An infant passport is a legal document that allows travel outside the United States. No one is exempt from this law including minor children from newborn to 16-years old. Application requires the presence of the minor children and both parents at a local government facility for this purpose. The successful applicant will need to complete the required forms and bring specified supporting documentation.

Form DS-11

Form DS-11 is the application for identification and travel plans pertaining to minors. Parents of newborns may go to the U. S. Department of State website to electronically complete and print Form DS-11 for submission. The form may be found at any acceptance center. Legibility in black ink is required for handwritten copies. Applicant signatures must be witnessed by the agent at the acceptance center. Parental/guardian signatures are made via instructions by the agent at the facility. You might need a passport renewal, so pick up a passport renewal application.

Proof Of Citizenship

Minor's proof of U. S. Citizenship must be submitted with Form DS-11. A certified birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or official report of birth outside the U. S. satisfies the citizenship requirement. Keep a copy for your records in the event this document is accidentally damaged or lost. This document will be returned to you with the new legal travel document via U.S. mail.

Proof Of Legal Guardianship

The law requires that children traveling outside the states be with the parents or legal guardianship. Evidence of relationship requires either the birth certificate or valid report of birth abroad that shows the names of both parties. Adoptions require presentation of the legal decree. Guardianship requires either an adoption decree or the court order awarding custody. If one of the parents cannot be present for the submission application, that parent is required to submit a notarized Form DS-3053 Statement of Consent. All documentation is returned to the applicants by U. S. Mail.

Other Documents

Parental and/or guardianship identification must be provided upon submission. Appropriate documentation includes your U. S. Passport, driver's license,social security card, governmental or military ID card or certificate of naturalization. The U. S. Department of State requirements stipulate submittal of a photocopy of both sides of the ID on 8-1/2" x 11" white, standard paper.

Photograph

Photographs of the child are necessary at the time of initiating the application. It is advisable to seek a location that provides passport-compliant photographs to easily meet the stipulations for conformity. Two matching color facial photos that are recent, within the 6-months prior to the application,are necessary. The photos are restricted to measurements of 2-inch x 2-inch. Check stores ahead to insure newborn photo technology is available.

Fees

Procurement fees cover the cost of processing the application and producing the document. Fees vary according to the need for a passport book or card. The book allows a minor to travel by air without restrictions on destination. The book is currently available for $85. The card is smaller, fitting into a wallet, and allows the minor to travel only to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean by land or sea. The current fee for a card is $35.

An infant American passport is a ticket to freedom. Without a "pass", you're stuck in "port". Allow a minimum of two-weeks for its acquisition. The document remains valid for five-years. Traveling offers children an unforgettable learning experience. Check and see if you need a United States online passport renewal application as well.