It used to be a trust issue for children to travel in the United States and abroad to a certain age level. However, now with increased security and issues of child welfare, all travelers of any age are required to have photo identification when traveling within the United States and also a passport if traveling outside of the country. Even to Canada and Mexico you will need a child passport, even for an infant.
Obtaining a passport for your child is a good idea anyway. You can use it for many instances where your child needs legal identification. You can update their photo as they grow. There are certain items you need to be prepared to bring when applying for a child passport.
Your children’s legal birth certificate will be needed. It needs to be the actual certificate with the seal and not a copy or the little card that you may have. They will submit it with the application so know this in advance. You will get it back but you might want more than one copy so you have one on hand while they keep it.
You need your proof as well that you are the parent. This is good with the birth certificate or adoption papers if you do not have your name on the birth certificate. If you are a legal guardian bring the court documents with you for the application process. Check to see the entire proper identification accepted from their website.
You will also need your child’s social security number for the DS-11 application that is submitted to the federal government. It is best to bring your child’s social security card with you just in case. They will not collect this piece of material.
You have to prove your identification as well. You can use your passport or driver’s license. You can also use a military ID if you have one. There are also other documents you can use. Just check with their website before you go if you have other types of identification.
Many sites will take your photo but you can also bring your own. You just need to meet their requirements. Many photo shops will take a passport photo for you and give you two copies of the picture for the application.
Be prepared for the costs of a United States passport as well. They are around eighty dollars each to date so plan for this. The exact amount of a childrens passport can be calculated on the USPS website or other sites. Have all of your documentation ready, photos and enough of a payment to get a child passport. You will receive it in about six weeks so plan ahead and be prepared.