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• Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
• If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply with their child, you will need to show us more documents.
• You cannot renew your child's passport using Form DS-82.
• Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years. 

Steps to Apply

1. fill out form ds-11 and print it.

Use our Form Filler tool  to fill out your child's form online and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF. 

Tips to complete your child's form :

• Do not sign your child's form until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee. 
• You can apply for a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
• You may ask for a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no extra cost, by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-11.

2. Get Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (and a photocopy)

Your evidence must be an original or certified, physical copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority. You must submit one of the following documents for your child:

• Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
• Lists applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
• Lists the parent(s)' full names
• Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
• Has the registrar's signature
• Has the seal or stamp of the city, county, or state which issued it
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Please note you must also provide a document, such as a birth certificate, that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Full validity means the document is or was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. 

If you cannot submit one of these documents, go to our  Citizenship Evidence page  for more information.

Paper only : You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document. 

Returning your child's document : We will return your child's document in a separate mailing up to 8 weeks after you receive the new passport.

Tips for making a photocopy :

• Black and white (no color)
• Use 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper
• Use a single side of the paper

If you do not submit a photocopy, you must submit a second, certified copy of your citizenship evidence. We will keep this copy for our records.

3. Show Your Relationship to Your Child

You must submit a document lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Examples include:

• U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate
• Adoption decree
• Divorce or custody decree
• A court order

Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show  both  U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

You and your child may have different last names, as long as the document showing your relationship to your child lists your full name.

If your name is different than the one on the document showing your relationship to your child, submit proof of your legal name change.

4. Get a Photo ID (and a photocopy)

Both parents or guardians must bring a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of it. If your photo ID is from a different state than the state in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID. 

You must show at least  one  of these photo IDs:

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card 
• In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo
• In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo
• Temporary driver's license with photo

If you do not have one of these photo IDs, go to our  Identification page  for more information.

5. Show More Documents (if both parents or guardians cannot apply)

• Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
• If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child, you will need to show more documents.

Important : Submit  Form DS-3053  and other notarized statements within three months of signing them.

6. Provide a Photo

You must provide one photo with your child's application. Go to our  Passport Photo page  for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. 

• Do not attach or staple your child's photo to the form. The acceptance agent or passport employee will review the photo and staple it to your form.
• Some  passport acceptance facilities
• A company which offers photo services
• Home. Ask your friend or family member to take your child's photo. 

7. Calculate Fees

When applying using Form DS-11, you will pay two separate fees - an application fee and an execution (acceptance) fee. You will pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the execution (acceptance) fee to the facility which takes your application. 

• Add $60 to your application fee if you want  expedited service .
• Add $19.53 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.  

Child Applicants :

For more information on how to pay and a full list of fees, go to our  Passport Fees  page.

*How to fill out your check and pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State. Please note you must pay a separate execution (acceptance) fee. 

Families may write one check or money order to the U.S. Department of State if they are applying at the same time. The check or money order must include the name and date of birth of each applicant.

8. Find Location to Apply

In the United States:

• Traveling in more than 3 weeks?  Go to a  passport acceptance facility  such as a post office, library, or local government office. Check with the facility to see if you need to make an appointment. 
• Traveling in less than 3 weeks?   Make an appointment  to apply at a passport agency or center.

In another country:

• Contact your  U.S. embassy or consulate .

9. Track Your Application Status

You can  subscribe to email updates  about your application status, and  learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your child's application status is “In Process.” 

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you send my child's passport and supporting documents.

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

• New passport book
• New passport card
• Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your citizenship documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778 .

Can I pay for faster delivery and return shipping?

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What countries require Form DS-3053 "Statement of Consent" to be notarized at an embassy or consulate?

In certain countries, a DS-3053 must be notarized at a  U.S. embassy or consulate  and cannot be notarized by a local notary public. Currently, these countries include:

Special Passport Fairs

Find a Special Passport Fair  near you!

We're holding special passport fairs all across the United States to help you get your passport more easily. New events are added to our site every week.

Most events are for first-time applicants and children, (who use Form DS-11). If you can use Form DS-82, you can renew by mail at your convenience!

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

How to Apply for your Child's Passport

Watch this video to learn how to apply in person for your child's U.S. passport!

External Link

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Do Babies Need Passports?

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, how to get a u.s. passport for a baby, step 1: download the ds-11 form, read this next, step 2: gather the paperwork you'll need, proof of u.s. citizenship, proof of parental relationship, proof of identification, step 3: get baby’s passport photo taken, step 4: show parental consent, step 5: submit the application, step 6: wait.

If you paid to have your baby’s passport expedited, you can expect it to arrive in up to 10 weeks. You can track the status of your application online at  Travel.State.gov .

Social Security Administration , 2021. U.S. Department of State, Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page , 2021. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Apply for or Renew My Passport, Children Under 16 , 2021. U.S. Dept. of State,  Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Child form , 2021. U.S. Passport Service Guide, Your Expedited Passport Service Guide , 2021. U.S. Postal Service,  Passports , 2021. Robert Quigley, M.D., SVP & Global Medical Director, Corporate Health Solutions at International SOS and MedAire. Alison Mitzner, M.D., a pediatrician in New York City.

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How to Get Your Baby a U.S. Passport, According to a New Mom

Going abroad with an infant is daunting, but this mom has your first step covered.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

The fact that I started thinking about applying for my daughter's passport before she was even born is perhaps the most significant testament to my love of traveling. That's right, while certain breastfeeding products were still a mystery to me one week out, I had grand plans to get my newborn a little blue book long before she entered this world.

That's how I found myself scouring the internet, trying to figure out how to get a passport for an infant. And it's why I spent the better part of an afternoon standing above my infant daughter, phone in hand, trying desperately to snap a decent baby passport photo.

It turns out, applying for a passport for a child under 16 who hasn't ever had one requires a few extra steps. For starters, you can't just order one through the mail. Also, both parents must be present with the child at the time of application, which has to take place in person at an authorized facility such as a post office or public library. (If one parent can't be present, there's a solution, but more on that later.)

Here's what you need to apply: a DS-11 passport application, proof of your baby's citizenship (a birth certificate makes it easy), the parents' IDs (a driver's license does the trick); the baby's passport photo, a $100 check made out to the U.S. Department of State, and the $35 acceptance fee.

The secret to a painless experience is having everything filled out and organized in advance. Here's how to get your baby a passport, step by step.

1. Fill out a Form DS-11.

Anyone applying for a passport for the first time must fill out the two-page application, called a Form DS-11. You can either complete it online and then print it, or print the PDF and fill it out by hand. Either way, make sure to print it as a single-sided page, and don't sign the form until you're at the appointment.

2. Gather the required documents.

The Department of State requires proof of your baby's citizenship, proof of your parental relationship, and proof of identification from both parents. A U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad , or certificate of citizenship are accepted as evidence of your baby's citizenship. If you use a birth certificate, that will also provide proof of parental relationship. If you don't, a foreign birth certificate, adoption decree, or divorce or custody decree will also work in addition to the document proving citizenship. You will need to submit both the original and a photocopy of each document, and the Department of State will mail the birth certificate back at the end of the process.

When you go to your appointment, each parent or guardian will also need to bring a driver's license, passport, or other form of authorized identification. Again, have the original and a photocopy (and make sure you get both sides of your driver's license).

3. Get your baby's passport photo ready.

The requirements for passport photos are the same no matter what age you are. The gist is that your baby must be facing the camera with their eyes open. I put down a white sheet and took my daughter's photo from above, then used Walgreens' passport photo service to crop and print the image. The Walgreens team member who printed out my child's photo even helped by Photoshopping out the wrinkles in the white sheet I used as the background.

This was by far the hardest part of the process. Some passport acceptance facilities will take the photo for you, if you find that to be easier.

4. Make an appointment, if necessary.

Find a local passport agency, post office, or another authorized facility that accepts passport applications. Some accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Both parents or guardians must be present with the infant, so keep this in mind when choosing a time. If it isn't possible for both parents to attend, the parent not in attendance must fill out and submit a notarized DS-3053 consent form and a photocopy of their ID. The Department of State provides other options for when one parent can't be located or has no legal authority and when neither parent can be present.

5. Submit the application and pay in person.

Once you get in front of an agent, they'll confirm that the photo is indeed your baby, staple the photo to the form, and have you sign the DS-11 in their presence. You'll give them two separate payments — a $100 check made out to the U.S. Department of State and a $35 acceptance fee that you pay the agency. If you want a passport card instead of a book, the fee is $15 instead of $100. The acceptance fee is the same whether you purchase a book, card, or both. If you want the passport to be expedited, it's an extra $60.

6. Wait for your baby's passport to come in the mail.

The processing time is 10 to 13 weeks, not including mailing times. Expedited processing takes between seven and nine weeks. You also can track the application status of your baby's passport online.

Passports for Minors - Get the FAQ

Does a minor need a passport to travel abroad?

