Documents And Photos: Getting Your Newborn's First Passport

If you're planning to travel abroad with your newborn, you'll need to get them a passport. Here's what you need to know about the process:

Firstly, you'll need to complete Form DS-11, which can be found on the official USCIS website. Both parents or legal guardians must bring the baby when submitting the application in person and provide supporting documents such as a birth certificate and social security number. You will also need to provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a U.S. passport. If you have non-immigrant status in the U.S., you must submit a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state.

Additionally, you must provide proof of your relationship with the child. This can be a certified birth certificate with both parents' names, a foreign birth certificate, or an adoption decree if the child is adopted. If only one parent is present, they must submit a Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) and provide proof of sole custody.

Both parents or guardians also need to present proof of identification, such as a valid driver's license, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or military/government ID. If neither parent can be present, a third party may apply on their behalf with a notarized statement and proof of identification.

Finally, you'll need to provide two passport photos of the newborn that meet specific size and background requirements, and pay the relevant fees. The standard processing time is 4-6 weeks, but expedited services are available for an additional fee.

Form DS-11

To apply for a US passport for a newborn baby, you will need to complete Form DS-11. This form can be downloaded from the USCIS website. The form should be completed with the baby's full legal name, social security number, and other personal information.

It is important to note that the form should not be signed until instructed to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee. This is a crucial step in the process, as signing the form prematurely may cause issues with your application.

You can apply for either a passport book, a passport card, or both documents. If you require more visa pages, you can request a larger passport book at no extra cost by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the form.

Along with Form DS-11, you will need to provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and a photocopy of this document. This evidence must be an original or replacement copy with the official seal or stamp of the issuing office. It must also include specific details, such as the applicant's full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parent(s)' full names.

Additionally, you will need to show your relationship to the child by providing a document that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This can be a birth certificate, foreign birth certificate, divorce or custody decree, or other relevant documents. If your name has legally changed since the original documents were issued, you will need to submit evidence of this name change.

Evidence of citizenship

To apply for a US passport for a newborn baby, you must provide evidence of the baby's US citizenship. This could be one of the following:

• A certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state. This must be a full birth certificate, with the registrar's seal, signature, and the date it was filed with the registrar's office. It must be applied for at the time of the baby's birth and should be obtained within a year of the birth.
• A consular report of American birth abroad.
• A previously issued US passport.
• A naturalization certificate.
• A certificate of citizenship.

If you have non-immigrant status in the US, you must provide a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state. You must also apply for the birth certificate at the time of the baby's birth. Hospital authorities will usually guide parents on applying for a Social Security Number and birth certificate immediately after the birth of a child.

No abstract, short, or duplicate versions of birth certificates are accepted. You must produce a certified birth certificate.

Photocopy of Citizenship Evidence

Once you have chosen which document to bring to prove your child's US 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.

Parental relationship proof

To prove your parental relationship with the newborn, you must submit one of the following documents:

• A U.S. birth certificate (can also be used as evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (can also be used as evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate
• Divorce/custody decree

If you are using the same document to prove citizenship and parental relationship, be sure to bring the original document or a certified copy. Photocopies are not accepted.

If the child is born abroad, you should submit the following:

• Child's Report of Birth Abroad with the names of both parents
• Child's certified Foreign Birth Certificate with the names of both parents

All foreign documents must be submitted with an informal or formal English translation.

If the child is adopted, you must submit an adoption decree with the names of both parents.

If you are the guardian of a newborn baby, you should submit the following:

• A court order establishing custody
• A court order establishing guardianship

Evidence of name change, such as a copy of the marriage certificate, must be submitted if the name of a parent or guardian has changed since the original documents were issued.

Parent ID

When applying for a newborn passport, parents must provide proof of identification. This is a crucial part of the application process, as it helps establish the relationship between the parents and the child. Here is a detailed guide on the requirements for parent ID when applying for a newborn passport:

Types of Acceptable IDs

It is essential to bring acceptable forms of primary photo identification. Both parents must present at least one of the following IDs:

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

Secondary Identification

If you cannot provide any of the primary forms of ID, you may present two forms of secondary identification. Acceptable forms of secondary ID include:

• Out-of-state driver's license or enhanced driver's license with a photo
• Learner's permit or temporary driver's license (without a photo)
• In-state, fully valid non-driver ID (without a photo)
• Out-of-state, non-driver ID
• Social Security Card
• Voter registration card
• School yearbook with an identifiable photograph
• Selective Service (draft) card
• Medicare or other health card
• Credit Card
• Employee ID
• Library Card

Photocopies of IDs

In addition to presenting the original IDs, you must also provide photocopies of each identification document. The photocopy should be taken on plain white, 8 1/2 x 11" standard paper stock, showing the front and back of your ID. Do not use both sides of the paper, and ensure that you do not decrease the image size.

Identifying Witness

If you do not have any of the acceptable forms of primary or secondary identification, you can bring an 'Identifying Witness' to swear to your identity. The identifying witness must be a US citizen or permanent resident, have valid ID, be present at the time of application, and have known you for at least two years. They will need to fill out and submit Form DS-71: Affidavit of Identifying Witness in the presence of a Passport Agent.

Passport photos

To apply for a passport for your newborn, you will need to submit two identical colour passport photos along with the application. Here are some guidelines for taking these photos:

• The photos must be 2 by 2 inches in size.
• The photos must be recent, with the newborn's full face and a front view.
• The photos should be taken against a plain white or off-white background.
• No one else should be present in the photograph.
• If the newborn cannot sit upright, the picture may be taken with the baby lying down on a white surface.

You can get these photos taken at some passport acceptance facilities, or you can get them done at a company that offers photo services. Alternatively, you can take the photos at home and print them on glossy or matte photo-quality paper.

Frequently asked questions