Obtain and fill out Form DS-11, the application for a U.S. passport (see Resources). You must submit your child's personal information, including his name, address and Social Security number. Incomplete applications result in the denial of a passport from the U.S. Department of State.
Take two passport photos of your child that are 2 inches by 2 inches in size with no more or less than 1 to 1 3/8 inch between the child's chin and forehead. The photos of your child must be in color, and she must be in regular clothing -- no uniforms. Glasses not prescribed by a doctor are not permitted in passport photos. The photos must be of only your child's full face against a white background.
Make copies of the photo identification of both parents or legal guardians of the child, unless only one parent has custodial rights. You will also need proof of your relationship to the minor child, such as the child's birth certificate stating your names as parents or legal court documents stating custody or guardianship.
Gather copies of your child's proof of citizenship, which must be a birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship.
Take all of the paperwork to your local Passport Acceptance Facility (see Resources). You must be present with your minor child to provide consent for your child to apply for a passport.
Pay the passport fee for a minor's passport, which was $105, as of 2010. Acceptable methods of payment include cash and credit card. Your child's passport will arrive six to eight weeks after the application is submitted. If you need the passport more quickly, you can opt to pay an additional $60 fee and have the application expedited, which means it will arrive two to three weeks after it is submitted.
