How to Apply for a Passport for your child

Travelling with children can be stressful at the best of times, put your mind at ease by applying for a passport for you child well in advance of your travel dates and to ensure your holiday goes smoothly.

Eligibility

• You may apply for a passport for your child if they are under 16
• The person applying for the passport must be someone with parental responsibility
• You need to give both parents’ details when you apply
• Your child must have British nationality to be able to apply for a British passport. This is usually through one or both parents having a British passport or Indefinite Leave to Remain.
• If your child is under 16 but has had a child passport before you will need to follow the process to renew their passport
• If your child is over the age of 16, or will be in the next month and had previously had a child passport you will need to follow the process for renewing or replacing an adult passport

How much does it cost?

It costs £49 to apply for a child’s passport online and £58.50 to apply with a paper form which is available from the Post Office. They also operate a check and send service to check your documents are correct for an extra fee.

How long is it valid for?

Unlike adult passports which are valid for 10 years a child passport is only valid for 5 years. It’s important to check that your child’s passport expiry date before you travel as you will not be able to travel with an expired passport.

Details required

Your child's first passport must include information from both parents including their full names and contact information. If you are the only parent, you will need to state why, for example if you have adopted the child on your own.

How long it takes

If you apply online it can take up to six weeks to get a passport delivered to you. Applying through the post office usually takes longer. If you need a passport urgently for work, for compassionate reasons or to prove your child’s identity you can contact the Passport adviceline on 0300 222 0000 or +44 (0)300 222 0000 from outside the UK. It is important that you don’t book your travel until you have a valid passport as your new passport will not have the same number as the old one.

How to apply

You can either apply online or through the post. To apply online you will need the following:

• A digital photo of your child, or a smart device that takes photos
• The child's full birth or adoption certificate (the one which has the parent's details on it)
• Evidence that your child has British nationality (for example a British registration certificate)
• The parent's passport details or parent's birth certificates
• Any valid passports from a different country belonging to the child.
• A credit or debit card

To apply through the Post Office you will need the above documentation plus

• Two identical photos which are 45mm high by 35mm wide (standard UK size)
• These should not be cut from a larger picture
• The photos should show the child facing forwards
• They must have their eyes open and visible (unless they are under one)
• They must not have anything covering their face or have any shadows on their face
• Their head may be supported with your hand if they are very young but your hand must not be visible

If you apply using a paper application form from the post office you will need to ask someone eligible to counter sign section 10 and write on the back of the photo that ‘I certify that this is a true likeness of (full name of child who is getting the passport)’. 

People eligible to sign include dentists, doctors, accountants, journalists, police officers or government workers. You cannot be related to the person confirming the identity or live together.

Gherson has extensive experience with all types of applications for passports and assistance with travel documentation. Should you require expert advice and assistance with your British passport application, please do not hesitate to contact us.