Passports are an essential document for travel, even for the tiniest travelers. For parents looking to take their infant on an international trip, obtaining a passport for their little one is a crucial step in the planning process. But how much does it cost to get a passport for an infant?
According to the United States Department of State, the cost of a passport for an infant is $80. This fee includes both the passport book and the passport card, which are necessary for international travel. The passport book is required for all international flights, while the passport card can be used for land and sea travel to select countries.
In addition to the $80 application fee, there are additional costs that parents should be aware of when applying for a passport for their infant. One of the main expenses is the passport photo, which can cost between $10-$15. It is essential to have a recent and high-quality photo that meets the State Department’s requirements, including a white background and the infant’s eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
Another potential cost is expedited processing, which is an additional $60. If parents need their infant’s passport in a hurry, they can pay for expedited processing to receive it more quickly. This can be helpful for last-minute travel plans or emergencies but comes with an extra fee. Standard processing time for a passport is 4-6 weeks, while expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks.
There are also fees for other services, such as a name change or correction, which can cost $0-$150 depending on the circumstances. It is crucial for parents to review all fees and requirements before applying for their infant’s passport to avoid any surprises.
In addition to the financial costs of obtaining a passport for an infant, there are also important steps that parents must take to complete the application process successfully. One of the first steps is to gather all necessary documents, including the infant’s birth certificate, proof of parental relationship, and a completed DS-11 form.
The birth certificate must be official and include both parents’ names. If the birth certificate is not in English, it must be translated by a professional translator. Proof of parental relationship can include a birth certificate, adoption decree, or court order establishing custody.
Once all required documents are gathered, parents must visit a passport acceptance facility to submit their application in person. This is a crucial step in the process, as parents must bring the infant with them to verify their identity. It is also essential to bring proof of identification for both parents, such as a driver’s license or passport.
During the application appointment, parents will need to pay the application fee and any additional fees for services such as expedited processing or a name change. They will also need to take a passport photo of their infant, ensuring it meets all State Department requirements.
After the application is submitted, parents can track the status of their infant’s passport online using the application status tool on the State Department’s website. Once the passport is approved, it will be mailed to the address provided on the application.
Overall, obtaining a passport for an infant involves a combination of financial costs and necessary steps to complete the application process successfully. While the $80 application fee is the primary expense, parents should also be aware of additional costs for services such as expedited processing and passport photos.
By planning ahead and gathering all required documents, parents can ensure a smooth application process and obtain their infant’s passport in time for their travels. With proper preparation and attention to detail, parents can navigate the passport application process and enjoy an international adventure with their little one.
