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How to Apply or Renew a Child's U.S. Passport (Expedited)

Summary This article explains the documented requirements and step‑by‑step process to apply for or renew U.S. passports for children, including required documents, application form rules, payment, and expedited processing options.

Who this applies to

  • Minors (children) applying for or renewing U.S. passports.

Processing options and timing

  • Expedited child passport processing options are available, with documented service choices ranging from as fast as 3–4 business days to a 10 business‑day option.
  • Specific pricing and turnaround details are available through the expedited child passport service provider you choose.

Required documents and materials

  • Original certified birth certificate for the child.
  • Previous passport (if available).
  • Completed Passport Application Form DS-11:
    • The DS-11 must be completed online (not filled out by hand).
    • Do not sign the DS-11 until you are in front of the passport acceptance agent.
  • One recent passport‑style photo for the child:
    • Photo must have a solid white background.
  • Payment to U.S. Department of State:
    • Check or money order payable to: US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
    • Amount: $183.36
    • Write the child's name and date of birth in the memo area.
    • Do NOT abbreviate “Department” in the payee name.
  • Parental identification:
    • Copy of BOTH parents’ driver’s license or state‑issued ID (front and back).
    • If only one parent will appear, have a notarized consent form so a single parent may present the child (a notarized authorization form is required in that case).
  • Swift (service) letter of authorization:
    • Two copies per child, each signed by either parent.
    • Each authorization must be free of scratch‑outs or manual corrections.
  • Flight itinerary showing the child’s name in the reservation.

How the acceptance and sealing process works (step‑by‑step)

  1. Complete the DS-11 application form online but do not sign it.
  2. Gather all required documents listed above (original birth certificate, previous passport, photo, payment, parental IDs, letters of authorization, itinerary).
  3. Make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility (for example, a post office or other authorized acceptance agent). The acceptance facility will seal the documents for submission.
  4. Both parents must be present with the child at the time of sealing of documents (or provide the notarized single‑parent consent form if only one parent attends).
  5. At the acceptance facility:
    • The Passport Acceptance Agent will review the documents.
    • You will sign the DS-11 in front of the Acceptance Agent.
    • The agent will seal the application packet in an envelope.
  6. Request that the documents be sealed for HAND CARRY; there is a fee of $35 per applicant for the hand‑carry sealing service.
  7. Do not leave the sealed envelope at the post office. Instead, send it via overnight courier (FedEx overnight) to the expedited processing service address noted on the letter of authorization.

Payment and packaging notes

  • Include the $182.05 Department of State fee via check or money order payable exactly as specified.
  • Include copies of all documents in the package you ship.
  • It is recommended to either email scans of the complete application packet for review prior to visiting the acceptance agent or include a full photocopy of everything in the package you send.

Additional operational notes

  • Placing an order with an expedited child passport service will provide step‑by‑step detailed instructions and any additional materials required by that service.
  • Expedited processing options and pricing are offered; confirm the option and timeline you need when placing the order.

Troubleshooting and tips

  • Do not sign the DS-11 before appearing before the passport acceptance agent; signing must be witnessed.
  • Ensure passport photos have a solid white background and meet standard passport photo requirements.
  • Make sure letters of authorization/consent have no corrections or scratch‑outs.
  • Verify parental IDs (front and back copies) are current and legible.
  • Request hand‑carry sealing at the acceptance facility and be prepared to pay the $35 per applicant sealing fee.
  • Keep copies/scans of the entire packet before shipping, and ship the sealed packet via overnight courier as instructed.

Conclusion To apply for or renew a child’s U.S. passport using expedited services, prepare the DS-11 online (unsigned), gather the original birth certificate and previous passport, obtain required parental IDs and authorizations, provide the specified Department of State payment, schedule an appointment at a passport acceptance facility, have documents reviewed and signed in front of the agent, request hand‑carry sealing, and ship the sealed packet overnight to the expedited processor. Expedited options are available with processing windows from about 3–4 business days up to 10 business days depending on the service chosen.