Outside the Schengen area, children must have a passport in their name. Indeed, minor children may no longer appear on the passport of their parents. Here is how to obtain the passport.
Since June 12, 2006, it is no longer allowed to include a minor child on the passport of a parent. Children under 18 must have their own passport, even babies. This passport is valid for 5 years.
If one parent has a passport issued before 12 June 2006 showing a child under 15 years on, then the document remains valid until the end of its normal validity. In this case, the child does not need their own passport, except for travel to or transit the United States.
Process of obtaining a passport for the child
Applying for a passport for a child must be made to the mayor of his home. If it does not issue this document, you must go to the prefecture or sub-prefecture. Concerning French nationals living abroad, the request should be addressed to the consulate.
The child must be present when the passport application and must be accompanied by a person exercising parental authority (one parent or legal guardian). From age 13, the passport must be signed by the holder.
Documents required for passport application (Documents required)
Applying for a passport for a minor requires more paperwork, including:
- 2 passport photographs identical, recent perfect likeness, full face, bareheaded (35 mm x 45 mm);
- A stamp tax (17 € for a minor under 15 years old, 42 € for a minor over 15 years). Prices are given on 1 July 2010. Abroad, there is no need to provide stamp duty, it is possible to pay the fees directly to the consulate of Chancery;
- Identification of the person exercising parental authority;
- Proof of parental authority: judicial decision fixing the terms of exercising parental authority over the minor, joint statement of the exercise of parental authority or guardianship of the trial;
- Proof of parent’s home;
- An extract of birth certificate with the indication of proof of parentage and French nationality unless the minor child was born in France and that at least one parent was born in France;
- When used as a second name to use as a (name of the other parent, for example): the family book.
These documents are the same, whether it’s a 1st passport application or renewal. In this second case, however, the minor must return the previous passport (except visa valid to justify).
Cost of a passport (stamp tax) on 1 July 2010
If the minor child is aged 0-14 years inclusive, the price will be 17 €.
If the minor is aged 15 to 18 inclusive, the price will be 42 €.
Add 3 € if you do not provide photos.
Please bring the originals of documents to be photocopied and a copy of each document.
Waiting time in office buildings is often long, so make sure you have all of the necessary documents before you get there. It would be a shame to have waited for nothing. Indeed, if you are missing a document, the passport will be denied. You can call the service in question before you go there to review the documentation.