Your baby's first papers: birth certificate, SSN and passport

One form at the hospital starts almost every document your child will ever have. Fill it in calmly, and say yes to the Social Security number.

Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026

In short

At the hospital, you give the information for the birth certificate, which the state registers; certified copies come from your state's vital records office. On the same form, say yes to a Social Security number: it is free and mailed to you. A US passport for a child under 16 is applied for in person with Form DS-11, with both parents' consent.

1. The birth certificate

Births are registered by the state. In a hospital, staff give you a worksheet for the birth certificate and file the record with your state's vital records office.

Check every spelling: your baby's full name, your names, dates and places of birth.
Unmarried parents: ask the hospital how your state names the father or second parent, and which form is used.
Home or birth center birth: your midwife usually files the record; if not, call your county or state vital records office to learn the deadline.

Certified copies. The federal government does not issue birth certificates. Order them from the state where your baby was born: the CDC's Where to Write for Vital Records page links to every state. Order at least two: you will need one for a passport and often for insurance, WIC, daycare or school.

The Social Security Administration says the easiest way to get an SSN for your newborn is to apply at the hospital, on the birth certificate form.

If you say yes, you will be asked for both parents' SSNs, but you can still apply if you don't know both.
The card is mailed to you. There is no charge for an SSN.
You need it to claim your child as a dependent and for the Child Tax Credit, and often for medical coverage or a bank account.

Missed it at the hospital? Start the application at ssa.gov/number-card and finish it at a Social Security office, or use Form SS-5. Bring original documents proving your child's US citizenship, age and identity (for a US-born baby, the birth certificate), plus proof of your own identity and of your relationship to the child. Expect delays while SSA verifies the birth certificate. SSA's free line is 1-800-772-1213, with free interpreters on request.

3. A passport for your baby

A baby born in the US is a US citizen. For a child under 16:

Apply in person with Form DS-11 (it cannot be renewed by mail).
Both parents or guardians must consent and normally attend with the child. If one cannot, they can sign a notarized Statement of Consent, Form DS-3053, sent with a copy of their ID. Other options exist if neither parent can attend.
Bring your baby's certified birth certificate, your IDs, a passport photo of your baby, and the fees. Two separate payments are usually required: one to the State Department and one to the acceptance facility.
A child's passport is valid for 5 years.

Fees change: check them on travel.state.gov before your appointment.

Good to know

Baby passport photos must meet the official passport photo rules: read the photo requirements on travel.state.gov before you take it, and plan a calm moment right after a feed.

Your checklist

Birth certificate worksheet completed and checked before discharge
"Yes" to the SSN on the form
Certified copies ordered from the state on: ____
Social Security card received on: ____
SSN given to your health plan and employer
Passport appointment (if traveling): ____

Questions parents ask

How do I get a Social Security number for my newborn?

The easiest way is at the hospital, when you give the information for the birth certificate: say yes to the SSN question. You will be asked for both parents' SSNs, but you can still apply if you don't know both. There is no charge.

Where do I get a copy of my baby's birth certificate?

From the vital records office of the state where your baby was born. The federal government does not issue birth certificates; the CDC's Where to Write for Vital Records page links to every state office.

Do both parents need to be present for a baby's passport?

For a child under 16, both parents or guardians must consent and normally appear with the child. A parent who cannot attend can sign a notarized Statement of Consent, Form DS-3053.

Sources

Social Security Administration — Social Security Numbers for Children (EN-05-10023) checked October 13, 2026
Social Security Administration — Request a Social Security number for the first time checked October 13, 2026
CDC, NCHS — Where to Write for Vital Records checked October 13, 2026
US Department of State — Apply for a Child's Passport Under 16 checked October 13, 2026
IRS — Child Tax Credit (SSN requirement) checked October 13, 2026

Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.