Every American citizen, including minors, must possess a valid U.S. passport to travel abroad. Exceptions include land and sea travel to and from Canada or Mexico .

How to get a passport for a minor?

Parents or legal guardians can apply for their minor child's passport by submitting a completed, unsigned application form DS-11 , evidence of citizenship, evidence of identity, and a passport photo. The minor's parents or legal guardian(s) must appear with the child or provide a notarized consent form . They must also submit evidence of relationship to the child and pay the appropriate fees.

Can a passport issued to a minor be renewed by mail?

A passport issued to a minor cannot be renewed by mail. The minor and parents or legal guardian must apply in person for a new passport as if for the first time.

Do minors require the consent of parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to get a passport?

Yes. If a parent or legal guardian is unable to accompany the child, that individual can provide a signed, notarized consent form to the applying parent or guardian. The consent statement must include the child's name and date of birth, as well as the parent's identification information or a copy of his/her ID.

This new requirement is being implemented to enhance the accurate identification of applicants and aid in the prevention of international child abduction and substitution.

Can a minor with a passport travel alone internationally?

What is the children's passport issuance alert program (cpiap).

Apart from the Two-Parent Consent requirement for U.S. passport issuance for minors under the age of 16, parents may also request that their childrens' names be entered in the U.S. passport name-check system. The Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program provides notification to parents of passport applications made on behalf of minor children, and denial of passport issuance if appropriate court orders are on file with CPIAP.

Who signs a child's passport and how do they sign it?

A child can sign his or her own name, if capable. If not, the mother or father must print the child's name in the space provided and sign their own name. Then, in parenthesis by the parent's name, write the word (mother) or (father).

How long does a child's passport last?

A passport issued to a minor age 15 or younger is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.

How much does a minor's passport cost?

You will have at least two fees - the Passport Application Fee and the Execution Fee.

For children under age 16, the passport book application fee is $100. The application fee for a passport card is only $15. In addition to the application, there is an execution fee of $35 that is paid to the agent where the application is submitted. Optional fees include $60 for expedited service and $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery of the new passport.

Can a minor's passport be expedited?

A request for expedited service can be made at the time of application at the nearest acceptance facility. An additional fee of $60 must be added to the total payment. It is recommended that the word "expedite" be written on the outside of the envelope. Processing time can take several weeks. For faster service, schedule an appointment to apply at a regional passport agency . Applicants who are unable to visit a regional processing center can employ the services of a registered passport expediting courier service .

An additional fee of $60 is paid to the Department of State for expedited service. Fees for expedited courier service varies depending on how quickly you need to get the passport.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

Minor Passport FAQ

Do babies need passports?

Can one parent apply for a minor's passport?

Can one parent apply for a child's passport without the consent of the other parent?

More minor passport FAQs

Minor's Passport Information

Instructions for obtaining a passport for a minor age 15 or younger

Acceptable documents for establishing parent/child relationship

Using a Stepparent's Surname on a Minor's Passport

Click here to expedite a minor's passport in 24-48 hours

Expedited Passport for Minors

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service: Expedite My U.S.Passport Now!

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How to Get a Passport for Kids

Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport.

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Babies and kids need a valid passport for international travel.

Whether you're setting sail on a Caribbean cruise , staying at an all-inclusive family resort in Mexico , or making the big leap to Europe for a family vacation , everyone in your group needs a valid passport. (If your U.S. passport is set to expire soon, here's the easiest way to renew it .)

To adequately prepare and know what to expect when getting a passport for kids, read on for step-by-step instructions, along with other important information.

Gather your application materials

• Form DS-11: To start the passport application process, you'll need to complete the  DS-11 , which is the required form for first-time passport applicants and for children younger than 16.
• Proof of citizenship: You must submit documentation that shows your child is a U.S. citizen, such as an original copy or a certified physical copy of your child's birth certificate – or one of the other documents outlined by the U.S. Department of State . Once you've determined what citizenship evidence you're submitting, be sure to make a clear photocopy of it; the original will be returned to you, but the U.S. Department of State needs a copy to keep too. Conveniently, a birth certificate also doubles as proof of parental relationship (the next requirement).
• Proof of parental relationship: Aside from a U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, foreign birth certificate, adoption decree or divorce/custody decree are also acceptable as proof of parental relationship, since these documents list the names of parents or legal guardians.
• Social Security number: In addition, you'll need to supply your child's Social Security number. If you're obtaining a passport for a newborn whose Social Security card has not yet arrived, you will need to submit a signed statement with specific phrasing, explained here .
• Identification document: The parents or guardians applying for a child's passport must present a physical, government-issued photo ID, along with a photocopy of the front and back. You may choose your passport, an in-state driver's license, a Certificate of Naturalization or one of the various other options that the State Department suggests .

Make a passport application appointment

After ensuring you have all necessary documentation, schedule an appointment at an authorized passport facility; you can search for locations in your area on the State Department's website . Your child must be present and accompanied by both parents or guardians to satisfy the two-parent consent, though some extenuating circumstances allow for exceptions, including the following scenarios:

The child is in your sole custody. If you alone have legal authority over your child, you must submit evidence that certifies you are the sole parent or guardian, such as a divorce decree, court order, death certificate, or a birth certificate or adoption decree listing you as the only parent. For more examples of acceptable documents, click here .

One parent or guardian is unavailable. If one of the parents or guardians is unable to attend the passport appointment, they must provide a signed and notarized statement of consent via a DS-3053 form . In the event they are deceased, a death certificate will be required. If you cannot locate or contact the other parent or guardian, you'll need to fill out the DS-5255 form and submit additional evidence, such as an incarceration or restraining order.

The State Department requires this additional documentation to prevent international parental child abduction.

Get your child's passport photo taken

In the meantime, you'll need a passport photo of your child to submit with the application. The passport photo policies are the same for adults and kids (with certain exceptions for infants), so a child's passport application must include a 2-by-2-inch, high-resolution photo with a plain white background. The photo should not be stapled to the application.

You can easily pay to get your kid's passport photo taken at drugstores such as CVS and Walgreens or shipping stores such as UPS.

If you have an infant or toddler, it may be easiest to take their photo at home. You can place a white or off-white sheet over a car seat in which you'll securely buckle your child – though removing said car seat from your vehicle is likely your best bet to avoid a glare or shadow in the photo. You can also place your child on a white or off-white sheet on the floor. If you have a sleepy baby, don't worry: Photos with closed (or only slightly open) eyes are acceptable for infants. Ensure that no one else besides your child is in the picture.

When preparing for a photo of your child, you'll also need to consider the following:

• Hats: Per the U.S. Department of State, hats and head coverings are only permitted alongside a signed statement certifying them as "part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public or a signed doctor's statement verifying the item is used daily for medical purposes."
• Glasses: Glasses and sunglasses are not permitted for passport photos. If your child wears glasses, they will need to briefly remove them – or you'll need a doctor's note to prove the glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons.
• Clothing: It's best to wear plain clothing. Anything that resembles a uniform is not permitted.
• Jewelry: Jewelry is allowed, including facial piercings such as nose rings, provided they don't hide the child's face.
• Facial expression: Your child will need to have a neutral facial expression or natural smile for the photo, with their face fully visible and both eyes open. Depending on their age, it might be helpful to have them practice in advance.

Make sure you follow photo guidelines precisely to ensure your application doesn't get rejected and ultimately delay the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Regardless of age, if you are traveling internationally, a passport is required.

Passports for kids are only good for five years, as opposed to adult passports, which remain valid for 10 years.

No. If the passport expires before the child's 16th birthday, you must reapply for your kid's passport in person, following the steps above. You cannot renew a child's passport using the DS-82 form, as this is only available to those ages 16 and older.

As of 2023, a child's passport book costs $135, which covers the fees for both the application and acceptance. Passport cards cost $50 total.

Getting a passport can take anywhere from eight to 11 weeks, per the U.S. Department of State. Note that processing time does not account for shipping time, which can vary. If you're on a tight deadline ahead of a last-minute trip, expedited service is available for $60, reducing processing time to between five and seven weeks. It's possible you will receive your passport sooner than expected, but don't count on it.

If you need your kid's passport within a few days due to a qualifying emergency, such as a death in the family, or within two weeks for urgent, nonemergency travel, you'll need to make an appointment at a local passport agency.

Yes, a valid passport is required for entry to Mexico.

Yes, kids passports are required for all international cruises (with the exception of some cruises to Canada). Jump to the next question for more details.

Kids younger than age 16 do not need a passport to enter Canada by land or sea and return to the U.S. by land or sea. However, you will still need to provide proof of citizenship with one of the following documents: U.S. birth certificate (original or copy), Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

If you'll be traveling to Canada by air and are booking a round-trip flight, a U.S. passport is necessary as it's required for entry back into the U.S.

