How to Get a Passport for a Child in 2023: A Complete Guide Are you planning a trip abroad with your child this year? If so, you’ll need to obtain a passport for your little one. Don’t worry, the process is relatively straightforward, and we’re here to guide you through it. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a passport for a child in 2023. 1. Gather the Necessary Documents To obtain a passport for your child, you’ll need to gather the required documents. These include: – Your child’s birth certificate or adoption decree – Your child’s social security card – Your valid government-issued photo identification – Two passport photos of your child – The application fee 2. Fill out the Application Once you have all the necessary documents, you’ll need to fill out the passport application. You can find the application form on the U.S. Department of State’s website. Make sure to fill out all the fields accurately and completely. 3. Submit the Application After completing the application, you’ll need to submit it in person at a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility. You can find the nearest facility on the U.S. Department of State’s website. Be sure to bring all the required documents, including the application fee. 4. Provide Consent If both parents or legal guardians are present when submitting the application, both must provide consent. If only one parent or guardian is present, they must provide evidence of sole custody or a notarized consent form from the absent parent or guardian. 5. Wait for Processing Once you’ve submitted the application, you’ll need to wait for processing. Regular processing times for child passports are four to six weeks. However, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing, which takes two to three weeks. 6. Receive the Passport Once the passport is processed, you’ll receive it via mail. Make sure to check all the information on the passport for accuracy. Q: Can I use my child’s birth certificate as a form of identification for international travel? A: No. A birth certificate is not considered a valid form of identification for international travel. You’ll need to obtain a passport for your child. Q: Can I submit the passport application by mail? A: No. You must submit the passport application in person at a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility. However, you can renew a child’s passport by mail if certain conditions are met. In conclusion, obtaining a passport for a child in 2023 is a straightforward process. Just make sure to gather all the necessary documents, fill out the application accurately, and submit it in person at a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility. With a little bit of planning and preparation, your child will be ready to travel the world!