Passport for a Child

As of November 1, 2007, a child’s passport will be valid for a maximum of 6 years.  It is possible to issue a child’s passport for a child up to 12 years old.  Since the child’s passport becomes invalid at the age of 12, the child must have a regular passport as of that date.

It is not necessary for children up to the age of 10 to sign themselves.  So passport applications may in this case be submitted by mail. Starting at the age of 10, it is necessary for the child to appear in person at the mission in order to apply for a child’s passport, unless a sample signature of the child has been certified by a notary public and included with the application documents sent by mail.

If you are applying for a child’s passport for the first time, it may be necessary to provide a declaration of the child’s legal name.  Information about declarations of legal names appears below on this page.

Due to the amended provisions regarding entry to the U.S., you should thoroughly consider applying for a German passport immediately instead of renewing a child’s passport.

Please also bear in mind that the child’s passport is not recognized by all countries.  Before embarking on foreign travel, you should duly inquire whether the child’s entry and transit is even possible with a child’s passport.

You will need the following documents to apply for a child’s passport:

- Completed application form

- Two identical, biometrically-compatible, recent passport photos

- Certified copy of the birth certificate with information about the exact place of birth (If a U.S. birth certificate is submitted, the county is not sufficient information)

- If applicable, naturalization document or permission to retain German citizenship

- Certified copies of the passports of both parents (page with date and photo)

- Certified copy of the parent’s marriage license

- If parents were married in Germany, their family register

- Certified copy of the valid U.S. residency permit (U.S. resident alien card, U.S. residence visa, or U.S. passport)

- Statement of consent by the parents on the reverse side of the application form

- Fee for a child’s passport

- If applicable, sample signature of the child certified by a notary public

Please Note: Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care, we can not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies contained herein.

Passport for a Child

Appointments for Passport Applications

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Some, not all, Missions require that you schedule an appointment in order to apply for a passport.
Please check on the website of the mission that is in charge of assisting you, if there are any appointment requirements. Please only call the appointment agencies listed on the website if you are sure that you are required to schedule an appointment for a passport application, as you will be charged for the call.

Atlanta

Boston

Chicago

Houston

Los Angeles

Miami

New York

San Francisco

Washington, DC

Not sure which mission is in charge of assisting you? Please use our Consulate Finder.

Consulate Finder

Frequently Asked Questions

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Have a question about our consular services? Take a moment to have a look at our FAQs before you call or send an e-mail. You might find the answer to your question right there.

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