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Getting a minor's passport at the Mexican consulate in the US is one of the procedures that gives families the most headaches, mainly because it requires both mom and dad to agree and be present. Here I explain exactly what you need, what happens if one of the parents can't go, and how to avoid having your documents rejected on the day of the appointment.
The information you'll find here comes directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and from the consulates themselves. Nothing made up.
Documents you need to bring
To apply for a minor's passport at the consulate you need to present the following. Everything in original and copy:
📄 For the minor
- Original birth certificate (apostilled if it's from the US)
- The minor's CURP
- Recent passport-size photo (black and white or color, white background)
- Previous passport if they already had one
👨👩👧 For the parents
- Valid official ID of both parents (passport or consular ID)
- CURP of both parents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of address in the US
Important: Always bring extra photocopies of everything. Some consulates ask for them, others make them there, but to avoid risking your appointment bring the copies made from home.
Babies under 3 years old: extra requirement
If your baby is under 3 years old, the consulate will also ask for a letter from the pediatrician on letterhead that includes:
- Photo of the baby stamped or signed by the doctor
- Contact details of the office
- Recent issue date
This is because at such a young age the passport photo changes very quickly and the child's features are hard to verify. For children under 3 the passport is only issued with 1-year validity, no exceptions.
For children between 3 and 10 years old, some consulates ask for a school letter with a photo stamped by the principal or a school official. Call the consulate beforehand to confirm.
What if mom or dad can't go to the appointment?
This is the part that raises the most questions. The general rule is that both parents or guardians must attend in person on the day of the appointment to authorize the procedure. But there are situations where one can't go:
📝 Parent in another state or country
The absent parent can sign an authorization before a notary public (in the US or in Mexico). The document must be apostilled if signed in Mexico. This authorization is presented on the day of the appointment along with a copy of the absent parent's ID.
⚖️ Sole custody
If you have a court ruling proving that you are the only one with custody of the minor, only you need to go. You bring the original court ruling or a certified copy, apostilled if it's from the US.
🪦 Deceased parent
You present the original death certificate. From there the procedure is done with a single parent or legal guardian.
If the other parent simply refuses to authorize without justified cause, unfortunately you'll have to go to a family court to obtain judicial authorization. The consulate can't skip this requirement.
Divorced or separated parents
If you're divorced or separated, the process depends on what the divorce agreement or court ruling says:
- If custody is shared, both parents must sign the authorization, either in person or through a notarized power of attorney.
- If you have sole custody with the other parent having no rights, you bring the court ruling and can process it alone.
- If the divorce agreement includes clauses about the minor's documents, that document may be enough — bring the certified copy and ask the consulate beforehand.
Passport validity and costs
| Minor's age | Available validity | Approximate cost (USD)* |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 years | Only 1 year | ~$35–$50 |
| 3 to 17 years | 1, 3 or 6 years | ~$50–$120 depending on validity |
| Minor with a disability | Same as above | 50% discount (with medical certificate) |
*Costs vary by consulate and are charged in dollars. Check the official website of the consulate where you book to see the exact current fee.
How to book the appointment
You have two ways to schedule the appointment for your child's passport:
- Online: Go to citas.sre.gob.mx, create your account and select "Passport for minors". It's free.
- By phone: Call MEXITEL at 1-877-639-4835 (from the US, toll-free) during customer service hours.
Appointments are in high demand, especially at large consulates like Los Angeles, Houston or Dallas. Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance. If you need the passport urgently, ask whether there are emergency appointments.
Consular assistant
Still have a question?
Ask the assistant about your specific case: requirements, timings and what to do when what you need is not explained anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Does the minor have to go to the appointment?
Yes, the minor must be present at the appointment to take the photo and fingerprints (for minors over 4). You can't process the passport without bringing the child.
Can my US-born child have a Mexican passport?
Yes, if at least one of their parents is Mexican, the child is entitled to Mexican nationality. You first need to register them at the consulate through the "registration of birth abroad" procedure before applying for the passport.
Does a US birth certificate need an apostille?
If the certificate is issued by a US state and you're going to present it to a Mexican authority (such as the consulate), it needs to carry the Hague Apostille. In the US it's generally obtained from the Secretary of State of the state where the certificate was issued.
Can I apply at any consulate or only the one for my area?
For the passport you can generally go to any consulate, it doesn't have to be the one for your jurisdiction. But each consulate has its own policies, so it's best to confirm before booking the appointment.