Vault Guardian renewal education
Child passport requirements: what parents need for a passport under 16
Getting a passport for a child under 16 is stricter than an adult passport. Both parents (or documented legal guardians) generally have to appear, the passport only lasts 5 years, and every document must be an original or certified copy. Here's what to bring and what trips up families.
Getting a passport for a child under 16 is stricter than an adult passport. Both parents (or documented legal guardians) generally have to appear, the passport only lasts 5 years, and every document must be an original or certified copy. Here's what to bring and what trips up families.
Who must show up in person
Both parents/guardians and the child must appear at an acceptance facility together. If one parent can't attend, they must submit a notarized DS-3053 statement of consent with a photocopy of their ID.
Single custody requires a court order or death certificate; without it, the application is rejected on the spot.
Required documents
Child's certified birth certificate (with both parents listed), evidence of both parents' identity, and a passport photo taken against a plain white background.
Photocopies of parent IDs on plain white paper — one side per sheet, no double-sided prints. Facilities routinely reject applications for this.
How long a child passport is valid
5 years for anyone under 16, versus 10 years for adults. Photos change quickly with kids, so the shorter window is by design.
There is no renewal — every child passport is treated as a first-time application (DS-11) and requires both parents again.
Fees
$100 application fee plus $35 execution fee for a passport book. Passport card is $15 plus the same $35 execution fee.
Expedited service adds $60 and 1–2 day shipping is another $21.36.
Common trip-ruining mistakes
Using a hospital birth certificate instead of the certified state copy. Only the state-issued long-form is accepted.
Forgetting that the child's passport expires halfway through the trip — many destinations still require 6 months of validity for minors.
VaultGuardian stores each family member's passport separately and reminds you when a child's 5-year passport is expiring — plus the birth certificate you'll need to renew it.
Download Vault Guardian to track renewals at 90, 60, and 30 days.