Should I issue my kid’s first passport? As family travel plans overseas are still uncertain, parents may be skeptical about going through the application process, particularly if they’re unaware of how long a child’s passport is valid.
Here, readers will learn how long kids’ passports are good for and if there’s a chance a child can be issued a ten-year valid passport, as well as overcome many other doubts.📘
Clarify whether it’s a good idea to issue your child’s passport soon or if it may be better to wait, saving you time (about two months) and a minimum of $135 (execution and application fee).
How long do kids’ passports last: straight to the point
For those wondering how long a child passport lasts, note that a U.S. passport will be valid for 5 (five) years for applicants 15 years of age or younger.
The main reason a child’s passport expires earlier than adult passports is the rapid change in appearance at young ages, causing difficulty in identifying the passport holder after a few years, primarily when the passport was issued as a toddler.
Nevertheless, the U.S. Department of State assumes natural changes in appearance during these 5 years, which is why aging or growing in size are not conditions to renew a passport.
You may also be interested in:
- How to Get a Passport for Autistic Children
- How to Apply for an Adopted Child’s Passport
- U.S. Passport Book vs. Passport Card
How long are kids passports good for: additional invalidating factors
However, substantial appearance changes may cause a child’s passport issued in the last 5 years to be invalid. In this case, parents must attend the passport agency and renew the child’s passport if planning to travel soon.
Substantial changes in appearance include:
- gender changes
- major cosmetic operations
- accidents resulting in irrecoverable facial changes
- significant weight gain/loss.
Regardless of the passport issuance date, a child’s passport won’t be good anymore if damaged.
KEY INFORMATION: Even if parents know how long their children’s passports are good for and plan to travel abroad and return to the U.S. before their child’s passport expires, some countries establish a 6 (six) month-passport validity rule.
The renewal of a kid’s passport entails a different procedure (applying in person, a higher number of documents required, etc.) and a longer processing time (approximately two months), so it is recommended to apply 1 year before the child’s passport expiration date.
How long does a passport last for a minor: age factor
To understand how long passports last for minors, it is essential to distinguish between children and minors – 2 different categories according to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Whether it is a baby or a teenager, someone aged 15 years old or younger is considered a child, and therefore the child’s passport will last for 5 (five) years. 👶
A child’s passport cannot be renewed. Instead, the U.S. government requires its holder to issue a new one.
On the other hand, a U.S. passport will be good for 10 (ten) years for minors aged 16 or 17 years old, the same as any U.S. adult. 🧒
Note: to get a 10 (ten) year-valid passport—an ordinary U.S. passport—minors must be 16 years old before the passport application is submitted. Minors turning this age after the application is processed will obtain a 5 (five) year-valid passport, like any other U.S. child.
IMPORTANT: U.S. passport holders can still use a passport until its expiration, regardless of age. Turning 16 years old doesn’t imply the need to issue a new passport.
When do passports expire for minors: passport validity by age
How long is an infant’s passport good for? When do passports expire for minors?
Read the list below to get the picture.
| Applicant’s age | Applicant’s category | Passport validity |
|---|---|---|
| <1 year old (newborn babies) | Child | 5 years |
| 1 year old | Child | 5 years |
| 2 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 3 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 4 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 5 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 6 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 7 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 8 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 9 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 10 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 11 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 12 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 13 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 14 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 15 years old | Child | 5 years |
| 16 years old | Minor | 10 years |
| 17 years old | Minor | 10 years |
When children’s passports expire: take a kid’s passport photo the easiest way with PhotoAiD®!
Parents planning to get their child’s first passport or issue a new one will need to submit 2 (two) U.S. passport photos, along with the required documentation.
Today we introduce to you PhotoAiD®, an online passport photo app featured by the worldwide-known Forbes or National Geographic, among others.
📷 This tool is particularly handy when taking passport photos of newborn babies or young children.
Enjoy innumerable benefits:
- all you need is a smartphone;
- babies won’t leave their comfort zone or have their sleeping hours interrupted;
- parents or family members will take the child’s passport photo in just 2 minutes;
- guarantee of passport photo compliance with U.S. government regulations and acceptance at the post office;
- ability to take a picture anywhere, at any moment. PhotoAiD will edit the image accordingly.
Users can enjoy 2 options available on PhotoAiD®:
- get a passport photo template for free. The only thing left to do is print the passport photos at the nearest store for less than $1;
- order photo prints and receive your order in only 2-3 working days at your doorstep.
Related reading:
- Can You Smile in a Passport Photo?
- Dress Code for a Passport Photo
- Appropriate Hairstyles for a Passport Photo
How long do passports last for minors: FAQ
In this section, we will answer many questions about how long a child’s passport is good for.
Do kids’ passports expire sooner?
Why are children’s passports good for only 5 years?
Do kids’ passports last 10 years?
How often do kids need to update their passports?
How long is my child’s passport valid?
Can I renew my child's U.S. passport before it expires?
How long do kids' passports last?
How long does a passport last for a teenager?
Can a child get a 10-year passport?
How long is a child’s passport valid: closing thoughts
In this post, we solved the doubts of those wondering how long a minor’s passport is good for or how long a baby’s passport lasts.
As mentioned earlier, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs divides minors into 2 categories:
- 16 to 18 year olds will get a U.S. passport valid for 10 (ten) years.
- 15 year olds or younger (including babies) obtain a passport good for 5 (five) years.
If you are planning to have a U.S. passport issued soon, use PhotoAiD® to get your passport photos easily, in only a few minutes, and from home.
Alejandro is a writer with 5+ years of experience. He graduated in English philology and holds an MA in Multilingual and Intercultural Communication. In his spare time, he improves recipes, seeking to delight his tastebuds.
