All children under 16 must appear in person to apply. A parent (preferably both) must be present and must sign the passport application. Follow the step-by-step process for children under 16 from the State Department to ensure you have the proper forms and documents. One step will help you determine the passport fee. Passports for children ages 16 and under are valid for 5 years. You cannot renew your child's passport. If your child is under 16 and their passport has expired or will expire soon, you must submit a new application in person.

Children ages 16-17 can apply for passports alone if they have their identification documents. A parent will need to either: Provide a signed statement saying they are aware the child is seeking a passport or Attend the passport appointment with them Follow the step-by-step process from the State Department to ensure you have the proper forms. One step will help you determine the passport fee. Passports issued to children ages 16-17 are valid for 10 years. Your child cannot renew their passport if it was issued before they turned 16. Instead, they would need to submit an application in person for a new passport.

If you need your child’s passport quickly

Depending on when and why your child is traveling, you may need to use the expedited process . The time it takes varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart .

Check the status of your child's passport application

Follow the steps from the Department of State to check the status of your child's passport application or renewal online .

Children in custody disputes

If you are concerned your child may be taken abroad by the other parent without your knowledge, you can enroll them in the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) .

If you and your child are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S. Expedited service is not available.

Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destination

Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the Department of State's country information page . On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box. On that country's page, look for "passport validity."