You may also be interested in:

• The Top Kids Luggage
• Do You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?
• Traveling with Toddlers: Ideas & Tips
• The Top All-Inclusive Resorts for Teens
• The Best Family Travel Insurance Plans

Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Tags: Travel , Passports , Vacations , Travel Tips

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• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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How to Get a Passport For Your Baby or Child

Blend Images - Mark Edward Atkinson / Getty Images

• When to Get a Passport
• Can a Newborn Get a Passport?
• What You Need
• Who Should Attend the Appointment?
• Fees to Apply
• Give Yourself Time

After years of pandemic-related restrictions, travel is on the rise once more. If you’re planning an international trip with your family, everyone needs a passport—including kids and babies.

Unlike domestic air travel, where children under 18 do not need any form of I.D. when accompanied by an adult, when you are traveling abroad, it’s a different story. “Any person, regardless of age, needs a valid passport to travel internationally,” says Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer & community and product expert at baby gear rental site BabyQuip .

Whether you’re going on a vacation or visiting family abroad, here's what you need to know about getting a passport for your child.

When to Get Your Child a Passport

Ideally, you should get your child a passport before an important international trip is planned. That will minimize the stress and rush associated with this task. In general, wait times for a passport are eight to 11 weeks from the day your application is received at the passport agency—not necessarily the day you apply.

“I recommend getting children's passports as far in advance of your travel date as possible,” says Julie Sayer, a cruise & vacation consultant at Expedia Cruises in Florida.

Furthermore, in-person appointments, which are required for children under 16, need to be made in advance, and can sometimes be booked two or three weeks out. When all is said and done, it could take three to four months to receive a passport for your child.

If you have a trip planned sooner than that, you still have options. The U.S. Department of State outlines the best way to apply for a passport on their website . For an extra $60 fee, there is an expedited service (five to seven weeks processing time, as opposed to eight to 11).

If you are planning international travel within the next 14 calendar days, you are permitted to apply at a passport agency or center under their “urgent travel” umbrella. Call to make an appointment and have proof of your travel in hand. "If you have international travel booked, you can get the passport within three days [of the] ticketed reservation," says Annie Davis, president of Palm Beach Travel . "You must go to a government passport agency."

If your kids already have a passport, be sure to pay attention to expiration dates.

“Until a child turns 16, their passport is good for five years,” says Sayer. “After they turn 16, their passport will be good for 10 years, just like an adult.” Remember to be mindful of expiration dates for both you and your child’s passports, as passports typically cannot expire within six months of your return date.

Can My Newborn Baby Get a Passport?

Yes, you can get your baby a passport as soon as they are born.

“Parents can obtain a passport for their baby regardless of age,” explains Huff. “They could be two days or two years. Keep in mind that some airlines have age minimums for infants flying domestically or internationally.” But since this process can take weeks or months, you should be in the clear. “By the time it takes to get the passport paperwork processed for your little one and get the passport back in hand, your child will likely be old enough to fly,” adds Huff.

In some instances, you can start the process before the baby is born, like if you're adopting a child from another country or if you unexpectedly gave birth overseas. You can learn more about these special circumstances on the U.S. Department of State's website .

What You Need in Order to Apply

The first step in applying for a minor’s passport is to fill out the DS-11 application form, which can be found on the State Department’s website .

Next, you need a certified, original document to prove U.S. Citizenship. This will most likely be your child’s birth certificate. Note that you cannot use the copy you received at the hospital; you must get a certified copy from the state. “The birth certificate staffer at the hospital told me this could take up to three months to receive, which freaked me out,” explains Amelia Edelman, assistant general manager at Verywell Family, who was planning on taking a trip with her newborn during her maternity leave. “However, if you live near your state capital city, you can simply walk into the Vital Records office and request the certified copy immediately. It's available there within a few days of your child's birth."

You’ll also need a black and white copy of the birth certificate that the passport office will keep.

Since children are minors, the parents will also need to show I.D. to prove both U.S. citizenship as well as parental relationship. A birth certificate can prove both, but also bring your marriage license if your name has changed. A parent's birth certificate also has to be the original or a certified copy. Bring a black and white photocopy of the parent’s I.D. for the passport office to keep.

Next, you’ll need a photo of your child—and not just any photo, but a standard 2-inch by 2-inch taken within the last six months. Accepted photos have a white background with the child looking straight at the camera with their eyes open. There is an exception for newborns—they do not need to have their eyes open, but still need to be facing the camera.

"The cute and fun part! Your baby’s first passport photo. This will be a lifelong memory," says Davis. Be sure to leave photos loose but secure—do not staple the photo to the form. Items like pacifiers and glasses are not allowed in pictures.

As for where to take the photo, you have a few options. “You can go to any passport photo location, post office, copy store, drugstore, etc., but you can also take passport photos at home, which may be the best option with little babies,” says Huff. “Lay your baby on a white sheet or have them seated with a white sheet behind their head.”

Passport Checklist

• A completed DS-11 application form (found on the State Department's website ).
• A certified, original document to prove your child's U.S. Citizenship. This will most likely be your child’s birth certificate.
• Proof of parent's U.S. citizenship and parental relationship (most likely an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, plus your marriage license if your name has changed).
• Black-and-white photocopy of parent's I.D. 
• A standard passport photo (2" x 2") of your child.

Who Should Attend the Passport Appointment?

Both parents must be present for the in-person appointment to apply for your child’s passport. If one parent cannot attend or you are the only parent (for example, if you have sole custody, one parent is deceased, or one parent simply cannot attend for work or another reason), additional documentation or other notarized forms may be needed.

"If one parent is not available to attend the application process, they can fill out a DS-3053 Statement of Consent form and send it with the signing parent," says Huff.

If one parent is unable to be found, or incarcerated, you can fill out a "special family circumstances" form DS-5525 explaining the situation.

And in the case of a deceased parent, you'll need to produce an original or certified copy of the death certificate.

Fees to Apply For a Passport

The total fee for a traditional passport book is $135, in two separate payments (one goes to the Department of State, the other to the passport facility).

“If you’re planning to visit multiple countries, you can request a larger passport book with 52 pages for no additional fee by checking the box marked ‘52’ at the bottom of the application,” says Huff. For expedited service, there is an additional $60 fee.

In some places, the application fee must be paid by check or money order—credit cards are not accepted. This is not true in all cities. Be sure to check with your local passport office to see the payment methods they accept.

Bottom Line: Give Yourself Time

If you're planning to take a trip with your child, start the passport application process as soon as possible.

“It can take eight to 11 weeks for a passport to arrive after filing all the paperwork, so plan ahead and don’t wait until the last minute,” says Huff. “Traveling with small children is stressful enough.”

While the long wait times to get a passport may feel annoying, it's best to stick it out and get your child's passport via a government agency. "Avoid third parties that promise quick passports," says Davis. "Trust a travel agent or the U.S. government website ending in .gov for the most up-to-date information."

Also, keep in mind that there can be delays with some government services. "You can monitor your passport application online ," says Davis. "Most of all, enjoy the time with your baby and the travel yet to come!"

A Word From Verywell

If you think an international trip is in your future, don’t wait to apply for a passport for your child. It can take months, even if you pay an extra fee for expedited service. A family trip abroad can make memories that will last a lifetime, so get your documents ready early and prepare for a fun family trip!

NPR. U.S. travelers are back in the saddle again. But they've adapted to a new reality .

U.S. Department of State. Passport services processing times .

U.S. Department of State. Traveler's checklist.

U.S. Department of State. Passports - Children under 16 .

U.S. Department of State. Passports - Fee calculator .

By Dory Zayas Dory Zayas is a freelance beauty, fashion, and parenting writer. She spent over a decade writing for celebrity publications and since having her daughter in 2019, has been published on sites including INSIDER and Well+Good.

Passports for Babies Have Special Rules: Here’s What You Need to Know to Get One

From application requirements to how soon you can apply to get a passport for your newborn, here’s what you need to know about how to get a passport for a baby..

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Getting an infant’s passport is similar to getting one for a grown adult, but you have to do it in person.

Photo by Natalia Deriabina/Shutterstock

Babies come with a lot of baggage (literally and figuratively) but don’t let that stop you from taking them abroad—the younger you start, the easier it is (or will be). But before you can enter another country with baby on board, you’ll need to get your little one a passport. Here’s what you need to know.

Start the process as early as possible—after they’re born

Sorry to all you pre-planners, but you can’t apply for a passport before you give birth. But as soon as you do, and you feel up to the task, you should apply for your infant’s passport. Getting one takes just as long as anyone else’s, and current wait times for a first-time passport range from 10 to 13 weeks .

Make an in-person appointment

For all children under 16, you cannot apply for a passport (or renewal) through the mail, you must go in person to an authorized facility (usually a post office or library). It’s important to note that all legal parents should be present with the child at the time of application. If there are two parents and both cannot be there, the absent parent must fill out a notarized DS-3053 consent form along with a photocopy of their ID. If there is only one legal parent in the child’s life, bring paperwork that shows they have sole custody or are the sole parent—if the child’s birth certificate only lists the applying parent, that is sufficient.

For my youngest, we went to the Central Library in Brooklyn , which has a beautiful and, most importantly, extremely functional passport center. Best of all, they will take the photo for you, which I highly recommend (see below).

