Did you recently welcome a new family member into your family? Are you planning a family vacation with the little one but don’t how that works? If you plan on flying to another country then everyone – from the newborn to your pet – will need a passport. So, when is the right time to get the passport made? Can you get it during the first month or the calendar year? How long will you have to wait for the passport after applying for one? The first thing about official documentation, such as a passport, is that it will take some time for it to be processed and secondly, it has to be done in person. So, here’s what every parent needs to know about getting their baby’s passport.
Can Babies Travel Without A Passport?
According to AmericanPassport.com, it doesn’t matter if your baby was born 8 minutes ago or 8 months ago. If you want to travel abroad, then you must get a passport for your little one. Every U.S. citizen must have a passport for air travel if they want to go to another country. So, this means that it doesn’t matter if your child is a newborn, an infant, a toddler, or a teenager–a passport is a must!
Nappy/Pexels | This is not a ‘children dine for free’ kind of thing; your baby is going to need a passport
How Do You Apply For Your Baby’s Passport?
Your first step is to fill out a DS-11 form for your baby. It’s a regular form that requires all of the details of the person in question, from their gender to their social security number (which might take many weeks to arrive). Once you are done filling out all the details, leave the form as is. Do not sign it until you are sitting in front of the authorized personnel at the official passport facility. You also have to provide 2x2 inch colored photographs in which the eyes of your baby have to be open, and the background has to be white.
Sarah Chai/Pexels | Stop yourself from signing the form like your life depends upon it
Prove That Your Baby Is An American
Your baby’s passport application will require proof that your child is, indeed, an American citizen. This means you’ll have to include the original U.S. birth certificate, consular report of Birth Abroad, Certification of birth, or Certification of Citizenship.
Kindel Media/Pexels | Photocopied proof will not be accepted, you’ll need the original documents
The whole process would cost you around $135-$150, however, it’s worth the babymoon!
