Overview
- The Department of State requires DS-11 to be signed only in front of an authorized acceptance agent; signing early leads to rejection and a full restart.
- Applicants under 16 must apply in person at approved facilities such as USPS, libraries or courthouses, with exceptions documented via DS-3053, DS-5525 or court orders for sole custody.
- Bring an unsigned printed DS-11, original proof of the child's U.S. citizenship and parent‑child relationship, valid IDs for parents plus photocopies, a recent compliant photo, and payment.
- Photo standards include a color 2x2 inch image taken within six months on a plain white background with no hats, glasses, pacifiers or visible adult hands for infants.
- Current costs reported for March 2026 are $135 for a passport book, $50 for a card, or $150 for both, with the acceptance fee paid separately and optional expedited service costing extra.