Gather your documents

You’ll need to fill out form DS-11 , as well as several documents proving your baby is, well, your baby, and a U.S. citizen. You’ll need your child’s U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or their certificate of citizenship. Luckily, a birth certificate is also proof of parental relationship. Otherwise, you’ll need a foreign birth certificate, adoption decree, or divorce or custody decree in addition to the citizenship document. Be sure to bring the original and a photocopy of each document—don’t worry, the birth certificate will be mailed back to you at the end of the process. This applies for all minors until they are age 16.

In addition, each parent or guardian will need an unexpired ID like a driver’s license or passport (the original and a photocopy).

Let someone else take the photos, and do it lying down

While there are apps out there that help you take an acceptable passport photo at home, with a baby it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Photographing babies is hard, and in this case—when positioning, proportions, and sizing matters—it’s even more complicated. Check your local Walgreens, passport photo shops, or other travel centers to see if they photograph babies. Some passport facilities offer an option to take the photo there—a service I took advantage of, and one that made our lives easier. Since you are not allowed to hold the baby in the picture, the simplest method is to lay the baby down on a white posterboard and take the photo from above.

Parents might be surprised to learn that the infant’s eyes do not need to be open in their photo. I assumed I would have to wake up my napping baby when it came time to take him for his photo shoot. Nope! The staff at the library just had me lay him down on the white posterboard, still asleep. His eyes are closed in his photo, and I’ve never had an issue. This only works for infants. According to the Department of State’s FAQ on passport photos , “It is acceptable if an infant’s eyes are not open or entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.”

Pay up front

At the appointment, you’ll have to make two separate payments: $100 to the U.S. Department of State and a $35 fee paid to the facility executing the process. To expedite , it’s an additional $60.

Your baby’s passport will come in the mail

Like adults’ passports, your baby’s passport will be mailed to you. The official processing time as of September is 10 to 13 weeks (not including mailing times, which the Department of State says can take up to two weeks). Expedited processing takes between seven and nine weeks. If you have a ticket for international travel within 14 days, you can apply in person at a passport agency , where it will be expedited. You can subscribe to email updates of the application status.

It’s good for five years

As opposed to adult passports, which are valid for 10 years, passports for children under 16 are only good for five years. Be sure to give yourself enough time to renew —and remember that the renewal must be done in person until the child is 16.

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How to Get a U.S. Passport for Your Baby [Step-By-Step]

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Fill Out Some Forms

Prove u.s. citizenship, provide photocopy of u.s. citizenship evidence, show parental relationship, show your id, bring a photocopy of your id, show parental consent, provide a photo, calculate fees, submit your completed application, track your application status, final thoughts.

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As a new parent, you are constantly bombarded with information, tips, tricks, and the need for new knowledge that you never thought you would need to know.

If you aren’t mentally exhausted trying to keep up how many DCPD (Diaper Changes Per Day) is normal and why this new toy/ stroller /car seat is so much better than the one you just had express shipped from Amazon — are you even really a parent? I kid.

What I am trying to convey is that even though you are constantly learning and simultaneously trying to keep a tiny human fed and clean, you can overlook some basic details.

For the purpose of this article we are going to focus on that little detail that, yes, if you want to take a person (regardless of their age) to a different country, they will need to have a passport!

Just the thought of combining an infant and filling out the paperwork can be overwhelming, so that is why we broke it down for you in plain English.

And when you finally have your baby’s first passport (it’s really not that hard, I promise!), be sure to read our post on The Pros and Cons of Flying Business Class With a Baby!

Just like adults , children traveling to a foreign country will need a passport to leave the country.

Since this will be (likely) be the baby’s U.S. first passport, and the fact that they are under 16 years old, the application will need to be completed in person with both parents present. If both parents cannot be present, there are alternative options, which we will touch on below. 

While the thought of passport paperwork may seem tedious, the process is pretty straightforward and, to be honest, probably pretty easy compared to other things new parents are dealing with. As long as you can follow instructions, you’ll be fine.

The hardest part for my wife and me was finding time during normal business hours to bring a baby with colic somewhere without messing up the nap schedule…

The only bad news (depending on your perspective) is that U.S. passports issued to travelers under the age of 16 are only valid for 5 years, compared to 10 years for those 16 or older.

So, depending on when you first apply for their passport, your child may need 4 passports by the time they are 16.

I mentioned perspective because my children have both U.S. and Brazilian passports, and their Brazilian passports need to be renewed more frequently.

For example, a passport for my 1-year-old is only valid for 1 year. A passport for a 2-year-old is only valid for 2 years, and so on until they reach 5.

So, my 5-year-old daughter was already on her third Brazilian passport before she had to renew her American one. It was inconvenient but makes sense when you see an immigration agent trying to match up a 4-month-old photo with a 4-year-old!

Now, let’s dig into what is needed to get your baby a passport!

Hot Tip: TSA does not require an ID for passengers under 18 flying on domestic flights as long as they are not flying by themselves. For more information, check out our post about what ID and documents your child needs to fly.

Step-By-Step Process

The U.S. Department of State actually does quite a nice job of clearly laying out what needs to be done to get your little one a passport.

But, like most government websites, it can be a little confusing to some, so let us break it down.

This should come as no surprise, but you will need to fill out some forms. In this case, you will need to fill out the DS-11 form which is specific to first-time applicants and children .

You have the option of filling it out online or downloading the PDF and completing it manually. Just be sure not to sign it until you are instructed to in person.

Hot Tip: You can request a larger passport with 52 pages for no additional cost by checking the “52-page” box on the top of the form. 

Only U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals are eligible to receive a United States passport and you will be required to prove your eligibility.

You must submit one of the following U.S. citizenship documents for your child and they must be an original or certified copy — photocopies and notarized copies will not be accepted.

• Full-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired).
• Issued by the city, country, or state of birth.
• Lists applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
• Lists the full name of the parent(s).
• Has the date filed with the registrar’s office (must be within 1 year of birth).
• Has the registrar’s signature.
• Has the seal of the issuing authority.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth.
• Certificate of Citizenship.

If you cannot submit one of those acceptable documents, the State Department has some secondary options for you, which you can find here .

Once you have chosen which document you will be bringing to prove your child’s U.S. citizenship, you will also need to provide a photocopy of the document to submit with your DS-11 form.

Photocopies must be:

• On white, 8.5 x 11 inch standard paper
• Black and white
• Single-sided

Bottom Line: Whichever document you choose, you will need to bring the original and a photocopy of it. 

You will also need to submit documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child applying for the passport.

To prove this, you can submit one of the following documents:

• U.S. birth certificate (you can use this for both parental relationship and U.S. citizenship requirements)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (you can use this for both parental relationship and U.S. citizenship requirements)
• Foreign birth certificate
• Adoption decree
• Divorce/custody decree

If you will be using the same document to prove citizenship and parental relationship, be sure to bring the original document or certified copy — not a photocopy.

During the interview/application process, the parents and/or guardians will be required to present their personal ID to the acceptance agent.

Acceptable forms of a primary photo ID include:

• In-state, fully valid driver’s license (if you present an out-of-state ID, you will be required to present an additional ID)
• Valid or expired, undamaged, U.S. passport
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, country, state, or federal)
• U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
• Valid foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry , FAST, SENTRI , and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• Other documents: in-state, fully valid learner’s permit with photo, in-state, fully valid non-driver ID with photo, and temporary driver’s license with photo. Note: You may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these 3 documents

If you cannot provide one of the listed primary forms of ID, you may be able to present 2 forms of secondary ID. 

Acceptable forms of secondary ID include (submit at least 2 from the list below):

• Out-of-state driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
• Learner’s or temporary driver’s permit (without a photo)
• In-state, fully valid non-driver ID (without a photo)
• Out-of-state, non-driver ID
• Temporary driver’s license (without a photo)
• Social Security card
• Voter registration card
• Employee work ID
• School yearbook with an identifiable photograph
• Selective Service (draft) card
• Medicare or other health card
• Expired driver’s license
• Form DS-71, for an Identifying Witness (only available at your local Acceptable Facility or a Passport Agency)

You will be required to bring the original ID you plan to present and a photocopy to submit with the application.

The photocopy should be of the front and back of each ID that you plan to present to the acceptance agent.

Requirements include:

• Photocopy must be on plain white 8.5 x 11 inch standard paper
• Photocopy must not be double-sided
• Do not decrease the image size (although you may enlarge it)

To issue a passport to a child, both parents/guardians must authorize it. The best way to do this is for both parents/guardians to go with the child in person to apply for the passport.

Of course, in many cases, this is easier said than done. Here are some examples of what to do if you can’t get both parents together in person.

When You Have Sole Legal Authority

When you have the sole legal authority of the child, you must submit evidence of this with the application.

