The days are gone when airlines will just believe that you have your own child when traveling. You will need to show identification for any child who is traveling. Even an infant must have a children passport to travel so you will need to get one if you want to fly on an airplane. This includes travel to even Canada or Mexico.
Getting a passport is a good idea for your child anyway. They are good for five years and there are many circumstances where your child may need photo identification that is legally recognized. You can change the photo every six months as they grow to keep the picture current.
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 will also need proof that you are the parent. You will need to prove this with a birth certificate or custody papers if it is an adoption. If one parent is not present and both have custody you will need a notarized signature on a form you get from the post office or download online of the absent parent. If you have sole custody and the other parent is not in the picture you will need your signed court documents to prove it when applying for a passport for your child.
Also bring your child’s social security card with you. It is filled out on the DS-11 application and also you may need to show the actual card. Gather all of these items in a folder so you are organized when you get there to the application appointment. You do not need to make an appointment to get a passport. It is usually done on a walk in basis.
You have to prove your identification as well. You can use your United States 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.
You can bring your own photos to the application process but they need to be certain specs to be acceptable. They are very stringent on this so do not bring a class photo or baby picture. Go to a professional photographer and have them take a passport photo and they will know what to do. You will need two pictures. Some places will also take your photo for you so check in advance where you are applying.
You also need to be prepared for the cost of a passport for an infant. They are expensive and if you need to save up you will need to do so. They do not take payments and with the application you will have to pay the fee. Make sure you have all the documents you need and be prepared to wait. Some offices have long lines so be prepared to wait, as your child needs a passport application to travel.
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