Traveling internationally with your family is something that everyone should try at least once. You get to introduce your little ones to new cultures, places, and experiences and make memories that will last a lifetime. But before you make your travel arrangements, you’ll need to ensure that everyone in your group has a passport, including any children between the ages of 0 and 15.
Though this may seem like a daunting task, obtaining your child’s first passport is quite easy. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to an unforgettable international family trip. Ready to get started? Read on for a step-by-step guide on applying for your child’s first passport, including the required documents, fees, and application process.
Child Passport Application Process Steps
Be Sure That You Can Answer “Yes” to Some Important Questions
Before applying for your child’s passport, you’ll need to answer the following questions to see if they are eligible:
- Is your child a U.S. citizen?
- Is your child 0 to 15 years of age?
If you can answer “yes” to both questions, you can proceed with the application process. If your child isn’t a U.S. citizen, they will not be able to apply. If your child is older than 15 years of age, they will need to apply for a standard passport rather than a child passport.
Fill Out the Application
Once you determine that your child is eligible for a U.S. passport, you can start the application process. To begin, click “Order Now” and select “Child Passport” from our list of services. From there, you can choose your processing time and enter all of the required information. The application should take approximately 30 minutes or less to complete.
Submit Payment
After you’ve filled out the child passport application, you can proceed to checkout and get ready to submit your payment. We will inform you of your total price before you submit your order so that you know how much you owe. Your price will vary depending on which processing time you choose. To see our current service fees, please visit our website.
Send in Any Required Documents
Now that you have submitted payment, our team will send you a list of documents that you will need to send in. Some of the required documents that you need to send to our office include the following:
- Proof of Citizenship
- DS-11 Passport Application
- Passport Photo
- Copy of Both Parents’ Valid Photo ID
It’s important to note that you should send your documents using FedEx or UPS, not USPS. Please send your documents to the following address:
Swift Passport & Visa Services
1 E Erie St.
Suite #525
Chicago, IL 60611
Wait For Your Passport to be Processed
You’ve completed the child application process, submitted payment, and sent in the required documents – give yourself a pat on the back! All you have to do now is wait for our team of travel professionals to double-check your paperwork and procure your passport. Once your passport has been processed, we will send it directly to you in the mail.
Child Passport Processing Times
Processing times for child passports vary and can change. As of April 20, 2023, we offer two passport processing times – 4 to 6 business days and 10 business days. Please note that Swift service fees will vary depending on which processing time option you choose. To see our current processing times, please visit our website. If you have any questions about our processing times, please contact us.
Child Passport Fees
The fees and total cost for a child passport may vary and occasionally change. As of April 20, 2023, here are the current fees for each of our processing time options:
$699 Swift Service Fee
$599 Swift Service Fee
Please note that these prices are for Swift’s service only and do not include government, shipping, or processing fees, which will vary based on your selections. To stay up-to-date with the latest child passport fees, visit our website.
Where to Apply For a Child Passport Online
Swift Passport and Visa Services is a leader in child travel document processing, and we’d love to help you get your child passport. When you’re ready to apply, head to our Child Passport Service Page. Here, you can fill out the application, submit payment, and get a list of documents you’ll need to send in. If you have any questions along the way, please contact us. No matter where you plan on going, we’ll get you there.