Examples include:

• Complete court order granting you sole legal custody of the child, such as a divorce decree or other custody order
• Complete court order specifically permitting you to apply for your child’s passport (photocopy is acceptable)
• Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate listing you as the only parent
• Certified copy of an adoption decree listing you as the only parent
• Certified copy of the judicial declaration of incompetence of the parent that cannot appear in person
• Certified copy of the death certificate of the parent that cannot appear in person

When 1 Parent Is Unable To Appear

If 1 parent or guardian cannot go with the child to apply for the passport, they can give permission by completing Form DS-3053 “Statement of Consent” .

You must submit the completed form with the child’s passport application. The parent that cannot go with the child must:

• Sign and date Form DS-3053 in the presence of a certified notary public, and
• Submit a photocopy of the front and backside of the ID that they present to the notary public with Form DS-3052

Note that in certain countries, a DS-3053 must be notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate and cannot be notarized by a local notary public.

For a current list of these countries, please visit the State Department website .

When You Cannot Locate the Other Parent

When you cannot locate the other parent or guardian you must submit Form DS-5525 “Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances” .

You will be asked to:

• Complete the form with as much detail as possible
• Custody order
• Incarceration order
• Restraining order to protect against international parental child abduction
• If the non-applying parent is deployed by the military, he or she should be able to provide a notarized Form DS-3053 in most cases. In the rare case that the non-applying parent cannot be contacted, you must provide either military orders with a Form DS-5525 showing the non-applying parent can’t be contacted because they are on a special assignment for more than 30 days outside of their duty station OR a signed statement from the non-applying parent’s commanding officer that they can’t be reached.

When Neither Parent Can Appear

When neither parent or guardian can appear, a third-party may apply for the child’s passport with a notarized statement from both parents/guardians giving the third-party permission to apply for the child.

• The statement must include a photocopy of the parent’s/guardian’s identification
• When the statement is from only 1 parent/guardian, the third party must present evidence of sole custody of the consenting parent/guardian

Hot Tip: Written authorization from the parent that cannot appear in person must be less than 3 months old. 

Now the fun part — trying to get a decent passport photo of a young child or even a newborn!

You have been training for this with hundreds of Instagram photos of your little one sleeping or playing with their toys, now you have a real challenge… trying to get them to stay still, looking at the camera, with a solid white background behind them. Good luck!

Although some passport acceptance facilities offer photo services, you should bring your own just in case your little one decides to put up a fight at showtime.

Photo Requirements:

• Color photo, taken within the last 6 months (preferably more recently for young children)
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
• Do not digitally change the photo or add filters
• The child is alone in the phone, looking forward (does not need to make eye contact with the camera)
• Plain, white background

Photo Tips for Infants and Newborns:

• Lay the child on their back on a white blanket or sheet to ensure that their head is supported
• Have the child seated in a car seat covered in a white sheet or blanket
• Have proper lighting and make sure there are no shadows

Hot Tip: Did you know you can take your own passport photo at home? Check out our guide to taking your own passport photo for details and guidelines.

Although some of the best things in life are free, passports are not.

Currently, you should expect to spend at least $135 for a passport book ($100) and the acceptance fee ($35).

You can add a passport card, which is good for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda for an additional $15.

Passport fees are subject to change.

Payment Methods

Since the application fee and acceptance fee are separate, they also have different payment options.

Application Fee Payment Methods:

• Check (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) and money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State.”
• Credit and debit card payments CANNOT be accepted

$35 Execution (Acceptance) Fee, Paid Separately:

• Money orders at all locations, payable as instructed by the facility
• Personal checks and cash (exact change only) at some locations
• Credit cards at U.S. postal facilities and some other locations. Note: The facility may add a surcharge to cover the cost of the credit card payment.

Please verify payment methods with the acceptance facility ahead of time.

Hot Tip: If you think you may want a passport card at some point, request it at the same time as your passport to avoid an additional $35 acceptance fee. 

Finally, now that all of the paperwork is complete, you can actually apply!

If you are applying for your child’s passport from inside the United States, you will need to bring the completed application, citizenship evidence, photocopy of ID, photo, and fees, in-person to a passport acceptance facility.

You can search for a passport acceptance facility near you here .

If you are applying for your child’s passport from abroad, the process is very similar but may vary by country. Contact your U.S. Embassy and Consulate for specific instructions .

Hot Tip: Did you just realize that you need a passport for your child for an upcoming trip and can’t wait the average 6-8 weeks? You may be eligible for “ Get A Passport In A Hurry ” which can greatly reduce your wait time!

Once your application is submitted it can take between 6-8 weeks before it is approved and delivered to you under normal circumstances.

You can track the status of the application online or by phone starting about a week after you submitted your application.

To track your application by phone, call 877-487-2778 with the following information:

• Last name (include suffixes and hyphens as appropriate)
• Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Last four digits of the social security number

To track your application online simply access the Online Passport Status System.  You can even sign up for automatic email updates!

Yes, this seems like a lot of work. But once you break it all down, it is just 1 form and some basic information that you probably already have laying around your house.

Assuming you follow all of the instructions, your little traveler should have his or her passport in no time.

Getting your child a passport is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child because it opens the world to them.

And I know, from experience, that traveling the world with my children has become one of my greatest pleasures. I hope it will become one of yours, too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can babies travel without a passport.

Every citizen of the United States, independent of age (even newborn infants), is required to have a valid passport when traveling outside the United States. There is an exception for travel on a closed-loop cruise or travel by land to Canada.

How long does it take to get a passport for a baby?

The entire processing time for applying for a passport for a newborn or child can take 6 to 8 weeks. However, expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

Do both parents have to be present to get a passport for a child?

Parents or guardians must appear with the child when applying for a passport and must sign the DS-11 form in front of the passport agent. If both parents /guardians are available, both must appear, or one may appear and bring a signed the documentation listed in this article. 

What age can a baby get a passport?

Children of any age can get a passport. All passport applicants under 16 must apply in person using Form DS-11. You can not use Form DS-82 to renew your passport. Please note: passports for children under 16 are only valid for 5 years.

Can I mail my child's passport application or apply online?

No, children applicants under 16 are not eligible to mail in their passport applications. Additionally, the Department of State does not currently have the option to submit passport applications online.

Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a passport?

Some acceptance facilities require appointments and others do not. We recommend calling the acceptance facility ahead of time to verify their hours, acceptable forms of payment, and appointment requirements.

How much does a U.S. passport cost?

The cost of your U.S. passport will depend on the type of passport you request and how quickly you need it. See  Passport Fees  for more information on the cost of a U.S. passport book or a U.S. passport card and all associated services.

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Find out how to apply for or renew a passport and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

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Guide to getting your child's passport

Getting your child's first passport is a major travel milestone.

However, getting that perfect passport photo of an infant that can't raise their head, ensuring both parents are available to go and apply in person, and keeping track of renewing the passport every five years (really, every 4 1/2 years) is slightly less exciting.

But if you want to leave the country with your whole family, you must put in the work to have the fun. So, here's what you need to know about obtaining your child's U.S. passport.

Child passport basics

Wait until your baby is born and then request that birth certificate.

You can do lots of things to prepare for life "after baby" before your baby is born. Unfortunately, getting a passport isn't one of those things you can check off the list in advance.

Sit tight and once your tiny traveler arrives, immediately request a certified birth certificate, which is necessary for obtaining the passport. You'll need the "long form" version of the birth certificate that comes from the Bureau of Vital Statistics and not a commemorative version you may get from the hospital. The birth certificate will need the registrar's signature and must be embossed, impressed or have a multicolored seal of the registrar.

The exact process of getting the birth certificate varies around the country, but it's often possible to request one within the first week or two of life. You don't have to have your baby's social security number to get a passport. However, if you have one, you must provide it.

Make an appointment

If you need your child's passport ASAP due to a family emergency, try to make an appointment with a passport agency for life or death circumstances. However, know these are extremely limited.

Those with international travel in three business days may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you have a family member outside of the U.S. who has died, is dying or has a life-threatening illness or injury, per the U.S. Department of State.

For urgent non-emergency travel within 14 days, call 877-487-2778 to make an in-person appointment at a passport agency or center. Note these appointments are also limited.

Otherwise, you must submit your child's completed passport application — including supporting documents, photo and fees — in person at a passport acceptance facility . This may require making an appointment.

When searching passport acceptance facilities, you'll see courthouses and post offices on the list of approved places to complete the passport application process in person. In many cases, you'll need to make an appointment at these acceptance facilities before just showing up and assuming they can assist you. This is true even at places that previously accepted walk-ins.

Have passport photos made

Some acceptance facilities will take your passport photos on-site, but many don't. Again, don't assume without double-checking.

Basic passport photo rules are that you need to submit one color photo taken within the last six months using a plain white background. The photo needs to be 2 inches by 2 inches in size. Within that space, the head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 millimeters) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. You can't make any alterations or use filters.

The photo will require a neutral expression or natural smile with both eyes open. You will need to face the camera straight-on with your face in full view.

In the photo, your child cannot wear glasses, masks, hats, uniforms and so on. They'll need to wear everyday clothes and take everything off the head except for some basic jewelry (if desired) that doesn't obstruct their face.

