The world just keeps getting smaller with cheap airfares, accessibility to once remote locations and the abundance of information on the Internet. Becoming a parent doesn’t need to mark the conclusion to your wanderlust. Traveling with infants is easier than ever, too, with baby gear like travel systems and portable play yards. The most complicated part of taking a family vacation to a foreign land is getting a passport for your baby, and it isn’t even that complicated of a task.
Step 1
Get the documents you need by visiting the U.S. Department of State website or pick up the application from a library or post office with passport services (Travel.State.gov/passport and USPS.whitepages.com). For children, you’ll need form DS-11. Don’t sign the DS-11 until instructed to do so by a passport agency representative.
Step 2
Have passport photos taken of your baby. Most pharmacies and warehouse stores provide passport photo services for a small fee. If you’re a AAA member, passport photos are free. Your baby’s passport photo must be in color and the size of her head must be no less than 1 inch, no larger than 1 3/8 inches.
Step 3
Provide proof of identification for both parents. Both parents are required to be present at the passport agency or local passport acceptance facility when acquiring a passport for a baby. Acceptable forms of ID include a previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, valid driver’s license, current government employee ID or current military ID.
Step 4
Provide proof of citizenship for the baby. Proof of citizenship documents include a previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.
Step 5
Provide proof of relationship to the infant. Parents must prove they are the legal parent or guardian of the baby. Proof of relationship documents include the baby’s certified U.S. birth certificate with both parents’ names, the baby’s certified Foreign Birth Certificate with both parents’ names, the child’s Report of Birth Abroad with both parents’ names, an Adoption Decree with adopting parents’ names, or a court order establishing custody or order establishing guardianship.
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