Apply for a first child passport

If your child has never had a British passport you must apply for a first child passport. Your child must have British nationality to be eligible for a British passport. Apply online It costs £57.50. To apply online you’ll need: a digital photo of your child (or a device that takes digital photos) supporting documents a credit or debit card Start application Apply and pay for the passport online. Start now This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) . Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity After you’ve paid and submitted the application, you’ll need to ask someone to confirm your child’s identity. Let the person know that they’ll receive an email from HM Passport Office telling them what to do. They’ll confirm your child’s identity online - they do not need to sign a printed photo. Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they need to do . Apply by post It costs £69. You can apply by post by either: getting a paper form from a Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service contacting the Passport Adviceline to get a form posted to you Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the form. Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over. You need to get someone else, known as your ‘countersignatory’, to fill in section 10 and certify your child’s photo . Read the booklet that comes with the form if you need help with your application. To send in your application, you can either: post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service Signing the application Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form. If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form too. Supporting documents You must send original documents or official copies of certificates. Photocopies are not accepted, even ‘certified copies’. If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you’ll need to send certified translations as well as the originals. You cannot send laminated documents. If the name on the passport does not match what’s on the birth certificate You must send: a signed and dated letter from everyone with parental responsibility confirming the name change and that they agree to the child getting a new passport a deed poll at least one piece of evidence that shows the new name being used, for example NHS records, child benefits or school records What documents to provide if you apply online If you apply online, you’ll be told what documents you need to provide. What documents to send if you apply by post If you apply by post, you must send: 2 new photos of your child the child’s full birth or adoption certificate (the one with parent’s details on it) proof that your child has British nationality (for example a British registration certificate, parent’s passport details or parent’s birth certificates) any valid passports from a different country belonging to the child any court orders relating to the child (for example, that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements) Read the guidance notes to find out which documents you need to send. Choose how you want your documents sent back Your documents will be sent back to you by normal post, but you can pay an extra £5 to get them sent by secure delivery. Choose this service on your application if you want to use it. Getting your passport Your new passport will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either: post it through your letterbox hand it to you if you’re home leave a card or post you a letter saying how you can get it (it will not say the package is your passport) You can track your passport application .

Renew a child passport

You can apply to renew a child passport online or by post. If your child’s passport has expired, you must renew it before they can travel. Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - the new passport will not have the same number as the old one. If your child’s name or other personal details have changed, you cannot renew their passport. You must apply for a new passport instead. Renewing a passport before it expires How much time your child needs left on their passport depends on the country they’re visiting. Check the entry requirements of the country they’re travelling to . Time left on your child’s old passport will not be added to their new one. If your child’s passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, they can still use it as long as it has enough time left on it. Supporting documents To renew your child’s passport you’ll need: your child’s old passport any valid passports from a different country your child has - send either a colour photocopy of each page (including blank ones) or the physical passport any court orders relating to the child (for example, that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements) You’ll also need either digital or printed photos of your child. Renew online It costs £57.50. You can pay with a credit or debit card. You’ll need: a digital photo of your child (or a device that takes digital photos) the supporting documents Renew online This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) . Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity If your child is under 12, you’ll need to ask someone to confirm their identity after you’ve submitted the application. Let the person know that they’ll receive an email from HM Passport Office telling them what to do. They’ll confirm your child’s identity online - they do not need to sign a printed photo. Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they need to do . Renew by post It costs £69. You need to fill in a paper application form. You can get a paper form by either: going to a Post Office that has a Passport Check and Send service calling the Passport Adviceline Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9 of the form. Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over. If your child is under 12 or cannot be recognised from their old passport photo you’ll need to get someone else, known as a ‘countersignatory’, to: fill in section 10 countersign the form and certify the child’s photo Read the booklet that comes with the form if you need help with your application. To send your application you can either: post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service Signing the application Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form. If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form too. Countersigning the application If your child is under 12, you’ll need to get their application and one of their photos countersigned . If your child is 12 or over, you only need to do this if they cannot be recognised from the photo in their current passport. Choose how you want your documents sent back Your documents will be sent back to you by normal post, but you can pay an extra £5 to get them sent by secure delivery. Choose this service on your application if you want to use it. Getting your passport Your new passport will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either: post it through your letterbox hand it to you if you’re home leave a card or post you a letter saying how you can get it (it will not say the package is your passport) You can track your passport application .