There is a little more leeway with passport photos of babies than for older children and adults. For example, an infant's eyes don't have to be open or entirely open.

Getting a newborn to look right at the camera with their eyes can be hard, so just do your best to check all the other boxes. You can put a child in a car seat with a white or off-white blanket behind the child to get the photo if that helps. We've also done it with our youngest lying on a white sheet when she was an infant.

Some websites help crop your homemade passport photo to the appropriate dimensions if you go this DIY route.

Gather your paperwork

Before your appointment, you must complete some paperwork.

For most U.S.-born infants, you will need the following items to apply for a U.S. passport:

• Completed, unsigned DS-11 form.
• Certified birth certificate meeting the criteria outlined above (which serves as both evidence of U.S. citizenship and evidence of relationship). If the parents' full names are not both listed on the birth certificate, you will need some additional documentation, or you can utilize a fully valid, undamaged U.S. passport (which may be expired) as proof of citizenship. (Digital copies of the birth certificate will not suffice.)
• A copy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you're submitting.
• Evidence of the parental relationship. This may be the birth certificate but could also be an adoption decree, divorce/custody decree or similar document.
• Parent's ID. (A valid driver's license or passport will work.)
• Copy of each identification document (front and back).
• Both parents need to appear in person with the child if the child is under 16, or you may be able to complete form DS-3053 in the presence of a certified notary public if it is not possible to appear together.
• Submit an eligible passport photo of the child.
• Payment for fees (total fees will likely be $135 or more depending on your specific needs — $100 to the State Department and $35 to the acceptance facility). Be aware that you may need to pay the acceptance facility separately from the application fee, so bring a few checks. If you have a photo taken at the facility, you'll likely need to pay some additional amount for that as well.

Child passports are only valid for 5 years (and not even really that long)

Adult U.S. passports are typically valid for 10 years, so it may not even cross your mind that your kid's passport has expired after just five years if they obtained it when they were under 16. Plus, many countries won't allow you to visit with fewer than six months left on a passport . This makes the true life of a child's passport shorter than five years.

To make things extra complex, the passport expiration and renewal rules change when kids turn 16 and again when they reach 18 .

Kids can't just renew passports

Most adults can renew their passports by mail. So, the second time around, the renewal should be easy for kids, too, yes? Wrong.

Unfortunately, you can't just renew a kid's passport. You must get an entirely new one in person, just like the first time.

Bottom line

While you are thinking about your child's passport, it's also probably a good time to think through whether your family would benefit from your kids having Global Entry or Clear , both of which would be separate applications.

Getting your child's passport is not fun, and it will take more effort than you are probably used to when getting your own passport. However, once it is done, you'll have about 4 1/2 years of passport stamps to collect and memories to make.

Read on for additional child passport-related tips:

• If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
• Passport processing wait times decrease for the 1st time since February
• 1st-time US passport holders can apply in person at fairs this summer
• Guide to taking your passport photo at home
• Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?
• 5 things I learned when renewing my passport for the first time
• Why you should renew your child's 5-year passport after 4 years
• How to take your baby's passport photo
• Why your family may want to get Clear before your next flight

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• Family Travel Tips

U.S. Passports for Kids: 10 Common Questions, Answered

Jan 1, 2009

See recent posts by Lissa Poirot

Getting your child their first passport is a detailed task. At one time, traveling to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean required nothing more than a birth certificate and a photo ID. Today, all children need passports. Not sure where to start or what to expect? Here, we answer the most common questions about passports for kids and babies.

1. Do babies need passports? 

Yes, all U.S. citizens need a passport to travel internationally.

2. What are the baby passport photo requirements?

A baby’s passport photo must be taken when the child is awake with his or her eyes open. The background of the photo must also be white. The baby can be laying on a flat white sheet for the photo; placing the baby in a car seat (unstrapped) with a white sheet placed behind the baby is also a good idea. Make sure neither the sheet nor car seat covers your baby’s ears or face in any way, and make sure no shadows are being cast on the baby’s face. When in doubt, go to your local AAA or passport agency. They’ll ensure sure you get a photo that will be accepted.

3. How much are passports for kids?

As of 2019, the application fee for children under the age of 16 is $80; for children over 16, it’s $110. Other processing fees may apply. 

4. How do I get a passport for my kids?

To apply for a passport for the first time , children (including babies) must appear in person with both parents or guardians. You may visit a local passport agency, your local post office municipal/town/county government offices and possibly your local library. While government agencies may accept walk-in applicants, some require appointments and do not handle passports at all times or even all days. Your best bet is to make an appointment in advance. If you require a passport quickly, you may schedule an appointment at a passport agency. These are only available if you need a passport in less than two weeks or within four weeks to obtain a foreign visa.

And yes, you read correctly above: BOTH parents must accompany the child. If it’s too difficult for both parents to attend, particularly if they are divorced and one has sole legal custody, you will need to bring a notarized DS-3053 form, which states that the parent not present consents to the child receiving a passport. This form is only valid for three months. If you are divorced, you will also need to bring in the court order that grants you the legal guardian. If your spouse is deceased, you can bring a copy of the death certificate verifying why you are applying alone. If, for any reason, you cannot bring in any or all of the documentation mentioned, you will need to complete and bring in the DS-3053 form stating why you cannot get consent. Sometimes, a court order may grant travel with the child, in which case the order will need to be brought in as well.

You will also need to bring in a copy of the child’s birth certificate or adoption decree (if applicable). If your child was born in another country, you will need to bring in the consular report of birth abroad (Form FS-240) or certificate of birth abroad (Form DS-1350). The birth certificate has to be an official birth certificate, not a copy, or it will not be accepted. Both parents also need to provide a copy of both sides of their driver’s licenses. If one parent isn’t present, a copy needs to be brought in with the accompanying parent.

Now that you’ve gathered all the documents illustrating who your child is and that you are the parent/guardian, you can complete form DS-11, which provides all the information that will be used on your child’s passport.

5. What happens at a passport appointment?

At your appointment, the clerk will double-check that you have all the forms and identification required. They will then take a passport photo of your child, which will likely cost an extra fee. You can also obtain a passport photo ahead of time from a number of authorized locations, such as Walmart, CVS and UPS, and bring them in with you. They must be in color, 2×2 inches in size, with the head between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, taken in front of a white or off-white background, without hats, without smiles (bummer), and taken within the last six months.

Once all forms have been submitted and signed, you will have a number of fees to submit. If you are obtaining a passport for more than one child, you will need to submit one payment per child.  You should be applying for a passport within at least six weeks of your scheduled trip. It typically takes two to three weeks to receive a passport, but it is not guaranteed. Should you have less than six weeks, it is recommended you select Expedited Service, which is an additional $60 per child. The federal government also suggests you select overnight delivery for your passport to be sent, which costs an additional fee.

If a passport is received with incorrect information, the government will not charge a fee for correcting it. You will need to submit Form DS-5504 via mail.

6. How long are kids passports good for? 

Passports for kids are valid for five years, until the age of 16, after which they are valid for the standard 10 years. When renewing a passport for a child, you will have to again appear in person, following the original procedures. Only when a child is 16 and older will they be able to renew a passport via mail. Children will not need new passports due to aging and growing in size. The government expects this, and it is the reason children’s passports must be renewed every five years instead of 10.

7. Do kids need passports for cruises? 

This varies by cruise line. For example, Royal Caribbean International requires that minors have a certified or notarized copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Disney , on the other hand, requires that all guests (including kids) travel with a valid passport. Be sure to check your cruise line’s policy before your trip.

8. Do babies and kids need passports for Canada?

No, but you’ll need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship for your child, such as a copy of their birth certificate.

9. Do my kids need passports for travel within the U.S.? 

Minors under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification at the airport.

10. What if my child’s legal name changes?

If your child undergoes a name change and requires a new passport, you will have two options. If it’s due to a parent’s or guardian’s marriage and the original passport is less than one year old, you can mail in the former passport with a DS-5504 name change form, an original copy of the government document stating the name change, and a new passport photo. There will not be a fee, unless requesting expedited service. If the passport is more than a year old, however, you will have to appear in person again and begin the process anew, including all forms and fees, as well as bringing three public records showing the child’s assumed name.

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Common Travel Area: rights of UK and Irish citizens

Information for UK and Irish citizens on their rights under the Common Travel Area arrangements (CTA).

Common Travel Area guidance

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is a long-standing arrangement between the UK, the Crown Dependencies (Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle of Man) and Ireland that pre-dates both British and Irish membership of the EU and is not dependent on it.

Under the CTA, British and Irish citizens can move freely and reside in either jurisdiction and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including the right to work, study and vote in certain elections, as well as to access social welfare benefits and health services.

The UK and Irish governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2019 reaffirming our commitment to maintain the CTA, and the associated rights and privileges, in all circumstances. On signing the MoU, both governments released a Joint Statement .

