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Children included on existing adult passports

It has not been possible to add a child to an adult's passport since 6 October 1998. However, children who are already included in their parents' passports can continue to travel on these passports until they reach the age of 16 or the passport expires.

If the passport on which your child is included is replaced, you have to apply for a separate passport for the child.

A child passport costs £46 for a standard application.

Applying for a passport

The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) recommends you apply through your nearest Post Office offering the Check & Send service. They can check you have filled out your application form correctly and that you have the right documents - this may save time. You will usually have the passport in two weeks.

If you apply by post, the IPS aims to deal properly completed and straightforward applications in three weeks. This does not include applications for the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged passports.

If you come to an IPS office  to apply in person the IPS provides a guaranteed one-day service (premium) and a guaranteed one-week service (fast track). If you would like to use these new guaranteed services you must make an appointment by calling the Passport Adviceline on 0870 521 0410. The one-day (premium) service is not available for customers applying for the first time or for those applying to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport.

Whichever application route you choose you are advised not to make travel arrangements until the passport has arrived.

• Apply for a passport online Opens new window
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Birth certificates

To get your child a passport you will need your child's full birth certificate. This may not be the one that you were given when you registered your child's birth. A full certificate includes both the mother and father's details. For more details contact the registrar in the area where your child was born.

More detailed information about passports is available through the Passport Adviceline on 0870 521 0410.