Replace a lost or stolen child passport

If your child’s passport has been lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement. You must cancel a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk of anyone else using it. Supporting documents To replace your child’s passport, you’ll need: any valid passports from a different country your child might have any court orders relating to the child (for example, that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements) You’ll also need either digital or printed photos of your child. Apply online You can apply for a replacement child passport online. It costs £57.50. You can pay with a credit or debit card. You’ll need: a digital photo of your child (or a device that takes digital photos) any supporting documents Apply online This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) . Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity You’ll need to ask someone to confirm your child’s identity. Let the person know that they’ll receive an email from HM Passport Office telling them what to do. They’ll confirm your child’s identity online - they do not need to sign a printed photo. Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they need to do . Apply by post It costs £69. You can apply by post by either: getting a paper form from a Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service contacting the Passport Adviceline to get a form posted to you Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 of the form. Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over. You’ll need 2 new printed photos of your child. Follow the rules for printed passport photos . To send in your application, you can either: post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service Signing the application Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form. If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form too. Countersigning the application You must get the application form and one of your child’s photos countersigned . Read the booklet that comes with the form if you need help with your application. Choose how you want your documents sent back Your documents will be sent back to you by normal post, but you can pay an extra £5 to get them sent by secure delivery. Choose this service on your application if you want to use it. Getting your passport Your new passport will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either: post it through your letterbox hand it to you if you’re home leave a card or post you a letter saying how you can get it (it will not say the package is your passport) You can track your passport application .

Replace a damaged child passport

If your child’s passport is damaged, you’ll need to apply for a replacement. You can apply online or by post. Supporting documents You must send all of the following with your application: the damaged passport a letter from someone with parental responsibility explaining how the damage happened (if you apply by post) any valid passports from a different country your child might have any court orders relating to the child (for example, that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements) You’ll also need either digital or printed photos of your child. Apply online It costs £57.50. You can pay with a credit or debit card. You’ll need: a digital photo of your child (or a device that takes digital photos) the supporting documents Apply online This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) . Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity If your child is under 12, you’ll need to ask someone to confirm your child’s identity. Let the person know that they’ll receive an email from HM Passport Office telling them what to do. They’ll confirm your child’s identity online - they do not need to sign a printed photo. Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they need to do . Apply by post It costs £69. You can apply by post by either: getting a paper form from a Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service contacting the Passport Adviceline to get a form posted to you Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 of the form. Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over. To send in your application, you can either: post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service Signing the application Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form. If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form too. Countersigning the application You must get the application form and one of your child’s photos countersigned . Read the booklet that comes with the form if you need help with your application. Choose how you want your documents sent back Your documents will be sent back to you by normal post, but you can pay an extra £5 to get them sent by secure delivery. Choose this service on your application if you want to use it. Getting your passport Your new passport will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either: post it through your letterbox hand it to you if you’re home leave a card or post you a letter saying how you can get it (it will not say the package is your passport) You can track your passport application .

Change the name or personal details on a child passport

Your child will need to get a new passport if they’ve changed their name. Fill in the passport application with the name that you want printed on the passport. Contact the Passport Adviceline if you’re changing any other personal details on a child passport. This could include date of birth, place of birth or national status. Apply online You can apply for a new child passport online . It costs £57.50. You’ll need a digital photo of your child (or a device that takes digital photos). You’ll be told where to send your supporting documents when you apply. This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) . Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity If your child is under 12, you’ll need to ask someone to confirm their identity after you’ve submitted the application. Let the person know that they’ll receive an email from HM Passport Office telling them what to do. They’ll confirm your child’s identity online - they do not need to sign a printed photo. Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they need to do . Apply by post It costs £69. You can apply by post by either: getting a paper form from a Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service contacting the Passport Adviceline to get a form posted to you Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 of the form. Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over. If your child is 11 or under or cannot be recognised from their old passport photo you’ll need to get someone else, known as a ‘countersignatory’, to fill in section 10 and certify your child’s photo . Read the booklet that comes with the form if you need help with your application. To send in your application, you can either: post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service Signing the application Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form. If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form too. Supporting documents You must send: the old passport a deed poll or similar document about the name change at least one piece of evidence that shows the new name being used, for example NHS records, child benefits or school records written consent from everyone with parental responsibility 2 new photos of your child if you apply by post Choose how you want your documents sent back Your documents will be sent back to you by normal post, but you can pay an extra £5 to get them sent by secure delivery. Choose this service on your application if you want to use it. Getting your passport Your new passport will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either: post it through your letterbox hand it to you if you’re home leave a card or post you a letter saying how you can get it (it will not say the package is your passport) You can track your passport application .

