Getting a uk passport for your infant can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling sleepless nights and a brand-new baby. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you know exactly what HM Passport Office expects. This guide walks you through every step, from checking eligibility to collecting the finished passport.
Key Takeaways
An infant passport is simply a child passport issued to a baby under 1 year old. It is valid for five years and costs from £66.50 when you apply online (2026 fees).
A person with parental responsibility must complete the child's passport application, and you must prove the child's british nationality before a british passport can be issued.
You can apply online or by post using a paper form collected from a post office. Either way, you must send original documents such as the full birth certificate.
Infant photo rules are slightly relaxed (eyes do not need to be fully open), but photos still must meet strict size and quality standards. A countersignatory usually needs to confirm your child's identity.
Standard processing for paper applications can take up to ten weeks. Online applications typically take up to three weeks. Urgent fast track service options are available for some situations.
Understanding a UK Infant Passport
An "infant passport" is not a separate travel document. It is a standard child passport issued by hm passport office to a baby under 1 year old. The same application process applies whether your child is 2 weeks old or 15 years old, with some extra flexibility around baby passport photos.
Every child passport is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. There is no extension when the child grows or their appearance changes. This guide focuses specifically on first-time applications for a new passport for infants who are in, or connected to, the UK.
Check Your Baby’s Eligibility for a British Passport
Before you start the application form, the child must be a British citizen. A child is typically eligible for a british passport if at least one parent is a British citizen. A child is also eligible for a British passport if one parent is a settled person in the UK.
Common ways a baby acquires british nationality at birth include:
Born in the UK to at least one parent who is a British citizen or who holds settled status at the time of the child's birth
Born abroad to a British parent who is British "otherwise than by descent"
Registered as a British citizen later through routes such as the MN1 form (in which case a british registration certificate may be part of the supporting documents)
Parents who hold indefinite leave to remain, settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, right of abode, or an irish passport with settled status can often pass citizenship to their baby at birth.
For babies born outside the UK, the rules differ depending on how the parents acquired their own british nationality. Generally, citizenship by descent can only pass for one generation.
If you are unsure whether your child is eligible, check detailed guidance on GOV.UK or seek immigration advice before starting the passport application.
Who Can Apply for an Infant (Child) Passport?
Only someone with parental responsibility can apply for a child passport. The child's passport application must be signed by an adult with parental responsibility, and the application form must be signed by a parent or guardian.
In England and Wales, parental responsibility typically belongs to:
The birth mother (automatically)
The father, if married to the mother at the time of the child's birth or named on the birth certificate
Adoptive parents after an adoption order is granted
Any other person named in court orders granting parental responsibility
The main applicant must provide parents details for both parents on the application, or clearly explain why this is not possible. Valid reasons include sole registration on the birth certificate, adoption, donor conception, or safeguarding situations. A single parent with legal parental responsibility can normally apply alone, but hm passport office may ask for extra evidence such as court orders or an adoption certificate.
Different rules can apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Complex cases involving surrogacy, guardians, or disputed residency arrangements may need legal advice.
Costs and Fees for an Infant British Passport (2026)
Child passport fees change from time to time, so always confirm the latest figures on GOV.UK before you pay. The figures below are correct as of mid-2026.
Route | Standard Child Passport | 54-Page Frequent Traveller |
|---|---|---|
Apply online | £66.50 | £80.50 |
Paper form (apply by post) | £80.00 | £94.00 |
Some sources cite lower figures, such as £49 for an online application or £58.50 for a postal application. These reflect older fee schedules. As of 8 April 2026, applying online costs £66.50 and paper costs £80.
Using the Passport Check and Send service at the post office costs around £55.75 on top of the passport fee, but it can help you avoid form errors that cause delays.
For urgent processing, the 1-week fast track service for a child passport costs approximately £145 for a standard passport. Note that the same-day Premium service is generally not available for first child passports.
There is usually no refund if the child is not entitled to a passport or you cancel after the process has started, so check eligibility first.
