subject: US Passport Rules for Children [print this page] US Passport Rules for Children US Passport Rules for Children
When it comes to traveling internationally with children, there are some rules and regulations that every parent should be aware of. Here's a quick rundown of travel rules that apply to children:
If you're traveling out of the country by plane, all children need to have valid US passports. Even the tiniest newborn infants will not be allowed to travel without a passport. Even after reading the rules, parents often ask if there is an exception for babies. There simply isn't.
If you're traveling out of the country by sea to anywhere other than Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean, your child also needs a passport, full stop. Yes, again, even newborns.
If you're traveling by land or by sea to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean, your child under 16 can travel with any of the following documents: a passport, a passport card, an official birth certificate or a naturalization certificate. Please note that the cute little "birth certificate" the hospital gave you when you had your baby won't do you need an official, certified copy with a raised seal.
When you apply for a child's passport, both parents must appear in person with the child to give their consent for the passport to be issued. Each parent needs to bring state-issued photo identification along with proof of their relationship to the child. This requirement makes some parents feel insulted, but it's just a safety precaution, not a reflection on you. Proof of relationship can include a birth certificate, an adoption decree or a court order granting custody or guardianship, depending on the circumstances.
If both parents cannot be present when the child applies for the passport, one parent can appear with a notarized copy of Form DS-3053 indicating that the other parent has given consent.
If you have sole custody of the child, you can bring a birth certificate with your name only, an adoption decree with your name only, the other parent's death certificate or a copy of the court order awarding sole custody to you.
US passports for children are only good for 5 years, unlike adult passports which are good for 10 years.
