips. The following documents are typically required:
- Completed passport application form (available online or at acceptance facilities)
- Proof of the child's citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or adoption decree
- Proof of parental relationship, typically established through the birth certificate or court order
- Valid government-issued photo identification for both parents or guardians
- One passport-sized photo of the child that meets current specifications (neutral expression, white background, no accessories)
- Payment for the application fee and any expedited processing charges
Parental Consent Requirements
Both parents or legal guardians must provide consent for a child's passport application. This requirement exists as a critical safeguard against international child abduction. Both parents should appear in person at the passport acceptance facility with valid identification. If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized statement of consent along with a photocopy of their identification.
Special Circumstances for Consent
- Sole custody: The applying parent must provide a court order granting sole custody or sole authority to travel
- Deceased parent: A certified death certificate must be submitted
- Absent or unreachable parent: The applying parent must file a statement explaining the circumstances and may need to provide additional documentation
- Adopted children: The final adoption decree serves as proof of parental relationship and authority
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Complete the passport application form. For minors under 16, use the designated minor application form (such as Form DS-11 in the United States).
- Gather all required documents, including the child's birth certificate, parental IDs, and a compliant passport photo.
- Locate a passport acceptance facility near you. Many post offices, libraries, and municipal offices serve as authorized facilities.
- Both parents and the child must appear in person at the acceptance facility. The child must be present regardless of age.
- Submit the application, supporting documents, and payment. Keep the receipt for tracking purposes.
- Track the application status online or by phone. Standard processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Passport Photos for Children
Taking a compliant passport photo of a young child or infant can be challenging, but with the right approach it is entirely manageable at home or at a professional studio. The child must be the only subject in the photo, with eyes open and a neutral expression. For infants, lay the baby on a white sheet or blanket to create a plain background, and have a parent gently support the child's head from behind without any hands visible in the frame. No toys, pacifiers, hats, or other objects should be visible in the photograph.
Photo Tips for Different Age Groups
- Newborns to 6 months: Lay the baby on a plain white surface, take multiple photos to capture one with eyes open, and ensure the face is evenly lit without shadows
- 6 months to 2 years: Use a car seat or high chair covered with a white sheet as a backdrop, and have a parent stand behind the camera to get the child to look directly at the lens
- 2 to 5 years: Have the child stand or sit against a white wall, and use a favorite toy held near the camera to capture their attention without appearing in the photo
- 6 to 15 years: Follow the same guidelines as adult passport photos, including a neutral expression with mouth closed and both eyes clearly visible
- The photo must be taken within the last six months and accurately represent the child's current appearance, including hairstyle and facial features
Validity, Renewal, and Transitioning to an Adult Passport
Child passports are valid for five years, compared to ten years for adult passports. This shorter validity period accounts for the rapid changes in a child's appearance during their growing years. When a child's passport expires or when the child reaches the age of 16, a new application must be filed. Child passports cannot be renewed by mail; each new application requires an in-person visit with all the same documentation and parental consent requirements. Planning ahead for renewal is especially important for families who travel frequently, as an expired passport cannot be used for travel under any circumstances.
Transitioning to an Adult Passport
When a minor turns 16, they become eligible to apply for an adult passport with a ten-year validity period. The application process changes at this age: only one parent needs to be present, and the applicant may sign their own passport. If the teenager already has a valid child passport, they can continue using it until it expires, but they should plan to apply for an adult passport well before their next international trip. The transition is a good opportunity to discuss passport safety and responsibility with your teenager, as they will now be managing their own travel document.
Tips for Traveling with Children
- Apply for the child's passport well in advance, as processing times can be lengthy during peak travel seasons, sometimes extending to 10 to 12 weeks
- Carry a certified copy of the child's birth certificate as a secondary form of identification and proof of parental relationship
- If traveling as a single parent, bring a notarized consent letter from the absent parent to avoid issues at border crossings, particularly in countries like Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa that strictly enforce this requirement
- Keep a photocopy or digital scan of the child's passport information page in case the original is lost or damaged during the trip
- Check destination-specific entry requirements for minors, as some countries have additional documentation rules including custody agreements or parental affidavits
- Pack the child's passport in a dedicated, easily accessible spot in your carry-on bag rather than burying it in checked luggage
- Consider purchasing a colorful passport cover for each child to quickly distinguish their documents from adult passports in a family stack
International Rules for Minors Traveling Alone
Some families need to arrange for a child to travel internationally without both parents present, whether for school trips, visits to relatives, or unaccompanied minor programs offered by airlines. Most airlines allow children aged 5 and older to fly as unaccompanied minors with special supervision services for an additional fee. Immigration authorities in many countries require unaccompanied minors or children traveling with only one parent to carry specific documentation, including notarized consent letters, custody orders, or proof that the accompanying adult has legal authority over the child. Failure to produce these documents can result in the child being denied boarding or entry at the destination.