Applying for A Passport for My Child

To apply for a passport for your child you will need to gather a number of important documents, including:

• Your child’s original birth certificate
• Proof of Australian citizenship (if born overseas)
• Identity documents of the parent applying (e.g. driver licence, Medicare card)
• A completed passport application form (available from Australia Post or the Australian Passport Office website)
• Two recent photos of your child – these have special requirements, and it’s best to get these photographs taken at a post office. Some may not provide this service, check with your local Australia Post Office. 
• Any relevant court orders or parenting plans

• Contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state or territory where your child was born
• You may be able to apply for a replacement online
• If you’re unable to get a birth certificate (e.g. due to family violence), you may be able to explain this in a statutory declaration and provide other evidence, like hospital records or Centrelink documents. 

If you have permission from the other parent, or if you have completed the required Special Circumstances

1. Get the passport application form from the Australian Passport Office website or from your local Australia Post outlet.
2. Fill out the form with details about your child and both parents.
3. Gather the required documents, including your child’s birth certificate, proof of citizenship (if applicable), and both parents’ ID.
4. Get your child’s passport photos signed by a guarantor. The guarantor must:
   • Be an Australian citizen
   • Be 18 years or older
   • Have known the child for more than 12 months (or since birth)
   • Not be related to the child or living at the same address
   • Hold a valid Australian passport OR work in an accepted profession (a teacher, nurse, doctor, police officer, lawyer or pharmacist for example)
5. Book an appointment at Australia Post to lodge the application. One parent must attend the appointment in person with the original documents. Some post offices require you to bring the child as well.
6. Pay the application fee:
   • For children under 16 years old: $155
   • Optional priority processing: $237 extra
   • You may also pay for photo services or postage if needed

Processing times:

• Standard service: Around 6 weeks (not including postage time)
• Priority service: Usually within 2 business days, if all documents are correct and consent issues are resolved
• Note: Delays may occur if the application is incomplete or requires special assessment (e.g. consent issues, court orders)

Normally, you will need the consent and signature of the other parent to apply for a passport for your child. However, if the other parent refuses to give consent (or you can not contact them), you may be able to apply under special circumstances.

Special Circumstances
You may still be able to apply under special circumstances if:

• The other parent cannot be contacted
• The other parent is deceased
• There is family violence, and it’s not safe or reasonable to seek their consent
• A court has made parenting orders giving you sole parental responsibility

Steps to apply:

1. Fill out a B9 (Child passport – special circumstances) form
2. Provide supporting evidence, such as:
   • Family violence intervention orders
   • Police reports or court transcripts
   • Statutory declarations explaining why consent can’t be obtained
   • Any parenting orders or legal documents

If you do not have sole parental responsibility and the other parent is actively refusing consent, you may need to go through the courts. It may be appropriate to apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for an order permitting the issue of a passport or dispensing with the other parent’s consent.