Parents cannot renew a child’s U.S. passport issued before age 16 through the standard renewal process. A new in-person Form DS-11 application is required. Learn about five-year validity, required documents, current child passport fees and what changes once the applicant turns 16.
Parents may commonly refer to replacing an expired child passport as a “renewal,” but U.S. passport rules treat it differently. A passport issued to a child under age 16 cannot be renewed through the standard online or mail renewal process.
Instead, the child must apply again in person using Form DS-11.
Child Passport Renewal Requires Form DS-11
When a passport issued before age 16 expires, the child must complete a new passport application.
The child must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility, passport agency or center. Parents should prepare Form DS-11, citizenship evidence, proof of the parent-child relationship, parental identification, consent documentation and a new passport photo.
The previous passport may also be submitted as citizenship evidence if it meets State Department requirements.
How Long Is a Child Passport Valid?
A U.S. passport issued to a child age 15 or younger is valid for five years.
This shorter validity period means families with young children may need to apply for several passports before the child reaches adulthood. The State Department confirms that passports for children under 16 cannot be renewed.
Parents planning international travel should check the expiration date well in advance because some destinations require passports to remain valid for months beyond the travel dates.
What Happens When the Child Turns 16?
Applicants age 16 or 17 applying for their first adult passport must apply in person using Form DS-11 and show that at least one parent or legal guardian is aware of the application.
Passports issued at age 16 or older are generally valid for 10 years. However, a previous passport issued when the applicant was under 16 does not qualify for normal DS-82 renewal.
Child Passport Fees in 2026
For applicants under 16, the current application fee is $100 for a passport book, $15 for a passport card, or $115 for both. Each option also carries a $35 acceptance fee when applying with Form DS-11.
Parents should check current State Department requirements before applying, particularly when an international trip is approaching, because fees, processing options and application procedures can change.
