Passport for a Newborn: Step-by-Step (DS-11)
Getting a passport for a newborn requires both parents in person, a state-issued birth cert, and a tricky photo. Here's every step explained for 2026.
TL;DR
Getting a passport for a newborn takes the same DS-11 process as any child under 16: both parents in person, a state-issued certified birth certificate (not the hospital copy), a tricky eyes-open photo, and 4–6 weeks to process. Start at least 2 months before any planned travel.
At a glance
- Form: DS-11 (first-time applicant — no mail-in option)
- Cost: $130 execution fee + $35 acceptance fee (as of April 2026 — verify at travel.state.gov)
- Processing time: 4–6 weeks routine; 2–3 weeks expedited
- Valid: 5 years (all passports issued to children under 16)
- Parents needed: Both must appear, or one brings a notarized DS-3053
- Birth certificate: Certified state copy required — hospital certificate not accepted
Why this matters
A newborn can travel internationally the day they leave the hospital — but only if a passport is already in hand. New parents often assume a passport is a future task and then find themselves scrambling when a family trip, a medical trip abroad, or a move to another country comes up faster than expected.
The process is the same as for any child under 16, with one extra layer of difficulty: the photo. Getting a sleeping, squirming, or screaming baby to stare at a camera with both eyes open is genuinely hard. The rest of the application is paperwork — the photo is the part that sends people back to start.
Plan on starting the application within the first few weeks after birth if there’s any chance of international travel in the child’s first year.
Getting the right birth certificate
This is the most common first mistake. The hospital hands parents a beautifully formatted birth record with the baby’s footprints and the delivery time. That document cannot be used for a passport.
You need a certified copy issued by the state vital records office — the one with a raised seal, a state registrar signature, or printed on official security paper. Most states let you order online; delivery typically takes 5–15 business days.
The certified birth certificate serves two purposes in the passport application: it proves U.S. citizenship and it proves the relationship between parent and child. The State Department accepts certified copies with original seals. Photocopies of the birth certificate are not accepted as the primary document, though you should bring one photocopy along with the original (the original is returned to you).
If the baby was born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) is the equivalent document.
The both-parents rule and DS-3053
Under federal law, both parents or legal guardians must consent to a child’s first passport. For a newborn, that means both parents must either:
- Appear together at the passport acceptance facility on the day of the appointment, or
- One parent provides Form DS-3053 — a notarized statement of consent from the absent parent, valid for 3 months from the notary date.
The DS-3053 requirement applies to every child under 16, including newborns. If one parent is deployed, hospitalized, traveling, or simply unavailable, the DS-3053 is the path forward. Read the full guide to DS-3053 parental consent for the exact steps.
If one parent is deceased, bring a certified death certificate. If you have sole legal custody, bring the court order.
DS-11: filling out the form correctly
Download Form DS-11 from travel.state.gov — not from a third-party site. Complete the child’s section with:
- Full legal name (as it appears on the birth certificate)
- Date of birth
- Place of birth (city and state, or city and country if born abroad)
- Social Security number (if assigned — see FAQ below if not yet issued)
- Gender
Do not sign the form before you get to the acceptance facility. The acceptance agent must witness the signature. A pre-signed DS-11 is rejected.
The newborn passport photo
This is where most newborn applications hit a snag. The requirements are the same as for adults:
- 2×2 inches
- Plain white or off-white background
- Face fully visible, looking straight at the camera
- Eyes open
- No pacifier, toys, or hands visible in the frame
- Both ears visible if possible
A few approaches that work:
- White sheet on car seat: Drape a plain white sheet over the car seat, lay the baby in it, and shoot from directly above. The white background is automatic.
- Timing: Take the photo right after a feeding, when the baby is awake and content rather than hungry or overtired.
- Pacifier trick: Use a pacifier to calm the baby, then remove it just before you shoot. Work quickly.
- Flash: Avoid direct flash — it causes reflex eye-closing. Natural light or diffused indoor light is better.
Most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) and UPS Stores can take infant passport photos. Call ahead to confirm — not every location is set up for very young babies.
