Can I get a passport for my adopted stepchild?

An eligible U.S. citizen can apply for a passport after adoption using the required citizenship, identity and family-relationship documents. Adoption can help prove the parent-child relationship, but it does not replace the passport application or every travel requirement. The applicant's age determines which process to follow.

Children under 16

The State Department's child-passport instructions require an in-person application with the child. Both legal parents or guardians ordinarily appear or provide the required approval; documented exceptions apply. An adoption decree can establish the legal relationship. Citizenship evidence is a separate requirement. Bring the required identification, copies, application and one compliant passport photo. Do not sign Form DS-11 until the acceptance agent instructs you.

If a parent cannot attend, follow the State Department's consent-document instructions. Sole-parent, sole-custody and other situations require the appropriate evidence; do not assume every application must have two signatures regardless of the court orders.

Applicants aged 16 or 17

Use the separate 16–17-year-old passport instructions. For a first adult passport, the applicant applies in person and shows that one legal parent or guardian is aware of the application. This differs from the under-16 process. Adult adoptees aged 18 or older follow the applicable adult passport process.

Using a new legal name

If the adoption order changes the child's name, keep the certified evidence of that change. When a passport already exists, use the State Department's name-change and correction guide to determine the form and supporting documents. The route depends on the timing and passport eligibility; it is not automatically a standard renewal. A passport issued before age 16 cannot simply be renewed under the adult renewal process.

A passport and permission to travel are different

The old claim that adoption eliminates all consent letters or border questions was too broad. The State Department's travel-with-minors guidance explains that some destinations require permission from a non-traveling parent or proof of sole custody. Check the actual destination and any applicable court restrictions before booking.

Your preparation checklist:

• Confirm U.S. citizenship evidence and use the age-appropriate instructions.
• Check that the child's legal name matches the application and supporting records.
• Arrange the required attendance, consent or exception documents.
• Use an authorized acceptance facility and check appointment requirements.
• Check current processing and mailing times before making travel commitments.
• Carry the relationship and travel-permission records required for the trip.

For the preceding court process, choose your state adoption guide. Our service prepares adoption documents; the U.S. Department of State decides passport applications.