Child-passport checklist for parents
Use this free checklist to see what most parents need for a U.S. child passport, what steps usually take the most time, and when you can apply directly with the government or ask Passlane to match you with an independent private expediter.
What this checklist covers
A child passport application usually needs more planning than an adult renewal. Children under 16 generally must apply in person using Form DS-11, and both parents usually need to appear or provide consent. This checklist helps you gather the common items before your appointment so you can avoid delays.
It covers the basics many families ask about:
- the child’s proof of U.S. citizenship
- proof of the parent or parents’ relationship to the child
- parent identification
- passport photo rules
- the application form and signature steps
- timing and fee reminders
It also points out a few easy-to-miss rules. For example, a passport card is only for land and sea travel to certain places, not international air travel. If your child may fly internationally, you usually need the passport book.
Passlane is an independent private company. It is a free matching service only. Passlane is not the U.S. Department of State, not the National Passport Information Center, not USCIS, and not an embassy or consulate. Passlane does not issue passports, process government applications, or give legal or immigration advice.
How to use the checklist
Start by confirming which application path fits your child. For most first-time child passports, the route is DS-11 in person at a passport acceptance facility. If your child is under 16, both parents generally need to be there, unless one parent provides the required consent form or other accepted documentation. If you are unsure what documents to bring, see the full passport documents checklist.
Then review timing. Routine service usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks, and expedited service usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks, plus mailing time. Faster options may be available in urgent situations, such as travel within about 14 days, but availability depends on the government. Only the government decides issuance and timing. For a simple overview, see timelines and fees.
Keep fees separate in your mind. There is an official government application fee and any official expedited government fee if you choose that option. Those amounts are separate from, and not included in, any private expediter’s service fee. You can always apply directly with the government yourself at no service charge beyond the official government fees. Confirm current government amounts on the official government website before you go.
If you want help finding a private company that may courier and hand-carry eligible paperwork, you can use Get matched. Passlane matches you at no cost to you with an independent private passport or visa expediter. The site only collects basic contact and request details. Do not send Social Security numbers, passport numbers, or scanned documents through the site forms.
Download and next steps
Use the checklist as a print-friendly planning tool. Mark each item before you book travel if you can. Families often lose time on missing consent papers, photo problems, or bringing the wrong citizenship document. A simple checklist can help you catch those issues early.
Before your appointment, make sure you have:
- the correct unsigned form, if required for your appointment type
- your child’s citizenship evidence
- parent ID and relationship documents
- one compliant passport photo
- payment for the official government fee and any acceptance or expedite fees that apply
If your situation is unusual, such as custody questions, missing parent consent, or possible citizenship complications, Passlane cannot give legal or immigration advice. It is a referral service only. For legal or immigration questions, speak with a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.
If you choose private expediting, remember what it can and cannot do. A private expediter may help move eligible documents through courier and appointment logistics, but it cannot guarantee approval, cannot guarantee a specific timeline, and cannot issue a passport or visa. The final decision always belongs to the government.
This page helps you check what most parents need for a child passport: the right form, proof of citizenship, parent ID, consent, photo, and fees. You can always apply directly with the government yourself. Passlane is not a government agency. It is a free service that can match you with an independent private expediter if you want extra help with logistics.