July 15, 2025 – Applying for a U.S. passport for a 2-year-old baby requires an in-person process at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or library, with both parents or guardians typically present. Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed; a new application is needed each time. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process, based on U.S. Department of State requirements.
- Complete Form DS-11
- Download Form DS-11 from travel.state.gov or use the online Form Filler tool to complete it on a computer. Print it single-sided on 8.5×11-inch paper.
- Do not sign the form until instructed by the passport acceptance agent.
- Provide the child’s Social Security number, if available, or a statement if none has been issued. Do not use foreign identification numbers (e.g., a Dutch BSN).
- Gather Required Documents
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Submit an original U.S. birth certificate (with a raised seal), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship, plus a photocopy (front and back, on plain white 8.5×11-inch paper). The original will be returned after processing. Note: Short-form or abstract birth certificates (e.g., some from Texas or California) may not be accepted.
- Proof of Parental Relationship: The birth certificate typically suffices if it lists both parents’ names. Alternatively, use an adoption decree, foreign birth certificate, or divorce/custody decree, with a photocopy.
- Parental Identification: Both parents must provide a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or REAL ID), plus a photocopy (front and back). If one parent cannot attend, see Step 4.
- Passport Photo: Provide one 2×2-inch color photo of the child, taken within the last 6 months, showing a full-face, front view against a plain white or off-white background. The child must be alone in the photo. For a 2-year-old, lay them on a white sheet or use a car seat with a white cover if they cannot sit upright. Professional photo services at post offices or pharmacies are recommended to meet strict requirements.
- Find a Passport Acceptance Facility
- Locate a nearby facility (e.g., post office, library, or county clerk’s office) via travel.state.gov. Some require appointments, while others accept walk-ins.
- For urgent travel (within 3 weeks), contact a regional passport agency (e.g., Miami for Florida residents) for an appointment.
- Provide Parental Consent
- Both parents or legal guardians listed on the birth certificate must appear in person with the child and sign Form DS-11 in front of the acceptance agent.
- If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent), signed in the presence of a notary public, along with a photocopy of their ID (front and back). In some countries, this form must be notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- If one parent cannot be located or has no legal authority, submit Form DS-5525 (Statement of Special Family Circumstances) with detailed evidence (e.g., court orders, affidavit explaining absence). If only one parent is listed on the birth certificate, only that parent needs to appear.
- Pay the Fees
- Application Fee: $100 for a passport book, $15 for a passport card, or $115 for both (payable to “U.S. Department of State” via check or money order). Write the child’s full name and date of birth on the check.
- Execution Fee: $35, payable to the acceptance facility (payment methods vary; some accept cash, credit/debit cards, or money orders).
- Optional Fees: Add $60 for expedited processing (2-3 weeks) or $22.05 for 1-2 day return shipping of the passport book. Passport cards are sent via First Class Mail only.
- Submit the Application
- Bring the child, completed Form DS-11, all documents, photocopies, photo, and fees to the acceptance facility. The agent will verify IDs, administer an oath, and have parents sign the form.
- If applying for twins or multiple children, submit separate applications with individual sets of documents and fees for each child.
- Processing and Delivery
- Standard Processing: 4-6 weeks, not including mailing times (up to 2 weeks each way).
- Expedited Processing: 2-3 weeks for an additional $60.
- Track the application status online at passportstatus.state.gov after 2 weeks. The passport book arrives via trackable delivery, the passport card via First Class Mail, and citizenship documents up to 4 weeks later.
- Additional Tips
- Prepare in Advance: Organize all documents and photocopies to avoid delays. Check photo requirements carefully, as they’re a common reason for rejection.
- Travel Warnings: Enroll in the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) if concerned about unauthorized international travel by the other parent.
- International Travel: Check destination country passport validity rules (some require 6 months validity) at travel.state.gov.
- Photo Challenges: For a 2-year-old, use a toy to direct their attention toward the camera or opt for professional photo services.
For more details or to find a facility, visit travel.state.gov or contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. If applying from outside the U.S., contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, as requirements may vary.