Get application form DS-11 for the child's passport. You can download the application online (see Resources below for link) or obtain the form from a passport agency or acceptance facility. Many travel agents stock the forms in-house as well.
Establish both proof of relationship and proof of citizenship for your child. There are several documents you can submit to establish both of these, including a Report of Birth Abroad, a certified U.S. birth certificate or a Certification of Birth Abroad. To see a complete list of appropriate documents you can use, see Resources below for a link to the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Submit additional documents if you cannot provide a birth certificate. You must submit a Letter of No Record that the state issues, which must include the child's name, birth date, the years you searched for a birth record, as well as a statement that there isn't a filed birth certificate. In addition, submit as many of these following documents as you can: early school record, baptismal certificate, census record, hospital birth certificate, doctor's record of post-natal care and a family bible record.
Supply identification for each parent or guardian. For a complete list of identification documents you can use, see the Resource link to the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Present documentation declaring parental permission for the child's passport application. Either both parents sign the appropriate document, or one of the parents can sign and must bring a notarized statement of consent from the other parent. Alternatively, one parent can sign and submit a document proving that he has sole authority to apply for the child. Find a complete list of suitable documents on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Provide two identical, current passport photos for the child taken within the past 6 months. Make sure the photos comply with passport photo requirements.
Pay the fee for the passport application. Provide a Social Security Number and submit all of the documents and materials for the application.
