Getting A Passport for A Child

When my wife and I had our first child, we were determined not to let parenthood stop us from travelling. We resolved to take at least one international trip with just the two of us (letting our little one have some quality time with Grandma!), and to travel as a family as soon as possible. In order to be travel ready, we set out to get our little Lovebug a passport when he was 14 months old. While obtaining a passport for a small child might seem daunting at first, let me guide you through the necessary steps to obtain a US passport for your child.

Gather the Required Documents:

To apply for a US passport for your child or baby, you will need the following documents:

• Proof of US citizenship: This can be a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
• Proof of parental relationship: Provide documentation that establishes your relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree.
• Parental identification: Both parents must provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Passport application form: Complete Form DS-11, which can be found online or obtained from an acceptance facility or passport agency.
• Passport photo: Submit a recent, color passport photo of your child that meets the specific requirements outlined by the US Department of State.

Taking Passport Photos of Babies:

Taking passport photos of babies can be a bit challenging, but the State Departments gives a little leeway for infant photos. No need to pay for a passport photo service, you can use a typical cellphone camera. With these tips, you can capture a suitable photo:

• Follow the specifications: Familiarize yourself with the US Department of State’s requirements for passport photos, such as the correct size, background color, and lighting.
• Keep the baby’s eyes open: Babies tend to squint or close their eyes during bright light exposure. Find a location with soft, natural lighting or use a diffuser to create a gentle, evenly lit environment. Engaging the baby’s attention with toys or sounds can help keep their eyes open during the photo.
• Lay the baby down or use a support system: Lay your baby on a white or light-colored blanket or use a proper baby passport photo support system that keeps them in an upright position. Ensure that the background is plain and without any patterns or objects. We used a white bed sheet hung against a wall, and held him upright with our hands outside of the picture.
• Maintain a neutral expression: It can be challenging to get a baby to maintain a neutral expression, but it is essential for passport photos. Try to capture the baby’s face with a relaxed and neutral expression, without smiling or frowning. Engage them with gentle play or distracting sounds to capture their attention.
• Capture a close-up: Fill the frame with the baby’s face, shoulders, and upper chest, following the composition guidelines specified by the US Department of State. Make sure there are no obstructions such as pacifiers, hands, toys, or fingers in view.
• Take multiple shots: Babies can be unpredictable during photo sessions. Take multiple photos in quick succession to increase the chances of capturing the perfect shot. Review the photos afterward to select the one that best meets the requirements. We took 62 pictures before getting one that worked (yes I counted).
• While you may want your baby’s passport photo to look cute, it is more important to get a shot that the State Department deems acceptable. Remember passports for children expire after only 5 years, so you will have plenty of opportunities for cute passport photos during their lifetime!

Obtaining a US passport for your child or baby doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following the necessary steps and applying these tips for taking passport photos of babies, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the process smoothly. Remember to start the passport application process well in advance of your travel plans to allow for any unexpected delays. With the passport in hand, you and your child can embark on exciting international adventures together. Bon voyage!