How to Apply for Your Baby’s First Passport
You have two routes: apply online (cheapest and usually fastest) or apply by post using the paper application form from a post office that offers passport services. The application can be completed online or via a paper form at the Post Office. You can apply online or by post for a passport.
Whichever route you choose, you will still need to send original documents and follow hm passport office guidelines. Do not book travel until the baby's passport has arrived, especially during busy holiday periods.
Applications from outside the UK generally have different processes, higher fees, and must follow overseas guidance from the passport office.
Apply Online
The online application is usually the cheapest and most convenient option for a child's passport application.
Create or sign into a GOV.UK account.
Complete the child's application details, including both parents' passport details and nationality status.
Upload a digital photo of your child or enter a photo code from a certified booth.
Pay the fee online.
After submitting the form, you will usually receive an email or text from hm passport office to confirm the child's identity. The system will tell you exactly which documents to post, including your baby's full birth certificate and evidence of the parents' status where needed.
You must send documents to the address given, usually by tracked or secure delivery, and they will be returned separately from the passport.
Apply by Post
You can still use a paper form, usually collected from a post office that offers passport services.
For a child passport, complete the following sections of the application form:
Sections 1–5: child's details, parents details, and nationality information
Section 9: declaration by the person with parental responsibility
Section 6: only needed if the child is aged 12–15 (not applicable for infants)
Section 10: completed by the countersignatory
A countersignatory must complete section 10, confirm the child's identity, and sign the child's photo. You must enclose the original supporting documents (such as the birth certificate and parents' valid passports) and the correct fee if paying by cheque or card details on the form.
Use a tracked or Special Delivery send service when you apply by post to protect original documents in transit.
Documents You Need for an Infant Passport
HM Passport Office only accepts original documents or official copies. Photocopies of documents are not accepted, and laminated documents may be rejected because they cannot be verified. You must send original documents, not photocopies.
For a straightforward UK-born baby, the standard documents include:
The child's full birth certificate (long-form) showing the parents' details, or an adoption certificate if applicable. You need your child's original birth certificate for the application.
Proof of british nationality or settled status for at least one parent (for example, the parent's current british passport or immigration documents)
Any previous name change documents such as a marriage certificate or deed poll
The parents' own current passports or national ID plus immigration documents to prove the child's entitlement
If documents are not in English or Welsh, an accredited professional translation must be included along with the originals. Documents not in English require certified translations.
Special cases (adoption, surrogacy, donor conception, overseas birth from a different country, or complex immigration history) may require extra documents listed on GOV.UK.
If the Name on the Passport Will Differ from the Birth Certificate
Any difference in the baby's name between documents must be clearly explained. Evidence that may be required includes:
A change of name deed
A court order
A parental responsibility agreement
A formal letter from a hospital or GP for minor spelling corrections
For double-barrelled surnames or cultural naming differences, parents should include a signed letter explaining the chosen name plus any supporting documents. Without clear proof, hm passport office may issue the passport in the exact name shown on the birth certificate.
Infant Passport Photos: Rules and Practical Tips
Children's passport photos have slightly more relaxed rules than those for an adult, but they still must meet passport standards on size, lighting, and background.
Key requirements for printed photos:
You must provide two identical passport-sized photographs
Photos must be 45mm high and 35mm wide
Taken in colour against a plain cream or light grey background
Photos must be taken within the last month
Photos should not include any other objects or people
For digital photos (when you apply online), there are minimum pixel dimensions (600×750) and file size limits (50KB–10MB). The image must not be altered or filtered.
Special rules for babies: it is acceptable if the infant's eyes are not fully open. However, no dummy, toys, or visible supporting hands should appear in the child's photo. You can lay the baby on a plain light sheet, as long as the background appears uniform.
Around 20% of online passport applications face delays because of photo issues. Consider using a passport photo booth that supports babies, or visit a professional photographer familiar with hm passport office child photo guidance.
Who Must Sign the Photos and Confirm the Child’s Identity?
Most first child passport applications require a countersignatory to confirm your child's identity. A countersignatory must confirm the child's identity for the application to proceed.
