How to Get a Passport for an Infant 2023: A Comprehensive Guide Traveling with an infant can be an exciting and daunting experience at the same time. As a parent, you want to make sure that your baby has all the necessary travel documents, especially a passport, to avoid any unnecessary hassle at the airport. In this article, we will guide you through the process of getting a passport for an infant in 2023. 1. Determine Eligibility Before applying for a passport for your infant, you need to determine whether your child is eligible to get one. According to the rules set by the Department of State, all U.S. citizens, including infants, must have their own passport for international travel. If your child is not a U.S. citizen, you will need to contact the embassy of the country of citizenship for more information. 2. Gather Required Documents To obtain a passport for your infant, you will need to gather the following required documents: – DS-11 form: This form must be filled out and signed by both parents or legal guardians in the presence of a designated acceptance agent or a passport application acceptance facility. – Evidence of citizenship: This can be a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), or a Certificate of Citizenship. – Parental consent: Both parents or legal guardians must provide consent for the issuance of the passport. If one parent is unable to appear in person, they can provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053). – Identification: You will need to provide a government-issued identification such as a driver’s license, a passport, or a military ID. 3. Take a Passport Photo You will need to take a passport photo of your infant. The photo must meet the Department of State’s requirements, which include a plain white background, no shadows, and a neutral facial expression. You can take the photo at a passport application acceptance facility or use an online service that specializes in passport photos. 4. Submit the Application Once you have gathered all the required documents and taken the passport photo, you can submit the application at a passport application acceptance facility. You will need to pay the passport fee, which varies depending on the type of passport and how quickly you need it. 5. Track the Status of Your Application After submitting your application, you can track its status online using the Department of State’s Online Passport Status System. You can also call the National Passport Information Center for updates. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: How long does it take to get a passport for an infant? A: The processing time for a passport for an infant can vary depending on the time of year and the location where you submit the application. It can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to receive the passport. Q: Can I expedite the passport application for my infant? A: Yes, you can expedite the passport application for your infant if you need the passport sooner than the standard processing time. There is an additional fee for expedited service. In conclusion, getting a passport for an infant in 2023 requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your baby has all the necessary travel documents for a safe and hassle-free journey.