USA Infant Passport Laws
Infants need U.S. passports to travel internationally. Passport-style photos of the infant need to be taken, and a parent can sign the application on behalf of the child. While processing times vary, expect to wait about four to six weeks to receive the passport unless you pay extra to have it expedited.
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Basics
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Parents must accompany children younger than 16 years old as passport applications must be completed in person. Application requirements include a completed Form DS-11, along with the infant's Social Security number and proof of citizenship.
Relationship
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Parent-child relationships have to be established. Most parents use the infant's certified birth certificate. Adoptive parents should bring a final adoption decree, with an English translation if the decree if it's in another language.
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Consent
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If one parent has sole custody, then additional evidence is required, such as a certified birth certificate that lists only one parent. Other examples of acceptable evidence include death certificates and court orders that establish custody or guardianship.
Unable to Appear
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Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, can be used to explain special circumstances. If a parent is unable to appear in person, then he can complete a notarized Form DS-3053 and give it to the other parent. Otherwise, the parent applying with the infant must complete a Form DS-3053 and state why written consent from the other parent is unattainable.
Passport Card
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Instead of applying for a traditional passport booklet, parents can apply for the U.S. passport card. The card is similar to a driver's license in size and appearance. But U.S. passport card holders can only travel by sea or land to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico.
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