Minor’s Child Passport

Regardless of age, everyone traveling internationally must have a valid passport. Those under 16 years of age are considered a minor and will need to apply for a new passport, also called a child passport, or minor’s passport.

When applying for a minor’s passport, the minor and both parents or guardians must go to a local passport acceptance agent. There are additional procedures for extenuating circumstances in which both parents/guardians are not able to accompany the minor.

A passport issued to a minor is not eligible for renewal and is only valid for 5 years. Texas Passport Center’s experts are here to answer any of your questions as you navigate this process.

Get Your Child’s Passport in 3 Easy Steps!

Required Documents Checklist

Here is everything you’ll need:

DS11 Application for Child Passport

• Complete, download, and print two copies of the DS-11 application form from the government website. Hand written applications are not accepted. https://pptform.state.gov/
• DO NOT sign the application.
• You must sign the DS-11 application in front of an acceptance agent. Find an acceptance agent in your area https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
• One copy of the DS-11 is for the acceptance agent and one is for us.

Photograph (No Glasses or Hat)

• One recent, clear, front view, in color, professional 2″x2″ passport photo of the applicant with a plain white or off-white background.
  • In color
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
  • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size
  • Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
  • Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
  • Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
  • Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
  • With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open

Itinerary Required:

• Copy of your round-trip ticket, reservation, or letter from a travel agency under applicant’s name, listing flight number and arrival/departure dates and reservation code provided by the airline/cruise company. Official company letter on company letterhead are also accepted.

Government Fee (Check or Money Order):

• Make Payable to: U.S. Department of State. (Written Exactly)
• Check amount $179.53 for passport book or $194.53 for book and card.
• Unaltered (Do not change any of the printed information on the check)
• $35 execution fee. This can be paid by cash or credit card at the acceptance facility.
• No temporary checks.

Proof of Citizenship:

Original certified copy if U.S. Birth Certificate (must contain Both Parents names, Hospital Name, and has the registrar’s raised, embossed, or multicolored seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office; which must be within 1 year of your birth.) Please note that some short (abstract) versions of birth certificates may not be acceptable for passport purposes.

• A previous valid U.S. Passport
• Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS – 240)
• Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS – 1350)
• Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization from the USCIS

Primary Identification:

Please provide one of the following documents:

• A previously issued & undamaged U.S. passport
• A Valid Driver’s License
• A Naturalization Certificate
• A Current Government ID (sit, state or federal). Or
• A Current Military ID (for military applicants and dependents)

Complete Letter of Authorization:

The Letter of Authorization simply enables us to act in the capacity necessary to resolve and answer any problems that may arise.

Please read this section carefully as the process can be delayed if done incorrectly.

• The Letter of Authorization will be emailed once we have spoken and confirmed the order.
• Print the Letters of Authorization twice. One letter is for the acceptance agent and one is for us. Give one Letter of Authorization to the acceptance agent and give us one with your package.

Acceptance Agent: Once all documents have been gathered both parents and the child will need to have them sealed by an Acceptance Agent. Locate an acceptance agent at https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

Non-Attending Parent:

If both parents are not able to accompany the minor to the Acceptance Agent office please submit the following:

• Complete, download, & print the DS – 3053 Parental consent form from the government website.
• The DS – 3053 must be accompanied by a copy of the non-attending parents’ driver’s license (Both front & back)