The Baby and The Trip Are Both Expected - Don’t Worry

While you may think this would never happen, how do you handle getting a newborn passport when your baby’s arrival date and your vacation date are way too close to each other?  It is certainly wise to ask this question ahead of time so you can be prepared but planning ahead will make the experience much easier.  The requirements of a newborn passport application are very similar to those that govern adult passport applications but there are a few exceptions.

Since each country has their own rules and regulation, it is wise to investigate the rules that apply in the country you reside.  The United States requires the presentation of an official birth certificate for the issuance of a newborn passport.  The presentation of a birth announcement or some hospital paperwork will not suffice.  While it can take a month or so to get your baby’s birth certificate if left to the tradition mail service, this process will go a lot quicker if a visit is paid to the courthouse located in the birth county.

A social security number is requested on all passport applications but for a newborn passport, this space can be filled in with eight “0”’s. You may think that this might slow the process of receiving your child’s passport but although there may be an extra fee, delivery of the passport, unlike that of your child, can be expedited. It may cost a little more but it will be worth the piece of mind for sure.

Now we come to the passport photo. Yes, your newborn will have to say “cheese” just like an adult with a few special requirements. A baby’s eyes must be open and any head covering is forbidden. This is to insure identification any boarder agent must make concerning hair and eye color. Call ahead before rushing off to the photographer as there may be special arrangements that need to be made to accommodate a newborn photo shoot.

While an adult’s passport is valid for ten years, a newborn passport is valid only five years. A child’s appearance will certainly change drastically within those five years and while this does not require a new picture be taken, it does limit the life of the passport to five years.

Don’t worry. With proper information and planning, everything can be made a lot easier when you need a newborn passport. Contact your government to be sure you are information of your country’s requirements. While waiting for your baby to arrive, get all your plans in order to a speedy delivery and speedy newborn passports. The passport will certainly be the easier one to arrange. Good luck and bon voyage.