Get a child's passport (under 16)
Getting a passport for a child under 16 usually means an in-person application with both parents or guardians, the right documents, and a clear choice between applying directly with the government yourself or asking Passlane to match you, for free, with an independent private expediter.
What this is
A child under 16 cannot usually renew by mail like many adults. In most cases, you must apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, following the official government rules.
Usually, the child must appear in person. Both parents or guardians generally need to come and show consent. If one parent cannot attend, there is usually a special consent form and extra documentation. The government decides what is accepted.
Passlane is a free matching service. We explain the process in plain language and, if you want, connect you with an independent private passport expediter. Passlane is an independent private company. It is not the U.S. Department of State, not the National Passport Information Center, not USCIS, and not an embassy or consulate. We do not issue passports, process government applications, or give legal or immigration advice.
You can always apply directly with the government yourself at no service charge. If you have a legal or immigration question, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.
How the child passport process works
For a first passport or any passport for a child under 16, the usual route is an in-person DS-11 application. You bring the child, the completed form, proof of the child's U.S. citizenship, proof of the parent or guardian relationship, parent ID, a passport photo, and payment for the official government fee.
Common places to apply include post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and other passport acceptance facilities. In urgent cases, some families may qualify for an appointment at a passport agency, such as travel within about 14 days or a life-or-death emergency. These routes depend on official availability and government rules.
Typical timing changes over time, but a common estimate is routine service around 4 to 6 weeks and expedited service around 2 to 3 weeks, with an extra government expedite fee. For a simple overview, see timelines and fees.
If you want help understanding faster private options, Passlane can connect you at no cost to you with an independent expediter through get matched. The expediter's service fee is separate from the official government fee, and government approval is never guaranteed.
Documents, consent, and fees
Families often worry most about documents. While requirements can vary by situation, many child passport applications need:
- Form DS-11
- Proof of the child's U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or prior U.S. passport if allowed
- Proof of parental relationship
- Parent or guardian photo ID
- One passport photo of the child
- Evidence of parental consent if one parent cannot appear
For children under 16, both parents generally need to consent. If one parent is unavailable, the government may accept other documents, such as a notarized consent statement or evidence explaining why only one parent can appear. It is important to follow the official instructions carefully because missing consent documents can delay the application.
Fees can be confusing. There is an official government application fee and sometimes other official charges, such as expedite fees. Confirm the current amount on the official government website. If you use a private expediting company, that company may also charge a separate service fee. That private fee is not included in the government fee.
Passlane's website forms collect only contact information and request details so we can help point you in the right direction. We do not ask for your Social Security number, passport number, or scanned identity documents on the site.
Faster routes and when to get help
If you need the passport sooner, there are a few legitimate ways to try to move faster. The main official options are:
- Expedited service from the government, usually for an extra official fee
- Urgent travel appointments when you qualify, often for travel within about 14 days
- Life-or-death emergency appointments in limited situations
Some travelers also choose to hire a private passport expediter. A private expediter does not approve passports. The government still makes the decision. But an expediter may help with review, courier delivery, appointment logistics, and hand-carrying documents where allowed. This can be useful when time is short and your paperwork is already eligible for faster handling.
Passlane does not provide the expediting service itself. We are a matching and information service only. We can explain the normal process, help you understand common timing, and connect you with an independent provider if you want. You can also read how to expedite a passport and still choose to file directly with the government on your own.
No one can promise a passport by a certain date, and no one should promise approval. Processing times are only estimates. Final decisions and timing stay with the government.
For a child under 16, you usually apply in person with Form DS-11, bring the child, bring citizenship and parent documents, and get both parents' consent. Routine service is often about 4 to 6 weeks, and expedited service is often about 2 to 3 weeks for an extra official government fee. Passlane is not a government agency. We do not issue passports. We simply explain the process and, if you want, connect you for free with an independent private expediter. You can always apply directly with the government yourself at no service charge.