Required documents: the full checklist
Bring all of these to the appointment:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed DS-11 (unsigned) | Print from travel.state.gov |
| Certified birth certificate | Original + 1 photocopy |
| Both parents’ government photo ID | Originals + photocopies |
| DS-3053 (if one parent absent) | Must be notarized, dated within 3 months |
| Passport photo | 2×2 inches, meets all requirements |
| Payment | Check or money order to “U.S. Department of State”; acceptance fee paid separately |
The acceptance facility fee (currently $35) is paid separately at the facility. The execution fee ($130 for a book, or $30 for a card) goes to the State Department.
Processing time and what to expect
Routine processing takes 4–6 weeks from submission. Expedited service (an additional fee, currently around $60) takes roughly 2–3 weeks.
A newborn passport is valid for 5 years. This is standard for all children under 16 — the shorter validity period reflects how much a child’s appearance changes in early childhood.
If travel is planned within the next 2 months, apply immediately and pay for expedited service. For truly urgent travel (72 hours or less), you can attempt to book an appointment at a regional passport agency — but appointments fill quickly and aren’t guaranteed.
Common pitfalls
- Using the hospital birth certificate. It won’t work. Order the state-certified copy early.
- Signing DS-11 before the appointment. The agent must witness your signature. If you sign early, the form is void.
- Forgetting the second parent. Without both parents present or a notarized DS-3053, the application cannot proceed.
- Rushing the photo. A rejected photo means rebooking the appointment. Get the photo right before you arrive.
- Waiting until a trip is imminent. Passport processing for newborns is no faster than for adults — 4–6 weeks minimum. Start 2 months ahead of any travel date.
What to do next
If travel is coming up, start now. Order the certified birth certificate first — that’s the step with the longest wait. Once it arrives, get the DS-11 filled out, book an appointment at an acceptance facility, and take the photo.
The egovrush passport service can walk you through the full application, review your documents before the appointment, and help you navigate expedited options if time is tight. Start a new passport application and we’ll handle the checklist.
Sources: Children’s Passports — travel.state.gov, Passport Fees — travel.state.gov. Requirements verified April 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the hospital birth certificate for a newborn’s passport?
No. The hospital-issued birth record is a keepsake, not a legal document. You need a certified copy issued by the state vital records office. Order it as soon as possible — it can take 2–3 weeks to arrive.
Do both parents have to be present for a newborn passport?
Yes. Both parents must either appear together at the acceptance facility or one must provide a notarized DS-3053 consent form. This rule applies to all children under 16, including newborns.
How long is a newborn’s passport valid?
Five years. All passports issued to children under 16 are valid for 5 years, not 10. You will need to renew before the passport expires or before age 16, whichever comes first.
What if my baby doesn’t have a Social Security number yet?
You can still apply. Leave the SSN field blank and provide a reason. There may be a fee associated with this; check current State Department guidance at travel.state.gov.
Can I expedite a newborn’s passport?
Yes. Paying the expedited fee brings processing to about 2–3 weeks. For truly urgent travel within 72 hours, regional passport agency appointments are an option but difficult to secure.
What’s the trick for getting a newborn’s eyes open in the photo?
Shoot after a feeding when the baby is awake and content. Lay the baby on a white sheet, shoot from above, use a pacifier to calm them and remove it before the shot, and avoid direct flash.
Need help with your passport application?
We handle the form, photo check, and tracking. Pay only after eligibility is confirmed.
Related reading
DS-3053 is the notarized parental consent form required when one parent can't attend a child's passport appointment. Here's how to fill it out correctly in 2026.
Proof of citizenship for a U.S. passport: a certified birth certificate works for most people, but 4 other documents are accepted. Here's what the State Dept accepts.
Passport card vs book: the card costs less and fits in your wallet, but only works for land and sea travel. Here's which one you actually need in 2026.
Kids under 16 can't renew by mail — they must apply in person with DS-11 every 5 years. Here's who needs to show up, what to bring, and the exceptions explained.