Getting a passport for ourselves is enough of a process, but getting a passport for a baby? Complicated, time consuming, frustrating and slightly annoying. Unless you have someone to walk you through it. Then the process is quite simple and can be done in 4 easy steps! 

We planned our trip to Norway when babes was only a few weeks old. Fast forward 10 months and we were scrambling to get our application in on time.

Bringing on Tip #1. Give yourself plenty of time.

It can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks from the time you start your application to get that passport in your hand. Sure you can expedite the process but there’s no guarantee and there’s a hefty extra fee. Just do yourself a favor and plan ahead.

Tip #2. Know where to apply.

Travel.State.gov is an excellent resource. It shows you the locations based on your zip code. They are typically a post office, City Hall or Clerk of Courts.

Tip #3. If the office says “closes at 4” they generally take their last application at 3

We were already behind when we found a day to go to City Hall. We scramble to get the baby dressed, make sure we have all of our documents, load up in the car and pull in at about 3:15. Plenty of time to hand in some papers! Or not… Lesson learned. Call ahead to double check your locations hours.

Tip #4. Bring a check or cashier’s check.

They don’t accept credit or debit cards for the application. Another lesson learned by our family and passed on to yours. Attempt #2 – we get the baby dressed, make sure we have all of our documents, load up in the car and get to City Hall promptly at 11am. We take a number, have a seat and excitedly go up to the desk when our number is called. Only to find out that we have to come back yet another day because we did not bring a check. Parenting fail #2 for the week.

Tip #5. Get the baby’s photo taken before you go.

Most locations will take the baby’s photo while you are there, BUT there’s a fee. Thankfully we learned this on trip number 2 and got our photos taken at CVS. Of course you can take them at home but we had already hit so many obstacles we didn’t want our poor camera skills to create another one.

If you would like to take your own photos the instructions are also on travel.state.gov

• Must be a recent photo
• Lie baby on back on plain white sheet. Also white sheet behind baby while in carseat is acceptable.
• Babies do not need to look directly at the camera
• Photo must be sized at 2×2 inches
• Head must be between 1-1^3/8 inches from bottom of chin to top of head
• No hats or glasses
• Print on matte or glossy photo paper

Yeah that’s too much for me too. CVS or Walgreens takes the photo and then charges around $9.99 to print 2 copies for you specifically for passports. Money well spent. If you’re feeling feisty take the picture yourself, but I would still suggest you getting it printed professionally. They can get it to the exact size specifications.

Let me break down the process for you

1. Gather your documents.
   • Original or certified copy of baby’s birth certificate or expired passport. Other acceptable documents are consular report of birth abroad, certificate of citizenship, or certificate of naturalization
   • Evidence of parental relationship (this includes birth certificate)
   • Both parent’s driver’s licenses or valid passports
   • Check or cashier’s check. It is $80 for the passport book and a processing fee between $25-$35 depending on your facility. The processing fee can be paid with debit card but for the passport book itself they require a check.
   • Form DS-11 which can be printed online or picked up in person at the application office (trust me you’ll have plenty of time to fill it out while you’re waiting).
2. Get baby’s photo taken
   • Whether you choose to do it yourself or get it done at CVS make sure you bring two 2×2 inch photos with you in addition to your other documents.
   • Don’t staple it to the form before you go.
3. Go to the application facility
   • Make sure you arrive during their hours of operation – check before you go.
   • Whether you make an appointment or not be prepared to wait. It can be a very busy place.
   • Both parents need to be present.
4. Turn in your papers and wait.
   • It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive the passport in the mail.
   • They will mail your baby’s birth certificate back separately from the passport.
   • For an additional $60 you can get the passport book expedited.

Happy Travels!

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