How much does a child passport cost?
How much does a child passport cost?
$50 – $150 average total cost
Average cost for a child’s passport
The cost for a child’s passport is $15 to $115 for the application fee and $35 for the execution or acceptance fee. If you want a traditional passport book instead of a simpler passport card, you’ll pay $135. You can get a passport book and card for $150 total.
| Factor | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $15 – $115 |
| Execution fee | $35 |
| Total cost | $50 – $150 |
To get a passport for your child, you must pay an application fee to the U.S. Department of State and an execution—or acceptance—fee to the facility that takes your application.
Children must apply for a passport in person.
Cost of a child’s passport by type
The cost of your child’s passport will depend primarily on the type of document you want. A simple passport card costs the least but doesn’t allow as much freedom as a traditional passport book.
Passport books are valid for any international travel by land, sea, or air. Passport cards are only valid for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean by land or sea.
| Fees | Passport book | Passport card | Book & card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 | $15 | $115 |
| Execution fee | $35 | $35 | $35 |
| Total cost | $135 | $50 | $150 |
Child passport cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to get a passport for a child:
Age: If your child is 16 or older, you’ll pay the adult rates, which are $65 to $195 in total.
Speed: If you need the passport quickly, you may be able to get it expedited for an extra $60. Once they process your application, 1-to-2-day delivery costs about $20. If you pay extra but do not receive expedited service, you can request a refund of the $60 fee.
Location: You can apply for a passport at a post office, local government office, or library. They all charge the same acceptance fee, but your wait time may vary.
Payment method: You can pay for a passport with a check, cash, debit card, or credit card. However, some locations charge a 3.5% fee for debit or credit cards.
Corrections: If you made an error or need to change the name on your child’s passport, you’ll have to pay a fee. If there was a data error, you must submit a DS-5504 form but you won’t owe anything.
If you have a trip in less than 3 weeks, make an appointment with a passport agency or center. They’ll be able to help you sooner.
Application steps
To get a child’s passport, follow these steps:
Print out form DS-11 and fill out everything except the signature.
Bring the original or certified copy of one of the following documents:
Their birth certificate
A consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth
A certificate of citizenship
An expired but undamaged passport, plus one of the above documents
Prove your relationship to your child using the original or certified copy of one or more documents. If your legal name is different from the document showing your relationship, you must provide documents with proof of the name change.
Their birth certificate
An adoption decree
A divorce or custody decree
A court order
Bring a photo ID for yourself and the other parent, if applicable.
Bring an acceptable photo but do not staple it to the form.
Both parents must accompany their child in person when they apply for a passport. If both parents cannot come, you must provide additional documentation.
Child passport FAQs
Do both parents need to be present for a child's passport?
Both parents should be present for their child’s passport. If one or both parents can’t be there, you’ll have to provide one or more of these documents:
A notarized form DS-3053 (if you have joint legal custody, but one or both parents can’t be present at the application appointment)
A birth certificate or court order showing you have sole legal custody
Form DS-5525 (if you have joint legal custody but cannot find the other parent)
How long does a child’s passport last?
Passports for children under 16 last for 5 years before you need to replace them. You cannot renew passports for minors under 16, so you’ll have to pay the same fees and go through the same process if they’re still under 16 after 5 years.
Does a child need a passport to enter Canada?
Minors between the ages of 16 and 18 need their own passport to enter Canada. Children under 16 only need a U.S. birth certificate rather than a passport to get into Canada by land. If you’re traveling by air, everyone—including infants—will need a passport.
If a child is traveling alone or with only one of their parents, you'll need a copy of their birth certificate and a letter of authorization signed by both parents.
How long does it take to get a child’s passport?
Processing times vary, especially around major holidays, but most passports take 6 to 8 weeks, not including mailing. Expedited passports take about 2 to 3 weeks. If you need a passport within 3 weeks, make an appointment with a passport center.
To track the status of your passport application, sign up for email status updates.
Tips for getting a child’s passport
Follow these tips going through the process to get a child’s passport:
Have all of your documents and forms gathered ahead of time.
Plan out international trips far in advance to avoid costly expedition fees.
Read through all of the requirements for photos to avoid unnecessary delays.
Look up passport service locations in your area and read reviews to find the best place.
Contact the passport facility in advance to ask which payment methods they accept.
Questions to ask passport facility employees
Ask employees these questions to understand the passport application process:
How will you send these documents and forms?
How long will the process take?
Can I pay for faster delivery and shipping? How much will that cost?
Do you take passport photos here, or will I have to do that somewhere else?
Which payment methods do you accept?
Do you charge extra for credit or debit payments?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.