Adopted or fostered children

If your child was adopted in the UK Your child can get a British passport if either adoptive parent is British and was usually living in the UK (‘habitually resident’) when you adopted your child. You must send your child’s adoption certificate showing the British parent’s details. You must also send one of the following: the British passport details for either parent a UK birth certificate for either parent a Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation for either parent If you’re sending a parent’s British passport details You must use details from a parent’s passport that was valid on the day your child was born. It can be current or expired. You only need to send the: passport number the full name used on the passport the parent’s date of birth You do not need to post the passport. If your child was adopted overseas Adopted before 1 June 2003 Your child does not automatically qualify for a British passport - even if one of the parents is a British citizen. The adoption may be recognised for parental responsibility purposes, but not for nationality purposes, depending on the country the adoption took place in. Adopted on or after 1 June 2003 Your child can get a British passport if either parent is British and the British parent was usually living (‘habitually resident’) in the UK when the child was adopted. Only adoptions conducted under the Hague Convention are recognised for nationality purposes. You must send the child’s full Hague Convention adoption certificate showing the parents’ details. You must also send evidence of the British parent’s nationality status, such as a British passport issued before the date of adoption - put the passport number on your application. If you do not have a British passport, there are other documents you can send. Foster children and children in care You must contact the Passport Adviceline if you want a passport for a child who’s in care. This includes a child you’re fostering. Get help Contact the Passport Adviceline if you are not sure what documents you need or if your circumstances are more complicated.

Surrogacy and sperm donation

Children born through surrogacy As well as your other documents , you need to send: a letter giving details of your surrogacy arrangement evidence of your surrogacy treatment, such as a letter from the clinic where it took place proof that your child has a claim to British nationality proof of your identity (for example, your passport or birth certificate) proof of your marriage or civil partnership (if this is relevant to your application) If you’ve been granted a parental order, you also need to send: the parental order (if you have it) your child’s birth certificate, issued after the parental order was granted If you’ve not been granted a parental order and your child was born in the UK you can send their full UK birth certificate instead. If you’ve not been granted a parental order and your child was born outside the UK, there are special rules about applying for a passport . Sperm donation If your child was conceived through sperm donation and born in the UK, you need to send their birth certificate when you apply. You do not need to say they were conceived through sperm donation. There are different rules if they were born in another country. Get help Contact the Passport Adviceline if you are not sure what documents you need or if your circumstances are more complicated.

Get a passport for your child

Overview

You apply for a child passport if your child is under 16. It costs £57.50 to apply online and £69 to apply with a paper form from the Post Office. A child passport is valid for 5 years.

There are different rules if you’re applying from outside the UK.

Who can apply

Someone with parental responsibility for the child must apply for the passport.

You need to give both parents’ details when you apply. If you cannot provide the other parent’s details, you need to say why (for example, you’re the only parent named on the birth certificate or you adopted the child on your own).

How long it takes

Check how long it will take to get a passport before you apply.

If you need a passport urgently, you can find out more about the Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services.

Do not book travel until you have a valid passport.

What you should apply for

Situation	Action
Your child is under 16 and has never had a British passport	Apply for a first child passport
Your child is under 16 and has a British passport	Renew your child’s passport
Your child is under 16 and their British passport has been lost or stolen	Apply to replace a lost or stolen passport
Your child is under 16 and their British passport is damaged	Apply to replace a damaged passport
Your child is under 16 and has a British passport but some of their details have changed	Apply for a new passport
Your child is over 16 (or will be in 3 weeks) and had a British child passport	Follow the process for renewing or replacing an adult passport
Your child is over 16 (or will be in 3 weeks) and has never had a British passport	Apply for a first adult passport

View a printable version of the whole guide

Get a passport for your child

Overview

Who can apply

How long it takes

What you should apply for

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Get a passport for your child

Overview

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What you should apply for

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