Child Passport (Under Age 16)
Passports for children under 16 have special rules, including consent from both parents or guardians. Gather the materials below, appear with your child before an Acceptance Agent, then ship everything to UPV Services for expedited processing.
Gather Required Documents
Letter of Authorization
Complete and sign the UPV Letter of Authorization form.
TPV Letter of AuthorizationPassport Photos
Two color photos, 2×2 inches, on a white or light background — full front view, no glasses or headwear.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
One of the following: Official Birth Certificate, most recent passport, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship (if born abroad).
Proof of Relationship to Child
One of the following: birth certificate showing both parents' names, foreign birth certificate (with translation), FS-240 or DS-1350, adoption decree, or a court order establishing custody or guardianship.
Statement of Consent — DS-3053 (if one parent can't appear)
The non-appearing parent must sign and notarize the DS-3053 form and include a copy of their valid ID (driver's license or passport).
DS-3053 — Statement of ConsentProof of Parents' Identity
A valid Driver's License, Passport, Military, or Government ID. If the ID was issued within the last 6 months, bring a second form of ID.
Travel Evidence
Two copies of one of the following: a plane ticket or travel itinerary showing the applicant's name and travel dates, or a business travel letter (if applicable).
DS-11 Government Form
Complete online (do not sign until in front of the Acceptance Agent). Print two copies — one for the sealed envelope, one for the outside.
DS-11 Application — complete online
Government Fee: Check for $183.36, payable to the U.S. Department of State.
Get the Application Authorized
Both parents (or guardians) and the child must appear in person before a Passport Acceptance Agent (AA). AAs are located at post offices and courthouses nationwide. The AA witnesses the signature on the DS-11, verifies ID, and seals the required items into an official envelope.
Find your nearest Acceptance AgentSealed by the AA
- • Signed DS-11 form
- • Proof of citizenship and relationship
- • DS-3053 (if applicable)
- • Two passport photos
- • Copy of ID
- • Travel evidence
- • One Letter of Authorization
- • Check for $183.36 (U.S. Dept. of State)
Left unsealed (loose)
- • Second copy of the DS-11
- • Second Letter of Authorization
- • UPV Services order confirmation
- • Check for UPV Services (if not paid online)
Important notes
- • If the AA tries to seal items meant to stay unsealed, provide duplicates.
- • Ask the AA to write the applicant's name, date of birth, and travel date on the envelope.
- • Inform them UPV Services will expedite the application. If they refuse to release the sealed envelope, refer to the Department of State's Hand Carrying of Executed Applications policy, or call UPV Services for assistance.
Ship Your Application Package
Ship Materials to UPV Services
Shipping Method: FedEx Priority Overnight (for emergency services only)
UPV ServicesPassport Department
1629 K St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006
(866) 334-8472