Cost and validity
| Age | Fee (from 1 Jan 2026) | Validity | Consent needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $213 | 5 years | Yes — all with parental responsibility |
| 16–17 | $422 (adult fee) | 10 years | Yes — still under 18 |
| Applying from overseas | +$92 surcharge | — | Same rules |
The 5-year validity for under-16s isn't the Passport Office being stingy — children's faces change so much that a 10-year document would stop looking like its owner. It does mean budgeting for a new passport (and a fresh application) roughly every five years until they turn 16. The full child checklist is on the APO's child passport page.
Both parents must consent
This is the rule that catches families out: everyone with parental responsibility for the child must give written consent on the application form — usually both parents named on the birth certificate. Only one parent needs to actually attend the lodgement appointment, but the other's signed consent has to be on the form.
If the parents are in different cities (or countries), the non-lodging parent can have their consent witnessed at a passport office, participating Australia Post outlet, or an Australian embassy or consulate overseas. Details are on the APO's parental consent page.
When one parent won't — or can't — consent
- Australian court orders. If a court order under the Family Law Act has removed a person's parental responsibility, or specifically allows a passport to be issued, you don't need that person's consent — but you must provide all relevant court orders with the application.
- Special circumstances. If there are no court orders and full consent is impossible (a parent can't be contacted, is missing, or family violence is involved), you can ask the APO to consider the application under special circumstances using form B9, with supporting evidence. This adds time — allow for it.
- A parent actively refusing. The Passport Office won't arbitrate a dispute. If the other parent simply refuses consent, the path is an application to the Federal Circuit and Family Court for an order permitting the passport. Get legal advice early.
A first passport for a newborn
You can apply as soon as you have the baby's full birth certificate — the one naming the parents, not the commemorative certificate. That means registering the birth with your state's Births, Deaths and Marriages first, which typically takes a few weeks. (Our having a baby guide covers birth registration and the rest of the newborn paperwork stack.)
For most babies born in Australia with at least one parent who was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth, the full birth certificate is also the evidence of Australian citizenship. If the baby was born overseas, you'll need their citizenship by descent certificate before applying.
Two practical notes for the under-1 crowd: the guarantor who endorses the photo only needs to have known the child since birth (the usual 12-month rule would be impossible), and the passport photo has its own set of baby-friendly concessions — see the photo requirements guide for how to photograph a newborn without losing your mind.
Baby and child photos, briefly
Same size rules as adults (45–50 mm high × 35–40 mm wide, plain light background, taken in the last 6 months), but children under 3 get leeway on expression — an open mouth is fine. Nobody else can be visible in the photo: no hands propping the baby up, no parent's shoulder. Laying the baby on a plain white sheet and shooting from above is the classic technique; a chemist or Australia Post photo service that handles babies regularly is the low-stress option.
Renewals: every child application is a full application
There is no streamlined renewal for children — that stream is only for eligible adults. When a child's passport expires (or they outgrow the photo), you complete a full new application: new form, new photos, new consent from everyone with parental responsibility, original documents, and in-person lodgement. Consent is re-checked every time, so separated parents need to plan for the consent step on every renewal, not just the first passport. Standard processing times apply each time — allow at least 6 weeks.
Lodging the application
- Complete the child application online at passports.gov.au and print it.
- Get two compliant photos; have the guarantor sign the form and endorse one photo.
- Gather originals: full birth certificate, citizenship evidence if born overseas, any court orders, plus ID for the lodging parent.
- Book an appointment at a participating Australia Post outlet or passport office, and plan for the child to attend — staff generally need to sight the child. Confirm when you book.
- Pay the $213 fee (plus Fast Track or Priority if you're in a hurry).
Travelling overseas with one parent
A child with their own passport can, in principle, travel with one parent alone — Australia doesn't require the other parent's permission at the border to leave. In practice, airlines and immigration officers in some destination countries do ask for evidence, and a signed, ideally witnessed, letter of consent from the non-travelling parent (with their contact details and a copy of their ID) smooths the trip enormously. If there are family court orders in place, travel may be restricted — check the orders and get advice before booking. See our separation and divorce guide for the family-law side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a child passport cost in Australia?
From 1 January 2026, a child passport (under 16) costs $213 and is valid for 5 years. Applying from overseas adds a $92 surcharge. Urgent options cost extra: Fast Track (5 business days) +$107, Priority (2 business days) +$308.
Do both parents have to consent to a child's passport?
Yes — everyone with parental responsibility for the child must give written consent on the application, though only one parent needs to attend the lodgement. If a parent won't or can't consent, you'll need Australian court orders or to apply for assessment under special circumstances using form B9.
How soon can I get a passport for a newborn?
As soon as you have the baby's full birth certificate, which requires the birth to be registered with your state's Births, Deaths and Marriages first — registration typically takes a few weeks after birth. Once you have the certificate, the application follows the normal child process and standard processing applies (allow at least 6 weeks).
Can I renew my child's passport online?
No. The streamlined renewal option is only for eligible adults. Every child passport — including a second or third one — is a full application with fresh parental consent, original documents and in-person lodgement, roughly every 5 years.
Does my child need to come to the lodgement appointment?
Generally yes — plan for the child to attend so staff can sight them against the photos and documents. Confirm the requirements with your Australia Post outlet or passport office when you book, especially for babies.
What about 16 and 17 year olds?
From age 16, applicants get a 10-year passport at the adult fee ($422 from 1 January 2026) — but because they're still under 18, parental consent is generally still required on the application.