Overview

You apply for a child passport if your child is under 16. It costs £53.50 to apply online and £64 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 for a replacement passport
Your child is under 16 and their British passport is damaged Apply for a replacement 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