When I first decided to travel with Hirah outside the country, I had no idea just how many little steps went into getting a child’s passport. It’s not complicated once you know the process, but I’ll be honest — the first time, I was overwhelmed by forms, rules, and what documents we actually needed.
So, here’s our story — and hopefully a helpful guide — if you’re about to get your child’s passport for the first time.
Step 1 – Gathering the Documents
I started with the checklist on the official U.S. State Department website. For a child under 16, you’ll need:
- Form DS-11 (not signed until you’re in front of the passport acceptance agent)
- Your child’s birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Both parents’ or guardians’ IDs (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- A copy of each parent’s ID (front and back)
- One passport photo of your child that meets the size and background requirements
Since both parents have to give consent, we made sure we both went together. If one parent can’t go, there’s an extra form (DS-3053) that needs to be notarized.
Step 2 – Taking the Passport Photo
This part was surprisingly tricky. Kids don’t always love sitting still, especially with a camera pointed at them under bright lights. We went to a pharmacy that offers passport photos and asked if we could take a few breaks in between. They were patient, and after a few tries, we got a photo with Hirah’s eyes open and mouth relaxed — the perfect “passport face.”
Step 3 – The Appointment
For children, you have to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or county office. I made an appointment online to save time. We brought all our documents, the form, and payment (check or money order — most places won’t take cards for passport fees).
The agent reviewed everything, asked us to sign in front of them, and then sealed the documents in an envelope. They sent it off to the passport processing center.
Step 4 – Waiting (and Tracking)
Processing times can change depending on the season. Standard service took about 6-8 weeks for us, but you can pay extra for expedited service if you have travel dates coming up soon. I tracked our application online using the passport status tracker.
Step 5 – The Day It Arrived
When the passport finally came in the mail, I felt a mix of excitement and relief. Holding that little navy-blue booklet meant the world was officially open to us — we could show Hirah new places, cultures, and experiences.
A Few Parent Tips
- Make copies of the passport once you receive it and store them separately from the original.
- Check the expiration date — kids’ passports are only valid for 5 years.
- Plan ahead — don’t wait until last minute; delays do happen.
Getting Hirah’s passport wasn’t just paperwork. It was the first step in giving her the gift of seeing the world.
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