Service Finder
Out of force - applying for a child's passport for the first time
Service Description
From January 1, 2024, it will no longer be possible to apply for a child's passport. When traveling abroad, children must also provide proof of identity when crossing the border. For German children, a children's passport or their own passport can be used for this purpose. It is also possible to apply for an identity card for children (e.g. for travel within the EU). Please find out which identification document your child needs to enter the destination country before you travel.
The child's passport does not contain an electronic storage medium (chip). However, in some countries it is only possible to enter without a visa if the passport contains a chip.
Children's passports can only be issued to minors up to the age of 12.
Since January 1, 2021, children's passports can only be issued with a maximum validity period of twelve months. Children's passports issued before this date remain valid until the validity date printed on them. The validity period of the children's passport can be extended by one year at a time until the child reaches the age of twelve, provided its validity period has not yet expired. It must be provided with a current photograph.
Since August 2, 2021, the names of all custodial persons can be entered in the children's passport or passport of minors upon joint application by both parents if the surname of the minor is different from the surname of at least one custodial person. This simplifies checks when traveling across borders. However, this entry does not replace the written consent of the second person with custody - which may be required during the journey - for parents traveling alone with their child.
Process flow
Personal presentation of the child with at least one legal guardian/legal representative.
Who should I contact?
To the passport authority of the city or municipality in which your child is registered with sole or main residence, or to the administrative community that fulfills the role of passport authority.
Requirements
- German within the meaning of Art. 116 Para. 1 of the Basic Law (GG)
- Submission of a formal application to the relevant municipality
- If the parents are permanently separated (for more than one year), only the parent with whom the child is registered as the sole or main resident may apply for the child's passport.
- The child must also appear in person at the passport office to verify their identity.
Which documents are required?
- Identity documents of the person applying for the child's passport
- if available, passport, child's passport or identity card of the child or, if applicable, the child's birth certificate
- Consent (declaration) of the legal guardian; proof of custody if there is only one legal guardian
- Biometric photo (sample photo from the Federal Printing Office)
What are the fees?
The fees are set out in § 15 of the Passport Ordinance (PassV). Detailed information on this can also be obtained from the competent authority.
If the child's passport is issued at a passport authority in another location in Germany or abroad, the fee increases (surcharge).
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
The children's passport is valid for one year, but at most until your child's 12th birthday.
What else should I know?
You can find information about entry requirements and other information about your destination on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
The loss of a child's passport must be reported immediately.
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
Technically approved by
Thuringian Ministry of the Interior and Municipal Affairs
Professionally released on
29.03.2023
Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)
No competent authority found
Please enter your location.