Who qualifies as a countersignatory:
A UK-based professional or person of good standing
Must have known the applying adult for at least two years
Must hold a current british passport or irish passport
Must live in the UK (if applying from the UK)
Must not be a close relative or living at the same address as the applicant
For paper applications, the countersignatory signs section 10, confirms that the details are correct, and writes on the back of one photo: "I certify that this is a true likeness of [child's full name]," followed by their signature and the date.
For an online application, the countersignatory usually receives an email link from hm passport office and completes the identity check electronically.
Giving incorrect countersignatory details can delay or invalidate the application, so make sure the person you choose meets every requirement.
What Happens After You Apply?
After submitting the application and documents, hm passport office will review everything and may contact you if they need more information. You can usually track the progress of your child's application online using the reference number from your receipt or confirmation email. A passport check through the tracking system lets you monitor status updates in real time.
The passport itself is normally sent separately from your original documents, often by Royal Mail Tracked or courier to the address on the application. Original documents like the birth certificate are normally returned by standard post for free, with an optional secure delivery upgrade at extra cost.
Check all details on the child's passport as soon as it arrives and contact hm passport office promptly about any mistakes.
How Long Will It Take?
Processing times vary depending on the route you choose:
Application Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
Online application | Up to three weeks |
Paper form (by post) | Up to ten weeks |
1-week fast track service | Approximately 7 working days |
Passport applications typically take up to 10 weeks to process for paper submissions. Allow extra time during busy periods like holidays, school half-terms, and summer. If the application is incomplete or documents are missing, expect further delays.
If you need a passport urgently, the 1-week fast track service is available for first child passports (though the same-day Premium service is not). You will need to book an appointment at a passport office in person.
Apply as soon as you know you may travel, ideally several months before the intended trip.
Looking After Your Baby’s Passport
Once issued, the child's passport is an important identity document. A child passport is valid for 5 years, and many countries require at least 6 months' validity on entry, so track the expiry date carefully.
Keep in mind:
Any change in the child's name or major facial changes may require a new passport
Lost or stolen passports must be reported to the passport office immediately
Store the passport securely when not travelling and keep digital copies of the photo page separately
Having a british passport does not override other countries' visa rules or country belonging requirements - always check entry requirements before travel to any different country
FAQ
Does my newborn baby really need a passport to travel?
Yes. Every child, including newborns, must have their own valid passport to leave or enter the UK. Babies cannot be added to a parent's passport. Even for short trips to the EU or Ireland by air, airlines will ask for the baby's individual passport at check-in. Start the child's passport application as soon as the full birth certificate is available. For example, a family planning a trip when the baby is 3 months old should begin the application process immediately after registration.
Can I travel while my baby’s passport application is being processed?
No. You cannot use any receipt, reference number, or the parent's passport as a travel document for the child. The baby must have a valid passport in hand before travelling. Parents may still travel alone on their own valid passports, but the baby must remain until their passport arrives. Do not book non-refundable tickets for the baby until the passport has been issued.
What if I cannot get the other parent’s details for the application?
The person with parental responsibility should still complete the child's application but must explain why the other parent's details cannot be given. Accepted reasons include no contact, a court order, donor conception, or sole registration on the birth certificate. HM Passport Office may ask for extra evidence such as a birth certificate, adoption order, or legal documents to prove parental responsibility. In complex or high-conflict situations, consider independent legal advice.
Can my baby have both a British passport and another nationality’s passport?
The UK generally allows dual nationality, so a child can often hold a british passport and another country's passport at the same time. Whether this is permitted also depends on the laws of the other country, as some limit dual citizenship for children. Check with the relevant embassy or consulate before applying for multiple passports. To see the larger picture, consider how each country's rules interact before making travel plans.
Will my child automatically lose British nationality if their passport expires?
No. A child does not lose British citizenship when a passport expires. The passport is only proof of nationality, not the nationality itself. Parents simply need to renew the child's passport with fresh photos and up-to-date details before future travel. Allow time for renewal, as it can also take several weeks, especially before school holidays.