Amendment to section 5 in the attachment, on Accessing healthcare in the Common Travel Area: eligible cross-border workers and those exporting a state pension or exportable benefit may be able to have healthcare paid for.

Updated information on use of ID cards to enter the UK if you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

Updated information for Irish citizens travelling to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies.

Updated the section 'Irish Citizens and the EU Settlement Scheme' (EUSS). It now gives information on family members applying for status in the UK from 1 July 2021 onwards, which is after the end of the EUSS grace period.

Added the use of Irish passport cards to travel from Ireland to the UK. Added guidance for family members from the EU, EEA or Switzerland on the use of national ID cards from 1 October 2021.

Updated for end of EU transition.

Updated to add guidance relating to the eligibility of Irish citizens to apply for permission to come to the UK from 1 January 2021, including S2 healthcare visitors, service providers from Switzerland, and frontier workers.

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Common Travel Area

Do i need a passport to travel to ireland everything you need to know about the common travel area, what is the common travel area, what are the rules of the cta, do i need a passport to travel between the uk and ireland, what if i’m not a uk citizen, are there any restrictions that i need to be aware of, will the cta be affected by brexit.

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Travelling without a passport – what you need to know!

• By Kate Limburn

July 22, 2014

With international travel security measures becoming more stringent every day, I have grown accustomed to taking my passport everywhere with me when I travel. If you were born in the UK and are a UK citizen however, then there are times when travel is possible without a passport – even by plane! For UK citizens waiting anxiously on passports during this busy time of year, this may be welcome news!

Travel within the UK

If you are travelling by aeroplane within the UK (yes – even including Northern Ireland) then you do not need a passport. You will however usually be asked for reliable photographic ID such as a current photographic driver’s license. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult who can vouch for them are not required to hold any id for domestic flights.

I regularly zipped up and down to Scotland as a student using just my driving license and we were not asked for any ID when flying with Roo last year between London and Edinburgh. Please do be aware though that you may be asked for a birth certificate for infants – see more on this below.

Travel within the Common Travel Area

The Common Travel Area is a travel zone made up of the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man between which border control checks are relaxed for citizens belonging to and travelling between these countries.

In theory, any of these locations should let in citizens of another member of the Common Travel Area without a passport, although other documents will be required. Each travel company differs as to its exact requirements and some are quite relaxed. Aer Lingus for example, state that they accept a bus pass with photo or photographic work pass as ID and Fly Be accept passports that have expired within the previous two years. On the whole though, airlines require a government issued photographic ID document such as your passport or a driving license.

Children under 16 again do not require photographic ID but do be aware that if you are travelling with an infant on your lap, you may be asked for proof that they are under 2 years old and therefore do not require their own seat. A birth certificate should suffice.

Ferry companies seem to be a little more relaxed in terms of what they accept as ID. We travelled to Jersey last year with Condor Ferries and didn’t need anything for Roo, and our driving licenses were not asked for (although we were waving them about in our hand so maybe that was all that was needed). As well as a driving license, other possible forms of ID include college ID passes, NUS cards, bank cards, birth certificates and utility bills. Irish Ferries even told me they accept photocopies of a drivers license or utility bill!

Children travelling by ferry with a parent or guardian do not require photo id. Some companies such as Stena specify a child will require a birth certificate as ID whilst others e.g. Irish Ferries, say that no ID is required for minors, although you might want to take a copy of the birth certificate in case of any problems. As with airlines, exactly which documents are accepted differs from company to company though.

The only time with ferries you need to be really careful is if you are travelling on a service that stops off within the Common Travel Area but whose ultimate destination is an international port. e.g. travelling to France via the Channel Islands. Some companies require a passport on these kind of routes, even though theoretically you shouldn’t need it.

Travel restrictions are changing all the time so please do not rely on the information here alone – always check what documents are required with your travel operator before setting off, preferably by phone or email. This is true particularly for children as I find the guidelines on this to be often vague on company websites. 

Kate Limburn

Permanent link to this article: https://babyroutes.co.uk/travelling-passport/

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• Elizabeth power on January 7, 2016 at 06:50

Hi my mum come from Ireland when she was 17 she wont’s to go back and see her family she is 75 one of her sisters are ill she hasent seen them since they was Young we won’t to take her back but she has no birth certificate because I’m Ireland the the place where they kept them got burnt down years ago so they can not give it her and have no record because it went in flames so we can not get a passport so what can we use or her photo ID she has lost her identy because of this I think the Ireland ambassador should do some thing she’s very upset

• Kate Limburn on January 12, 2016 at 10:05 Author

Hi – I’m no expert in the specifics here but if it were me I’d get in touch with the Irish government and order a replacement copy of the birth certificate. So long as her birth was registered this should be easy enough. Try this website for ordering online http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/bdm/Certificates/ Unfortunately and for necessary security purposes it is pretty much impossible to do much these days without ID as no doubt she is already aware – not least for travel. Good luck getting it sorted out. You could also try contacting Citizen’s Advice if you have trouble finding a solution through the regular channels.

• Mohamad on September 10, 2016 at 16:12

Hi I have new born baby 7 months only can she travel with me with ferry from uk to France with birth certificate?its really important for me please reply.thanks

• Kate Limburn on September 13, 2016 at 11:47 Author

Hi, the only way you can get the exact details on what you need to travel with your baby is by contacting the ferry company directly. It is normal to need a passport for your children, especially where baby is not travelling under special circumstances e.g. born in another country and returning soon after birth to home country but the ferry company you choose will be able to give you exact details of what they require.

• Mohamad on September 13, 2016 at 16:50

Thanks For your email the problem is she is don’t have live to remain yet.she only got birth certificate.can she travel with birth certificate only?

• Evija on September 12, 2017 at 10:29

Hi,,i’m european and my girls have European passport ,very soon they traveling to Scotland from Northern Ireland ,but passport expired ,can they travel?Appointment available only next year.

• Kate Limburn on September 27, 2017 at 11:18 Author

Hi, You need to contact the company who are operating the ferry or plane service directly as they all slightly differ over what they require. In the UK at least, if you need a passport quickly you can arrange an emergency appointment at fairly short notice. Is it worth finding out if something similar exists for your country or if you can contact the embassy in the UK?

• tino on November 3, 2017 at 02:09

my baby have only birt certificate but i want to flight from angland to north ireland whit my baby

• Kate Limburn on January 31, 2018 at 11:58 Author

Hi – you need to get in touch with the travel company you plan to use for specific details. The information on this page is for general guidance only – requirements change too often and can vary slightly from company to company.

• Delila on January 4, 2018 at 22:43

Hi my husband has french shcangai visa can he treavel to northern ireland with it?

• Kate Limburn on January 31, 2018 at 11:56 Author

Hi – you need to contact your airline or ferry company. Details change often and I am not able to help with specifics. Good luck!

• Shane Dempsey on June 19, 2018 at 14:45

Hia, just to let folks know RYANAIR refused our family carriage on a flight from London to Cork. As we only had a full birth certificate for our new-born baby. I am trying to get this information out to as many people as possible as it was incredibly stressful for us to have to return home and miss his first trip back. RYANAIR do not make this clear so please learn from our lessons. Best of luck. Shane

• Kate Limburn on June 29, 2018 at 12:08 Author

Thanks for the update on this. Yes- airlines and ferry companies do not have to request these items but it is down to them if they choose to do so, especially as travel alerts fluctuate so much. That’s why it’s always best to get in touch with your travel company first. What a nightmare for you. Hope this is useful for others.

• TJ on July 14, 2018 at 10:59

Hi, my mother and younger brother plan to fly back to Ireland from Gatwick to attend a funeral.

My brother does not have a passport only a birth certificate and a few other non photographic documents, he is 17 years old. Will he be able to fly?

• Kate Limburn on July 23, 2018 at 14:12 Author

Hi – you really do need to contact the company you are intending to travel with to check on their latest requirements. Details do vary from company to company. That said, it’s unlikely he would be able to fly without any photographic ID.

• Nazan on May 30, 2021 at 13:01

I am a British Citizen, my baby was born in Turkey this year. Can I take her with me to UK without a passport but only with a local birth certificate ?

thank you & regards

• Kate Limburn on June 3, 2021 at 03:18 Author

Hi, this blog was intended largely for travel within the different islands and nations of the UK when travelling by ferry or plane. You would need to contact the airline or embassy to get information on travel internationally. I wish you well with your travels.

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Determined to combine parenthood with her love of travel and the great outdoors, Kate founded Baby Routes in 2012 after the birth of her first daughter.

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Common Travel Area: What is it, and how can it help travellers without a passport?

Exclusive: you can travel where you wish within the cta, but you are expected to carry some id, article bookmarked.

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Ireland is part of the CTA

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Many travellers are concerned about potential delays in renewing their passports ahead of journeys this spring and summer.

A five-week strike by members of the PCS union working at HM Passport Office is under way, with 1,000 staff on strike in a dispute over Civil Service pay.

