Passports are essential for international travel, allowing individuals to enter and exit countries legally. When it comes to obtaining a passport for a child, many parents wonder about the costs involved. The price of a child’s passport can vary depending on several factors, such as the child’s age, whether it is a first-time application or a renewal, and whether expedited processing is required.
In the United States, the cost of a child’s passport is currently $80 for children under the age of 16. This fee includes both the application fee and the execution fee, which is paid to the acceptance facility where the application is submitted. In addition to the application fee, there are also optional services that can be purchased, such as expedited processing for an additional fee of $60.
For children under the age of 16, a passport is valid for five years. It is important to note that the passport application process for children is slightly different from that of adults. When applying for a child’s passport, both parents or legal guardians must provide consent for the child to obtain a passport. If one parent is unavailable to provide consent, there are specific requirements that must be met to obtain a passport for the child.
In addition to the application fee, there are other costs associated with obtaining a child’s passport. For example, parents may need to provide proof of the child’s citizenship, such as a birth certificate, as well as proof of their relationship to the child. These documents may incur additional costs, such as obtaining certified copies or translations if necessary.
It is important for parents to plan ahead when applying for a child’s passport, as processing times can vary. Standard processing time for a child’s passport is approximately 4-6 weeks, but this time frame can be longer during peak travel seasons. If expedited processing is required, the processing time can be reduced to 2-3 weeks, but additional fees apply.
In some cases, parents may need to obtain a passport for their child on short notice, such as for a family emergency or last-minute travel plans. In these situations, it is possible to obtain a child’s passport in as little as 1-2 business days through a passport expediting service. However, expedited processing services can be costly, with fees ranging from $100 to $200 or more, depending on the level of service required.
When planning to obtain a child’s passport, parents should also consider the cost of passport photos. Passport photos must meet specific requirements, such as being taken within the last six months and showing a clear, full-face view of the child. Some passport acceptance facilities offer photo services for an additional fee, or parents can have passport photos taken at a local pharmacy or photo studio for a nominal cost.
Overall, the cost of obtaining a passport for a child can vary depending on a variety of factors. In addition to the application fee, parents should budget for other associated costs, such as photo fees and expedited processing fees if necessary. By planning ahead and understanding the requirements for obtaining a child’s passport, parents can ensure a smooth and efficient application process for their child’s travel needs.
