Applying for a Passport for Children in Easy-to-Read Language

Is your child traveling abroad?

Then your child needs identification.

This applies from birth.

There are two options:

• Your child needs an ID card.
• Or your child needs a passport.

That depends on
which country you are traveling to with your child.

• When is an ID card sufficient?
• When does your child need a passport?
• Where do you apply for a passport?
• What do you need to apply?
• What are the photo requirements?
• How much does a passport cost?
• Where can you get help?

For certain countries, an ID card is sufficient.

For example:

• The countries of the European Union (EU)
• Norway
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland
• Turkey

For many other countries, your child needs a passport.

The passport is valid for several years.

Important:

There used to be a children’s passport. 

As of January 1, 2024, children’s passports are no longer issued. 

This means:

• You cannot apply for a new child’s passport.
• The old child’s passport cannot be renewed.
• The old child’s passport cannot be amended.  

Is the child’s passport still valid?

If so, your child may continue to use the child’s passport.

You can submit the application at your city’s Citizen Services Office.

The Citizen Services Office is often located in City Hall.

Make an appointment in advance.

You can usually schedule an appointment online.

Important:

• Your child must be a German citizen.
• Your child must attend the appointment in person.

You will also need: 

• the child’s birth certificate
• the ID card or passport of both parents
• a recent photo of the child

One parent may not be present. 

In that case, you’ll need a letter of consent from that parent.

A letter of consent is a written document.

It states:
The other parent agrees to the application.

Perhaps the parents are divorced.

In that case, you will need additional documents. 

For example:

• a custody order
• or a certificate of no objection from the Youth Welfare Office

The custody order states: 
Who is allowed to care for the child?

The certificate of no objection states:
Only one parent has custody.

You may have an old child’s passport. 

In that case, you must bring the old child’s passport with you.

To get a passport, you need a
biometric photo. 

Biometric means:

The photo must meet certain requirements.

For example:

• The face must be clearly visible.
• The child must be looking directly at the camera. 

Simpler rules apply for young children up to age 10.

You can find the rules here:
Passport Photo Template for Children.

This information is written in plain language.

A passport costs money.

How much do you have to pay?

That depends on your age.

For people under 24, a passport costs:

37.50 euros.  

It might cost more. 

For example:

• the passport photo
• an expedited processing fee

Expedited processing means:
You’ll get your passport faster. 

In that case, you may have to pay more.

Check with the Citizens’ Office.

Important:
Are you traveling abroad with your child?

Then you may also need a passport. 

On this webpage, we explain
how to apply: 

“Apply for a passport”

Do you have questions about your passport?

If so, your city’s civil affairs office can help you.

Not sure which civil affairs office is responsible?

Then search online for:

“Passport + Place of Residence”

Or call the government hotline:

Phone 115.