Travel planning with children begins with one critical question: at what age do children need passports? The answer is clear and non-negotiable—from birth. Every child, including newborn babies and infants, must have their own individual passport to travel internationally. There is no minimum age exemption, and a parent’s passport cannot include a child under any circumstance.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain passport age requirements for children, documentation rules, validity periods, renewal timelines, and common mistakes parents must avoid. This article is designed to provide accurate, actionable, and up-to-date information for parents seeking clarity and speed in the passport application process.
Do Newborn Babies Need Passports?
Yes. Newborn babies need passports if they are traveling outside the country. Even infants just a few days old must hold a valid passport for international travel.
Airlines, immigration authorities, and foreign governments require individual travel documents for every passenger, regardless of age. Birth certificates alone are not accepted for international travel.
Key takeaway:
If your child is traveling internationally—even once—a passport is mandatory from day one.
Minimum Age for Passport Application
There is no minimum age to apply for a passport. Parents or legal guardians can apply for a child’s passport as soon as the child is born and has the required supporting documents.
Children are broadly categorized into:
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Minors (below 18 years)
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Adults (18 years and above)
Each category follows different rules for validity, documentation, and consent, which we explain below.
Passport Validity for Children by Age Group
Passport Validity for Children Below 5 Years
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Validity: 5 years
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Non-renewable beyond expiry
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Fresh application required after expiry
Passport Validity for Children Aged 5 to 18 Years
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Option 1: 5-year validity
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Option 2: Valid till the child turns 18 years
Parents can choose the validity based on travel frequency and future planning.
Passport Validity After 18 Years
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Full adult passport
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10-year validity
Is a Child’s Passport Different from an Adult Passport?
Yes. While the passport booklet looks similar, a child’s passport differs in several important ways:
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Shorter validity
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Mandatory parental consent
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Different documentation
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No spouse details
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Photograph rules are stricter
These differences exist to ensure child safety, identity verification, and parental authorization.
Documents Required for a Child Passport
To apply for a child’s passport, parents must provide complete and accurate documentation. Missing or incorrect documents are the most common cause of delays.
Mandatory Documents
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Birth Certificate of the Child
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Passport copies of both parents
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Address proof of parents
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Annexure D (Parental Consent Form)
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Annexure C (if applicable)
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Marriage certificate (if available)
Single Parent or Special Cases
Additional documents may be required in cases of:
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Single parent
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Divorce
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Separation
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Adoption
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Legal guardianship
Consent Rules for Child Passport Applications
For minors, parental consent is compulsory.
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Both parents must normally consent
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One parent consent is acceptable in justified cases
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Legal documentation may be required for exceptions
Authorities strictly verify consent to prevent child abduction or misuse of travel documents.
Photo Requirements for Children’s Passports
Children’s passport photographs follow specific rules, especially for infants:
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White background
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Neutral expression
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Eyes open (as much as possible for infants)
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No toys, hands, or shadows
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No head support visible
Incorrect photographs can lead to application rejection or delays.
Police Verification for Child Passports
Police verification depends on:
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Age of the child
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Parents’ passport status
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Address history
In many cases where both parents hold valid passports with the same address, post-police verification or no police verification may apply. However, this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Tatkal Passport for Children
Yes, Tatkal passport services are available for children, subject to eligibility and document completeness.
Tatkal is ideal for:
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Medical emergencies
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Urgent travel
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Last-minute visa approvals
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School or family relocation
Not all cases qualify, and documentation must be error-free.
When Should You Renew a Child’s Passport?
A child’s passport cannot be extended. Once expired, a fresh application is mandatory.
We recommend applying:
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At least 6 months before expiry
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Earlier if international travel is planned
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Immediately if details such as name or address change
Many countries require 6 months passport validity for entry.
Common Mistakes Parents Must Avoid
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Assuming infants don’t need passports
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Submitting unclear birth certificates
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Incorrect annexure formats
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Uploading improper photographs
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Waiting until last minute before travel
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Mismatch in parent and child address details
Avoiding these errors ensures faster approval and fewer complications.
Why Planning a Child’s Passport Early Matters
Applying early offers several advantages:
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Stress-free travel planning
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Time to handle corrections
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Faster visa processing
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No emergency Tatkal costs
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Compliance with airline and embassy rules
Early planning is always safer and more cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child travel on a parent’s passport?
No. Each child must have an individual passport.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for a child passport?
No. Aadhaar is not mandatory, but accepted if available.
Can both parents attend the appointment?
Usually one parent is sufficient, but rules may vary.
Can passport details be changed later?
Yes, but it requires a reissue application.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what age children need passports is essential for every parent planning international travel. The rule is simple: every child needs a passport from birth, with no exceptions. Following the correct process, documentation, and timelines ensures smooth approval and stress-free journeys.
We at smotpro.in provide passport and visa services with a fast, dedicated approach and 24x7 support so your travel plans are not hampered.
Our office- https://maps.app.goo.gl/zGbVaTRAj9o5uG3CA
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