Do Children Need a Passport to Fly Into the United States?

All U.S. citizens, regardless of age, must present a passport for entry or re-entry into the United States. Although the application process is time consuming, it is important to note that these passport requirements are essential for curbing potential crime and for other safety issues.

Documents

Children and other applicants must submit the several documents the first time they apply for a passport. These include primary evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate; an 8-inch-by-11-inch photocopy of the evidence of citizenship; a Social Security number; a DS-11 application form; all applicable fees; and two passport-size photos.

Parental Permission

Those younger than 17 years old need parental permission to apply for a passport. Parents need to be present when their children submit their application, and they should be prepared to show photo identification of themselves and proof of their relationship to the child.

Unavailable Parent

If one parent has sole custody, that parent can appear. If one parent is simply unavailable, a notarized statement of consent can be submitted in lieu of appearing.

How to Apply

You must apply for a passport at a Passport Acceptance Facility, such as a post office.

Expedited Services

Children and other applicants can receive expedited passport service for an additional fee. The U.S. Department of State says that anyone who needs expedited service because of an emergency can contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793.

References

• Passport Information