How do I get a passport for my child?

Child passport costs in 2026

Fees rose on 8 April 2026. These are the prices for applying from the UK.

The Online Premium 1 day service is only for adults renewing a passport, so it cannot be used for a child. A child passport lasts 5 years.

First passport or renewal?

First child passport. You need:

• the child's full birth or adoption certificate, showing the parents' details
• proof the child is British, such as a parent's passport details, a parent's birth certificate, or a registration certificate
• any foreign passports the child has
• any court orders about the child
• a countersignature and certified photo

Renewing a child passport. You need the old passport, any foreign passports and any court orders. A countersignature is needed if the child is 11 or under, or cannot be recognised from the old photo. Any time left on the old passport is not added to the new one.

Who can countersign

The countersignatory confirms the identity of the adult signing the form. They must:

• have known that adult for at least 2 years
• be a person of good standing in the community, or work in a recognised profession
• hold a current British or Irish passport (if you apply in the UK)

They cannot be related to you by birth or marriage, be in a relationship with you, or live at your address.

How to apply

1. Check you have parental responsibility. Only someone with parental responsibility can apply.
2. Get a digital photo of the child (or two printed photos for a paper form).
3. Apply online, or get a paper form from a Post Office Check and Send service.
4. Give both parents' details, or explain why you cannot.
5. Pay by card.
6. Your countersignatory confirms the child's identity. Online, they get an email telling them what to do.
7. Send the documents you are asked for.

If your child is 12 to 15, they sign the paper form too, as well as the person with parental responsibility.

How long it takes

Check processing times before you apply, and do not book travel until the passport arrives. HM Passport Office says you will usually get a passport within 3 weeks, counted from when it receives your documents. If you need it quickly, the 1 week Fast Track costs £156.50.

Turning 16

When your child turns 16, they need an adult passport next time, which lasts 10 years. They can keep using their child passport until it expires.

Special cases

• Child born abroad: they must be a British citizen. See our guide on getting a British passport for a child born abroad.
• Applying from overseas: a child passport costs £75.50 online or £89 on paper.
• Adopted, fostered or surrogacy: GOV.UK has separate guidance on extra documents.

Related guides

• Who can countersign a passport application?
• What are the rules for a UK passport photo?
• How much does a UK passport cost?
• How long does a passport renewal take and how much is it?
• How do I get a British passport for a child born abroad?

Where these figures come from

• Get a passport for your child
• First child passport
• Renew a child passport
• Passport fees
• Get a passport urgently
• Countersigning passport applications
• New fees for passport applications
• HM Passport Office: about our services
• Getting your first adult passport