Obtaining a United States passport for an infant can seem like a daunting task for parents. From gathering the necessary documents to navigating the application process, there are several steps that must be taken in order to ensure that your little one is able to travel internationally with ease. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a US passport for an infant, breaking down each step in detail to make the process as smooth as possible for parents.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Documents
The first step in obtaining a US passport for an infant is to gather all of the necessary documents. These documents include:
1. Fill out form DS-11: This form is the application for a US passport and must be filled out in its entirety. Parents or legal guardians must fill out this form on behalf of the infant.
2. Proof of citizenship: Parents must provide proof of the infant’s US citizenship. This can be done by providing a certified copy of the infant’s birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship.
3. Proof of parentage: In addition to proof of citizenship, parents must also provide proof of their relationship to the infant. This can be done by providing a certified copy of the parents’ marriage certificate, adoption decree, or other legal documents proving parentage.
4. Parental identification: Parents must also provide identification, such as a valid driver’s license or passport, to prove their relationship to the infant.
5. Passport photo: A passport photo of the infant must also be provided. This photo must adhere to the US Department of State’s guidelines for passport photos.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Once all of the necessary documents have been gathered, parents must submit the application for a US passport for their infant. This can be done by scheduling an appointment at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. During the appointment, parents must submit the completed form DS-11, proof of citizenship, proof of parentage, parental identification, and passport photo.
Parents must also pay the required fees for the US passport. As of 2021, the fee for a US passport for an infant is $80 for the passport book and $15 for the passport card. Parents can pay these fees by cash, check, or money order.
Step 3: Await Processing
After submitting the application and paying the required fees, parents must await processing of the US passport for their infant. The processing time for a US passport can vary, but it typically takes 4-6 weeks for standard processing and 2-3 weeks for expedited processing. Parents can check the status of the passport application online using the application status tool on the US Department of State’s website.
Step 4: Receive the Passport
Once the US passport for the infant has been processed, parents will receive the passport in the mail. The passport will be sent to the address provided on the application form DS-11. Parents must sign the infant’s passport upon receipt and ensure that all of the information is correct.
With the US passport in hand, parents and their infant are now ready to travel internationally. The US passport is a valuable document that allows infants to enter and exit foreign countries with ease. Parents should keep the passport in a safe place and renew it before it expires to avoid any travel disruptions.
In conclusion, obtaining a US passport for an infant may seem like a complex process, but with the right information and preparation, parents can navigate the application process with ease. By following the steps outlined in this article, parents can ensure that their infant is able to travel internationally with a valid US passport. Traveling with an infant can be a rewarding experience, and having a US passport for the little one will make the journey even smoother.
