How Much Is A Passport For An Infant

So, you’re thinking about taking your tiny, adorable, possibly-already-drooling-onto-your-shoulder infant on an adventure. First of all, major kudos for being a brave soul. But before you can jet off to Paris for a croissant or Tokyo for a vending machine, you need to ask the big question: How much is a passport for an infant?

Spoiler alert: It’s not that bad. But it’s also not free, sadly. Unlike baby giggles, passports require actual cash—and a little bit of patience.

The Straight-Up Cost: What You’ll Pay

For a new infant passport (kids under 16), you’re looking at a total of $135 right now. That’s the standard fee if you apply by mail—and yes, you absolutely have to apply by mail for babies. No walk-ins, no rushing into the office like a superhero.

Here’s the breakdown: a $100 application fee and a $35 execution (acceptance) fee. Think of the execution fee as the “we sat through your baby’s screaming during the photo” surcharge. You’re welcome, government employees.

But Wait—Is That All?

Almost! You also need to factor in the cost of the passport photo. Infants are notoriously terrible at posing. Expect to pay around $10–$15 at a pharmacy or shipping store for a photo where your baby looks vaguely like a tiny criminal. Pro tip: Some places will retake it for free if your baby’s eyes are closed. Yes, they have to have eyes open—even if those eyes are squinting in protest.

Plus, you’ll need to cover the cost of expedited service if you’re in a rush. That’s an extra $60. Honestly, paying to speed up the government is like paying a snail to ride a bicycle—but it does work.

The Hidden Fee: Your Sanity

Let’s be real: the real cost is your time. You have to gather forms, get your baby’s birth certificate, and bring both parents (or a notarized statement if one parent can’t come). Yes, the government wants to make sure no one is smuggling a baby out without both parents’ permission. Very FBI, very dramatic.

And the photo appointment? Expect to arrive with a perfectly calm baby, only for them to turn into a tiny gremlin the second the photographer clicks. It’s a rite of passage. You’ll laugh about it later—after you’ve cried a little.

Forms, Forms, and More Forms

You’ll need Form DS-11, which is the official “I have a small human and we want to travel” document. Fill it out online, print it, but do not sign it until you’re standing in front of the passport acceptance agent. Think of it as a dramatic signing ceremony—minus the red carpet.

You’ll also need proof of citizenship (the birth certificate) and proof of parental relationship. That’s usually you being on the birth certificate. If you’re not sure, ask: “Does my baby officially belong to me?” The answer is yes, even if they keep you up all night.

The Total: Let’s Add It Up

So, the grand total for a standard infant passport? Roughly $150 to $165 after the photo, plus a trip to the post office or county clerk. That’s less than a fancy dinner out—but more than a pizza party. Pick your sacrifices wisely.

If you need it fast, add $60 for expedite, and maybe another $15 for overnight shipping of the passport. Suddenly, your dream vacation seems like a very expensive, very adorable math problem.

A Little Humble Request: Do It Early

Listen, I know you’re busy. But processing times are a glacial 8 to 11 weeks right now. If you’re booking a trip for next month, you’ll need to expedite. If you’re booking for next year, you have plenty of time to calmly fill out forms while your baby chews on the pen. Do not wait until the last minute. Trust me, your future self will thank you with a glass of wine.

One More Thing: The Passport Card vs. The Book

You might see a cheaper option called a passport card for $65. Don’t be tempted! The card only works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. So unless your infant is planning a road trip to Tijuana, just get the book. Your baby isn’t going to backpack across Europe with just a card. Stick with the book.

And no, you don’t need a visa for most countries yet—but check! Some places want extra fees for baby passports. Yes, even the immigration officials think babies are expensive.

The Uplifting Conclusion (You Made It)

Okay, you’ve done it. You’ve paid your $150, survived the photo shoot where your baby looked like a grumpy potato, and navigated the forms. In a few weeks, a tiny blue book will arrive in your mailbox, bearing your child’s first official “I’m a citizen!” face.

And here’s the beauty part: That passport isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a ticket to memories. You’ll use it to show your baby the ocean for the first time. Or to visit grandma in another state. Or to smuggle them onto a plane where they’ll entertain (or terrorize) an entire row of strangers. The cost? A few hundred bucks. The reward? A lifetime of stories like, “Remember when you got your passport and cried at the post office?”

So go ahead, fill out that form. Take that weird baby photo. Pay the fee. Because one day, your infant will be a grumpy teenager, and you’ll look at that passport picture and think: “Worth every penny.” And then you’ll smile—because you were brave enough to start the adventure. Now go book that flight! ✈️🍼