Passports for Children Ages 15 and Under
Expedited Child Passport Services for Families Traveling Soon
Children under age 16 cannot renew a passport by mail. Even if your child had a passport before, they must apply in person using Form DS-11.
Texas Tower Passport and Visa helps families prepare child passport documents, avoid common delays, and submit the sealed application package for expedited processing.
Who This Page Is For
This service is for children who are:
- Age 15 or younger
- Applying for a first passport
- Replacing an expired child's passport
- Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged child's passport
- Traveling soon and need expedited passport processing
Children under age 16 must appear in person with their parent or legal guardian when applying. In most cases, both parents or guardians must give consent.
How the Child Passport Process Works
1. Complete the DS-11 Application
Fill out Form DS-11 online and print it single-sided. Do not sign it yet.
2. Gather the Required Documents
You will need proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship, proof of parental relationship, parent IDs, passport photos, photocopies, travel proof, and Texas Tower documents.
3. Visit a Passport Acceptance Facility
The child and parent or parents go to an authorized passport acceptance facility. The acceptance agent witnesses the signature and seals the application.
4. Mail the Sealed Envelope to Texas Tower
Do not open the sealed envelope. Send it to Texas Tower Passport and Visa for expedited processing.
Choose Your Processing Speed
Choose Your Processing Speed
Same Day
$225
For immediate or emergency family travel
Requires FedEx First Overnight with Signature Release
2–3 Days
$158
For urgent upcoming travel
5–10 Days
$89
For upcoming travel that is not immediate
Child Passport Checklist
| What You Need | Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed DS-11 application | Fill out the DS-11 form. Print single-sided. Do not sign until instructed. |
| Child’s proof of U.S. citizenship | We recommend that you have these pictures taken by a facility familiar with passport photo requirements, such as Walgreens, CVS, or a UPS store |
| Proof of parental relationship | Birth certificate, adoption decree, custody order, or guardianship document |
| Parent or guardian photo ID | Valid physical photo ID required |
| Photocopies of parent IDs | Front and back copies |
| Photocopy of child’s citizenship evidence | On 8.5 x 11 paper, single-sided |
| Passport photo | We recommend that you have these pictures taken by a facility familiar with passport photo requirements, such as Walgreens, CVS, or UPS store |
| Proof of travel | Airline ticket, itinerary, or other departure proof showing a need to expedite. Get a sample letter if needed. |
| Texas Tower authorization letters | One goes inside the sealed envelope, and one stays outside for Texas Tower. Get your Texas Tower Authorization form. |
| Texas Tower order form | Include it with the package sent to our office. You can download the Texas Tower Order Form here. |
| Take your documents to your local post office to be witnessed, signed, and sealed. Do not open this envelope once sealed. You can find a complete list of local agencies at http://iafdb.travel.state.gov | The Passport Agency Deputy will charge an execution fee of $35 |
👨👩👧 Parent Consent Rules
For children under 16, both parents or guardians usually need to appear with the child.
If one parent cannot be present, the absent parent may need to complete Form DS-3053, which must be notarized.
If one parent cannot be located, the applying parent may need Form DS-5525 for special family circumstances.
This is one of the most common reasons child passport applications are delayed.
Child Passport Fees
U.S. Government Fees
- Passport Book for Child Under 16: $135
- Passport Card for Child Under 16: $50
- Passport Book and Card: $150
- Acceptance Facility Execution Fee: $35
Child passport applicants pay one fee to the U.S. Department of State and a separate fee to the acceptance facility.
Texas Tower Service Fees
Choose Your Processing Speed
Same Day
$225
For immediate or emergency travel
Requires FedEx First Overnight with Signature Release
2–3 Days
$158
For urgent upcoming travel
5–10 Days
$89
For upcoming travel that is not immediate
⚠️ Important: Do Not Open the Sealed Envelope
Once the passport acceptance facility seals your child’s application package, do not open it.
Opening the envelope can delay or void the application. Mail the sealed package directly to Texas Tower Passport and Visa.
Mail Your Package To
Texas Tower Passport and Visa Services
2020 Montrose Blvd. Suite 400
Houston, TX 77006
Phone: 713-874-1420
Email: info@texastower.net