Lodging a child passport application

Who lodges a child passport application?

A child passport application generally has to be lodged by a person with parental responsibility for the child.

A person who doesn’t have parental responsibility for the child, but who does have caring responsibilities, can lodge a passport application if no one with parental responsibility consents to the child having a passport, or if no one has parental responsibility for the child.

A parent can authorise another adult to lodge a child application. This has to be in writing.

Anyone who lodges a child application has to show us ID documents that have their photo, signature and residential address.

Children can only lodge passport applications on their own behalf if they live independently.

Do my children have to come with me when I apply for their passports?

Children aged 16 or 17 have to come with you when you lodge their applications.

Children aged 15 and under don’t need to come with you.

What if my 16- or 17-year old can’t come with me to lodge the application?

If your 16- or 17-year old is located a long distance away and can’t come when you lodge the application, you can provide a written authorisation to another adult, who is with the child, to lodge the application on your behalf. You can do this by writing a letter or completing a B11 - General declaration by passport applicant (PDF 127.03 KB).

Can I lodge a child passport application in Australia if the child is overseas?

Only if there are extenuating circumstances and you have our prior approval. Call us on 131 232 to discuss options.

Can I lodge a child passport application overseas if the child is in Australia?

Only if there are extenuating circumstances and you have our prior approval. Call us on 131 232 to discuss options.

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