Do Babies Need Passports for U.S. Immigration?
If you’ve recently welcomed a new baby and are planning to travel abroad, you may be wondering: “Do babies need passports?” The answer is yes. Under U.S. law, all U.S. citizens—including newborns and minors—must have their own passports to travel internationally. Babies are not exempt from this requirement. For children under the age of 16, including infants, passports are valid for five years.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about obtaining a passport for your baby, including the application process, required documents, and frequently asked questions.
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How to Get a Passport for a Baby
The first step in securing a passport for your baby is completing Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. By law, applications for babies and minors must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency by the child’s legal guardians or parents. Importantly, the baby must also be present.
- Fill out the required sections in black ink.
- If you need a larger passport book with more than 52 pages, you can request it free of charge by checking the “large book” box.
- Do not sign the form until instructed to do so by a passport official.
On the form, you will provide details such as:
- Your baby’s full name, date of birth, gender, place of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN).
- Your contact information, including phone number, email, and mailing address.
If your baby does not yet have a Social Security Number, you must submit a signed statement declaring under penalty of perjury that your child has never been issued an SSN by the Social Security Administration.
The second page of Form DS-11 requires the parents’ or guardians’ biographic information, including names, dates of birth, citizenship status, physical description, and contact details.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
To prove your baby’s U.S. citizenship, you must provide one of the following original or certified documents (not photocopies):
- A U.S. birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state of birth that includes:
- Baby’s full name, date and place of birth
- Parents’ full names
- Date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
- Registrar’s signature and official seal
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or Certification of Birth
- Certificate of Citizenship
Parents or legal guardians must also provide their own proof of U.S. citizenship, typically with a valid U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate.
Proving Parental Relationship
To show that you are the baby’s legal parents, you may submit one of the following:
- U.S. birth certificate (also serves as citizenship proof)
- CRBA or Certification of Birth
- Foreign birth certificate
- Adoption decree
- Divorce or custody decree
Acceptable Parental Identification
Parents must present valid identification, such as:
- A U.S. passport (valid or expired)
- State-issued driver’s license with photo
- Certificate of citizenship or naturalization
- U.S. military ID
- Government employee ID
- U.S. permanent resident card (green card)
- Valid foreign passport
- Trusted traveler IDs (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS)
Digital IDs will not be accepted, and those with out-of-state identification must provide additional proof of identity.
Do Both Parents Need to Be Present?
Not always, but additional documentation may be required:
- If one parent has sole legal authority, legal evidence such as a court order, adoption decree, or death certificate must be provided.
- If both parents share custody but one cannot be present, the absent parent must complete Form DS-3053: Statement of Consent, notarized and accompanied by a copy of their ID.
- In rare cases where one parent cannot be located, you may need to file Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances with supporting evidence.
If neither parent can be present, a third party may apply with proper authorization and notarized consent forms.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card
While both serve as proof of identity, a passport book is required for all international air travel. A passport card may be sufficient for land and sea travel to certain countries but is not valid for international flights.
Passport Fees for Babies
The application and execution fees for Form DS-11 must be paid separately. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
Tracking Application Status
You can check the status of your child’s passport online using their last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their SSN. Updates typically appear within two weeks of applying.
If your passport is marked as mailed but not received within 90 days, you must complete Form DS-86. After that timeframe, you will need to reapply and pay new fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a child’s passport valid?
Passports for children under 16 are valid for five years.
Can I renew my infant’s passport with Form DS-82?
No, you must reapply with Form DS-11.
Can babies travel without a passport?
No. All U.S. citizens, including newborns, need a passport for international air travel.
Can a baby travel by land or sea without a passport?
In some cases, a birth certificate may be sufficient. However, a passport is required for flights.
At what age should I apply for a baby’s passport?
As soon as possible—many parents apply within the first year.
How long does processing take?
Standard processing takes about 6–8 weeks. Expedited service is faster.
Do children born in the U.S. automatically get citizenship?
Yes, any child born on U.S. soil is automatically a U.S. citizen.
How Green Card Link Can Help
If you need assistance with your baby’s passport application or have broader immigration concerns, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link are here to guide you. From family reunification to employment-based immigration, our team provides compassionate and professional support tailored to your situation.
Contact Green Card Link today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward securing your family’s future in the United States.