In addition, the Home Office has revealed it has no intention of reducing the current advice that travellers should allow 10 weeks for passport issue or renewal.

Since Brexit, rules for entering the European Union have become more complex with stipulations on the maximum age of a passport on departure to the EU (10 years) and the minimum validity on the day of return (three months).

As a result, some travellers may feel they are unable to venture overseas because they cannot guarantee having a valid document.

Yet thanks to agreements stretching back a century, British travellers can venture without a passport (subject to the airline’s policy) anywhere within the Common Travel Area (CTA). This comprises one EU nation – Ireland – as well as the “Crown Dependencies” of the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. You could think of the arrangement as a “Schengen Area for the British Isles”. The UK government says the CTA “underpinned the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement”.

These are the key questions and answers.

When and how did the CTA come into being?

The Common Travel Area is an open-borders agreement that predates such arrangements in Continental Europe. It has its origins in the border deals made in 1923 when formalising links between the newly created Irish Free State and the United Kingdom – comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It now also embraces the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey (including the smaller Channel Islands) and the Isle of Man, but not British Overseas Territories such as Gibraltar and Bermuda.

What benefits does it confer?

Numerically, by far the most significant benefits are for British and Irish citizens. They can “move freely between the UK and Ireland”. British citizens can work and take up residence in Ireland, and Irish citizens can do the same in the UK “without any requirement to obtain permission”. Professional qualifications are mutually recognised. And citizens of each country “have the right to access emergency, routine and planned publicly funded health services in each other’s state, on the same basis as citizens of that state”.

As a British citizen, what do I need to travel within the Common Travel Area?

To ireland from great britain (england, wales, scotland).

The Irish government says: “There is no requirement for Irish and British citizens to carry passports when travelling within the Common Travel Area.

“However, it is the case that airline carriers in many instances require all passengers to have a passport in their possession before allowing them to board aircraft. This is not an immigration requirement.”

Ryanair demands a passport for all travellers from Great Britain to Ireland. The airline says: “A valid passport is required for travel with Ryanair between Ireland and the UK. No exceptions will be made. Driving licences are not acceptable for travel with Ryanair between the UK and Ireland.”

British Airways says: “If you are a citizen of the UK or Republic of Ireland who was born in that country you do not need a passport to travel between the two countries but you do require some form of photographic identification, such as a driving licence. All other travellers require a valid passport to travel between the two countries.”

Aer Lingus says acceptable identification includes:

• Valid passport or Irish passport card
• Driver’s licence with photo
• International student card
• Government issued photo ID cards
• Health insurance cards with photo/social security cards with photo
• Bus pass with photo
• Work ID with photo

Ferry companies follow the Aer Lingus policy, broadly.

To Ireland from Northern Ireland

The Irish government says: “For journeys on and across the island of Ireland, British and Irish citizens do not require any travel documents.”

To the Isle of Man

No passport necessary.

To the Channel islands

No passport necessary, but “All visitors do require some form of photographic identification”.

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Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK

What is the common travel area, your rights within the common travel area, border control and the common travel area, brexit and the common travel area.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland that gives a variety of rights to citizens of those countries. It includes more than the basic right to travel freely between both countries.

When the Common Travel Area arrangement began in 1922, it was not contained in any legislation. It was an understanding between Ireland and the UK based on their common history. Over time, some of the rights came to be included in different pieces of legislation in both Ireland and the UK.

While the Common Travel Area is recognised under the Treaty of Amsterdam, it is not dependant on the European Union and the continuing membership of both countries.

On 8 May 2019, the Irish and UK governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (pdf) reaffirming the Common Travel Area and identifying the rights and privileges of Irish and UK citizens within the CTA. It also reaffirmed the commitment to maintain the CTA following Brexit (pdf) .

Common Travel Area rights can only be exercised by citizens of Ireland and the UK. If you are not a citizen of Ireland or the UK, you cannot exercise Common Travel Area rights.

For the purposes of the Common Travel Area, the UK covers:

• Northern Ireland
• The Isle of Man
• The Channel Islands

Irish and UK citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study within the Common Travel Area. The rights of Irish citizens have been recognised in the UK’s Immigration and Social Security (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 .

Irish and UK citizens can live in either country and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including:

• Access to social benefits
• Access to healthcare
• Access to social housing supports
• The right to vote in certain elections

The Common Travel Area does not relate to goods or customs issues. You can read about the trade agreement between Ireland and the UK in Brexit and Ireland .

There are no routine passport controls in operation for Irish and UK citizens travelling between the 2 countries.

However, you must show identification to board a ferry or an airplane, and some airlines and sea carriers only accept a passport as valid identification. You may also be asked by an immigration officer to prove that you are a citizen of Ireland or the UK, so you should carry a passport with you. You can also use an Irish passport card, or other proof that you are an Irish citizen.

If you have family members who are not UK or EEA citizens, they may need a visa to enter Ireland or the UK. A residency scheme for family members of UK citizens who move to Ireland after 1 January 2021 is now in place.

The Common Travel Area also involves some co-operation on immigration issues. A non-EEA national, for example, may be refused permission to enter Ireland if they intend to travel onwards to the UK and they would not qualify for admission to the UK. Irish immigration officers have the power to carry out checks on people arriving in the State from the UK and to refuse them entry to the State on the same grounds that apply to people arriving from outside the Common Travel Area. These checks are carried out selectively.

EU and EEA citizens travelling to Great Britain from Ireland

If you are a citizen of the EEA (the EU, plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein) or Switzerland, you may be asked for identification when you enter Great Britain from Ireland. You are not asked to show identification if you are entering Northern Ireland from Ireland.

You must have an EEA passport to enter Great Britain from Ireland unless you have:

• Settled or pre-settled status in the UK, or you are awaiting a decision on your application and have received confirmation that your application is valid.
• An EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• A Frontier Worker Permit
• An S2 Healthcare Visitor visa
• A Service Provider from Switzerland visa

If you are in any of the above categories, you can use an EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter Great Britain from Ireland.

Electronic Travel Authorisation

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) gives you permission to travel to the UK and is required by some nationalities before travel.

You do not need an ETA if you:

• Are a British citizen
• Are an Irish citizen (unless subject to a deportation order, exclusion order decision, or an international travel ban)
• Are a British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) with a BOTC passport
• Have entry clearance or permission to enter or stay in the UK, including people who are settled

If you live in Ireland legally, you don't need an ETA when entering the UK from Ireland.

Cross border workers

Irish and British citizens can live and work in both Ireland and the UK and they can live in one country and work in the other country. For example, you might live in Ireland and work in Northern Ireland. This is called frontier working or cross-border working .

EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in Ireland and working in Northern Ireland before the end of 2020, must have a Frontier Work Permit to continue working in Northern Ireland. EEA and Swiss citizens who live in Ireland and start working in Northern Ireland from the beginning of 2021 must apply for permission to work in the UK through the UK’s points-based immigration system .

People with UK visas or residence permits

If you are a citizen of a country whose nationals need a visa to enter Ireland and you have a valid UK visa or residence permit, you may be required to have a visa to enter Ireland before you arrive in Ireland.

Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme

The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows nationals of a number of Eastern European, Middle East and Asian countries who have a short-term UK visa to come to Ireland without the need for a separate Irish visa.

Reciprocal visa arrangements

A British Irish Visa Scheme applies to visitors from China and India. This scheme allows visitors from these countries to travel freely within the Common Travel Area (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), using either an Irish or UK visa. British Irish Visa Scheme visas are endorsed with ‘BIVS’.

Both schemes are provided for in the Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2014 (SI 473/2014) as amended by Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2016 (SI 502/2016) .

You can read more about visa requirements for entering Ireland , or you can get further information about visa applications from Irish embassies and consulates abroad .

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has not affected the rights of Irish citizens and UK citizens within the Common Travel Area. The right to live, work and access public services in the Common Travel Area is protected.

Your Common Travel Area rights do not extend to your family. This means that if your spouse or partner, or other relative, is not an Irish or UK citizen, they may have to apply for residence in the UK .

You can read about residence rights of British citizens in Ireland.

Common Travel Area in law and the Protocol

The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2019 places many of the Common Travel Area rights in legislation for the first time. The Act empowers the relevant ministers to legislate in the areas of providing equal access to healthcare and social welfare.

The withdrawal agreement between the UK and the European Union recognises the Common Travel Area in its Protocol, which deals with Ireland and Northern Ireland . Article 2 provides for the continued operation of the Common Travel Area.

You can read more about the UK leaving the EU in our pages:

• Background to Brexit
• Brexit and Ireland

You can get more information on the Common Travel Area from the Department of Foreign Affairs and on legal matters and rights from gov.ie .

Related documents

• Studying in the UK including Northern Ireland Many people leave to study in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK where there are different application procedures and fees. 1951.6387
• The Schengen Area What countries are in the Schengen Area, and what does it mean for travellers to and from Ireland? 1923.0466
• The euro area The euro is the national currency of 19 EU member states. This document explains how it operates. 1883.9044

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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