Child Passport UK: How to Apply (Parent's Guide)

Overview

A UK child passport is a travel document issued by His Majesty's Passport Office to British citizens aged under 16. Unlike an adult passport, it lasts for five years from the date of issue, reflecting how quickly a child's appearance changes.

The application must be submitted by a parent or guardian with parental responsibility, and in many cases both parents will need to be named on the form even if only one is completing it. First-time applications typically require more supporting evidence than renewals, including proof of the child's British nationality and, in some cases, documentation relating to the parents' own status.

Photographs must meet strict rules for children of all ages, and babies have slightly different requirements because they can't always hold their head up unaided. Fees vary depending on whether you apply online or by post, and whether you use the standard or a faster service. Always check gov.uk for the current fee and processing times before you start.

Key steps

1. Check your child is eligible. Before anything else, confirm your child is a British citizen and under 16 years old. If your child was born outside the UK or if neither parent was British at the time of birth, eligibility can be more complicated, and you may need to gather extra evidence of nationality before starting the application. 2. Gather the supporting documents. You'll typically need the child's full birth certificate, evidence of the parents' identity and nationality, and any relevant documents such as adoption papers or a change of name deed. For a first application, the requirements are more detailed than for a renewal, so read the current gov.uk checklist carefully to avoid delays. 3. Get a compliant passport photograph. The photo must be recent, in colour, and meet the official specifications for background, lighting, and expression. Children must look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Babies under one can have their eyes closed, but nothing and no one else can appear in the photo, including a parent's hand. 4. Complete the application online or by post. Most parents apply online through the gov.uk passport service, which guides you through each section and flags missing information. A paper form is available from Post Office branches if you prefer. Make sure the adult completing the form has parental responsibility, as this is a legal requirement, not just an administrative one. 5. Send the documents and pay the fee. Once submitted, you'll need to post original supporting documents to HM Passport Office and pay the current application fee. Processing times fluctuate, especially before school holidays, so build in plenty of buffer before any travel dates. Check gov.uk for current turnaround times rather than relying on older guidance.