How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport for a Child?

Quick Answer

Getting a passport for a child takes 6–8 weeks with routine processing or 2–3 weeks with expedited processing. In urgent situations with proof of imminent travel, you can visit a regional passport agency and receive a child's passport the same day or within 24–72 hours.

Processing Times by Service Level

Service Level	Processing Time	Cost (Under 16)
Routine	6–8 weeks	$100 ($80 application + $20 execution)
Expedited (by mail)	2–3 weeks	$160 ($80 + $20 + $60 expedite fee)
Expedited at agency	1–3 days	$160 + travel costs
Emergency (life-or-death)	Same day	$160

Note: Processing times do not include mailing time. Add 1–2 weeks for delivery by mail, or pay $19.53 for 1–2 day delivery.

Step-by-Step Timeline

Step	Time Required
Gather documents	1–7 days
Take passport photo	15–30 minutes
Complete Form DS-11	15–30 minutes
Visit acceptance facility (in person)	1–2 hours
Routine processing	6–8 weeks
Expedited processing	2–3 weeks
Mail delivery	2–10 days
Total (routine)	7–10 weeks

Requirements Specific to Children

Both Parents Must Be Present

For children under 16, both parents or legal guardians must appear in person at the acceptance facility, or the absent parent must provide a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent). This requirement often catches families off guard and can delay the process if parents are divorced or separated.

Proof of Parental Relationship

You must provide the child's certified birth certificate (with both parents' names) or a court order establishing custody. Hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted. If you need to order a certified copy from your state's vital records office, allow 2–6 weeks.

Passport Photo Requirements

Child passport photos follow the same 2x2 inch requirements as adult photos. For infants, the child must have their eyes open and mouth closed, and no other person can appear in the photo. Many families need multiple attempts, so allow extra time.

Seasonal Processing Delays

Season	Typical Wait (Routine)
January–February	6–8 weeks
March–June (peak)	8–11 weeks
July–September	6–8 weeks
October–December	6–7 weeks

Spring is the busiest season for passport applications as families plan summer travel. During peak periods in 2023 and 2024, routine processing times exceeded 10 weeks. Applying in fall or winter typically results in faster processing.

Child Passport Validity

Passports issued to children under 16 are valid for 5 years (compared to 10 years for adults). They cannot be renewed — when a child's passport expires, you must apply for a completely new passport using Form DS-11 and appear in person again.

Tips for Faster Processing

• Apply during the off-peak months (September–February)
• Use expedited processing if traveling within 5 weeks
• Enroll in informed delivery through USPS to track when the passport arrives
• Pay for 1–2 day return shipping to save a week of mail time
• Have all documents ready before visiting the acceptance facility to avoid a second trip
• If both parents can't attend, prepare the notarized consent form in advance

Emergency Passport Services

If you have international travel within 3 business days (or 5 business days with expedited service), you can schedule an appointment at one of 26 regional passport agencies across the United States. You'll need proof of travel such as flight itineraries or hotel reservations. For life-or-death emergencies, call the State Department at 1-888-407-4747.