When can you start the U.S. Passport Application
Applications generally begin once the birth is registered and an official birth certificate is available, whether parentage is established before or after birth.
When Can You Apply it for Your Baby?
- Baby Is Born
- Birth Registered
- Birth Certificate Issued
- Apply for Passport
Children under 16 must apply using Form DS-11 and appear in person. Proof of U.S. citizenship, parental relationship, and parent or guardian identification is also required.
What Documents Will You Need?
Certified Birth Certificate
An official certified copy that meets passport application requirements.Form DS-11
Prepare the form in advance, but sign only as instructed by the passport acceptance agent.Parent or Guardian Identification
Valid identification and the required photocopies.Baby’s Passport Photo
A newborn photo meeting U.S. passport standards. Check size, background, and positioning requirements beforehand.Parentage Documents
Have your Parentage Order or Judgment ready. Submission requirements depend on the birth certificate and your case.Parental Consent or Authorization
If one or both legal parents cannot attend, prepare the documents required for your circumstances.Proof of International Travel, for Urgent Applications
Urgent travel appointments at a Passport Agency or Center generally require qualifying proof of upcoming travel, such as a booked itinerary. Confirm requirements with your appointment location, etc.
Do Both Parents Need to Attend?
For children under 16, parental or legal guardian consent is required. The process depends on who can attend.
1. Both Parents Can Attend
Both legal parents can accompany the baby to a passport acceptance facility and apply together.
2. Only One Parent Can Attend
The absent parent generally needs to complete and notarize Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) and provide the required identification copies. Prepare these documents in advance to avoid delays.
3. Neither Parent Can Attend
Where permitted, a third party may accompany the baby and submit the application. Both absent parents generally need to provide separate notarized DS-3053 forms, identification copies, and any other required documents.
Important: A general Power of Attorney (POA) does not replace the required parental consent process. Arrange the appropriate forms and notarization before the appointment.
Can’t Arrive in the U.S. in Time?
Book a ConsultationHow Long Does it take to apply for a U.S. Passport?
Options include routine processing, expedited processing, and urgent travel service. Official processing times can change, so check the latest U.S. Department of State guidance before applying.
Current Passport Processing Time
Families with qualifying upcoming international travel may book an urgent travel appointment at a Passport Agency or Center.
Based on Via Baby’s experience, same-day issuance or pickup may be possible at some locations when an appointment is secured, documents are complete, and eligibility requirements are met.
Published processing times generally exclude mailing time. Plan the full documentation timeline if you hope to travel home soon after birth.
Hoping to Bring Baby Home Soon?
Book a ConsultationU.S. passports issued to children under 16 are valid for five years. A new application is required when the passport expires, following the rules applicable to the child’s age.
Families living abroad can arrange future applications through their local U.S. embassy or consulate.
Not necessarily. Requirements depend on the baby’s nationality, the parents’ status, the destination, and the travel documents available.
Depending on the circumstances, a baby may be able to travel with a Chinese Travel Document, an eligible foreign passport, or another valid travel document.
If a U.S. passport is not obtained before departure, an application may later be made through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, subject to its requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How soon after birth can we apply for a passport?
Q1. You can generally begin once your baby’s official U.S. birth certificate is available. If a post-birth parentage order is required, allow time for the court process and birth record updates.
Q2: Does our baby need to attend the appointment?
Q2. Yes. All children under 16, including newborns, must appear in person.
Q3: Do both parents need to attend?
Q3. Not necessarily, but parental consent requirements must be met. An absent parent may provide consent through Form DS-3053 or another applicable procedure.
Q4: Can someone apply it for baby if we’re outside the U.S.?
Q4. When permitted, a third party may accompany your baby and submit the application with the required parental consent and supporting documents. A general POA may not be sufficient, so confirm requirements in advance.
Q5: How quickly can we get the passport? Is same-day service possible?
Q5. Timing depends on the service selected. Families with qualifying upcoming international travel may request an urgent travel appointment at a Passport Agency or Center.
Based on Via Baby’s experience, some eligible applications may be completed the same day. This depends on appointment availability, complete documentation, and the agency’s processing capacity. Same-day issuance is not guaranteed.
Q6: How long is a child’s U.S. passport valid?
Q6. Passports issued to children under 16 are valid for five years.
Q7: Does a U.S.-born baby need a U.S. passport to travel home?
Q7. Not necessarily. Depending on nationality and destination, some families may use a Chinese Travel Document, another country’s passport, or other qualifying travel documents. A U.S. passport application may also be made later through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Q8: Should we apply for the U.S. passport or Chinese Travel Document first?
Q8. There is no single order that suits every family. It depends on the parents’ status, the baby’s eligibility, the destination, and application requirements. Plan the birth certificate, passport, travel document, and return journey together.
