How to Schedule a Child's Passport Appointment

What you need to do before booking a child's passport appointment

A child's passport appointment works differently from an adult's. You cannot book online through the State Department's regular system — you must call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or visit a passport acceptance facility in person to schedule. The person who books the appointment (usually a parent or guardian) will need the child's birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of citizenship ready before you call.

Both parents or guardians must appear at the appointment with the child, unless one parent has a notarized statement saying they consent to the passport. If the parents are divorced or separated, you may need a custody order or court document showing who has legal authority. The State Department checks this before issuing a child's passport because both parents have equal rights unless a court has ruled otherwise.

Children under 16 cannot get a passport without a parent or guardian present. Children 16 and older can apply on their own, but the rules are the same as for adults — you book through the online system or by visiting an acceptance facility.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule a child's passport appointment; you cannot book online through the State Department website.
• Both parents or guardians must attend the appointment with the child unless one parent provides a notarized consent form.
• Bring the child's original birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of citizenship, and photo ID for each parent or guardian.
• Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on whether you pay for expedited service and current demand at your local facility.
• If you need the passport quickly, ask about expedited processing when you call to schedule, though it costs extra and does not may provide a specific date.

Documents to bring to the appointment

Bring the child's original birth certificate — a certified copy, not a photocopy. The State Department will not accept a copy even if it is notarized. You also need the original or a certified copy of the child's Social Security card or a document showing their Social Security number, such as a tax return or hospital record.

Each parent or guardian attending must bring a photo ID: a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If a parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized statement of consent on the State Department's form DS-3053. You can download this form from the State Department website or ask for it when you call to schedule.

You will also need a new photo of the child. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. The child must be looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. If the child wears glasses, they can wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot reflect light. Many CVS, Walgreens, and post offices take passport photos for a small fee.

What happens during the appointment

The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. A passport agent will review your documents, ask you questions to confirm the child's identity and citizenship, and take a new photo if the one you brought does not meet the requirements. The agent will also collect the fee — currently $130 for a child's passport book, plus $35 if you want expedited processing.

You will fill out form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) in person at the appointment. Do not fill it out ahead of time — the agent needs to watch you sign it and see the child sign or initial it. If the child is too young to write, you can initial on their behalf.

After the appointment, the passport goes to a processing center. Standard processing takes several weeks to a few months depending on how busy the center is. Expedited processing (which costs extra) moves your application to the front of the line but does not may provide a specific delivery date.

How to find a passport acceptance facility near you

Not every post office or courthouse accepts passport applications. The State Department maintains a searchable database of acceptance facilities on its website. You can search by zip code or city to find locations near you that handle child passports. Some facilities are open only certain days or hours, so check before you go.

If you live in a rural area or far from any facility, you can mail your application instead of going in person — but only if you already have a valid passport and are renewing it. For a first-time child passport, you must appear in person.

Expedited processing and rush fees

Expedited processing costs an extra $35 and moves your application ahead in the queue, but it does not may provide the passport will arrive by a certain date. Processing times depend on how many applications the center is handling, and during peak travel seasons (spring and summer) even expedited applications can take several weeks.

If you need the passport within days, the State Department offers a passport acceptance facility with expedited service in some major cities. You can ask about this when you call to schedule. Some facilities can issue a passport the same day or within a few days if you pay the expedited fee and meet their requirements, but availability is limited and varies by location.

There is no way to may provide a passport by a specific date. If your child's trip is coming up and you are cutting it close, call the National Passport Information Center as soon as possible — they can tell you whether expedited processing will work for your timeline.

What to do if a parent cannot attend

If one parent cannot be present at the appointment, they must sign and have notarized a Statement of Consent (form DS-3053). This document says the absent parent knows about the passport and agrees to it. You can download the form from the State Department website or get it from the passport acceptance facility.

The notarization must be done by a notary public — not just a witness. Many banks, libraries, and UPS stores have notaries on staff. The notary will watch the parent sign the form and stamp it with their seal. Bring the notarized form to the appointment along with all other documents.

If the parents are divorced or separated and one parent has sole custody, you will need to bring the custody order or court document showing this. The State Department will not issue a passport if both parents have equal rights and only one shows up, even with a notarized consent form.

Processing times and how to check on your application

After your appointment, you will receive a receipt showing your application number. Keep this receipt. You can use the application number to check the status of your passport on the State Department website, though the website updates only periodically and may not show real-time progress.

Standard processing currently takes several weeks to several months, depending on the processing center and current volume. Expedited processing moves your application ahead but does not shorten the overall time by a fixed amount. If you have not received your passport within the timeframe given to you at the appointment, you can call the National Passport Information Center with your application number.

Passports are mailed to the address you provide at the appointment. If you need to change the mailing address after the appointment, call the National Passport Information Center right away — they may be able to update it before the passport ships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a child's passport appointment online?

No. Child passports must be scheduled by calling 1-877-487-2778 or by visiting a passport acceptance facility in person. The online booking system is only for adult passports and passport card renewals.

What if my child was born outside the United States?

You will need to bring proof of the child's citizenship, such as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or a green card. Call the National Passport Information Center before your appointment to confirm what documents you need — the requirements vary depending on where the child was born and how they became a U.S. citizen.

Do I need to bring my own passport to the appointment?

No, but you do need a photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID. Your passport can serve as your photo ID if you do not have another form of ID, but it is not required.

What if the child refuses to cooperate for the photo?

The passport agent will work with you to get a usable photo. If the child is very young or anxious, let the agent know — they deal with this regularly. If the photo you brought does not work, the agent can take a new one at the facility, though this may add time to your appointment.

Can I get a rush passport for a same-day trip?

Not reliably. Expedited processing speeds up the application but does not may provide a specific timeline. Some facilities in major cities offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, but availability is limited. Call the National Passport Information Center immediately if you need a passport within days — they can tell you what is possible in your area.