When traveling abroad, children must also show identification when crossing the border. For German children, a children's passport or a separate passport can be considered for this purpose. It is also possible to apply for an identity card for children (for example, for travel within the EU). Please find out before you travel which identity document your child needs for entry into the destination country.

The children's passport does not contain an electronic storage medium (chip). However, in some countries, visa-free entry is only possible if the passport contains a chip.

The issuance of the children's passport is possible for minors only until they reach the age of 12.

As of January 1, 2021, children's passports can only be issued with a maximum validity period of twelve months. Children's passports issued before that date remain valid until the respective validity date printed on them. The period of validity of a child's passport can be extended by one year at a time until the child reaches the age of twelve, provided that its period of validity has not yet expired. It must be accompanied by a recent photograph.

Since August 2, 2021, the names of all custodial persons can be entered in the children's passport or passport of minors at the joint request of both parents if the surname of the minor differs from the surname of at least one custodial person. This simplifies checks on cross-border travel. However, in the case of parents traveling alone with a child, this registration does not replace the written consent of the second person with custody, which may be required to be carried along during the trip.