Eligibility and Consent

1. Eligibility

Your child must be an Australian citizen to be eligible for an Australian passport.

2. Parental Consent

Generally, both parents listed on the birth certificate must consent to the passport application. If one parent cannot or will not consent, special circumstances apply, which may involve a court order.

Steps to Apply for a Child's Passport

1. Complete the Application Form

Use the Australian Passport Office’s online application form and choose the option for a child’s passport. Print the form once completed.

2. Gather Supporting Documents

Proof of Citizenship: Your child’s Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate.

Identity Documents: Proof of the child’s identity, such as a previous passport (if applicable).

Parental Identity Documents: Proof of identity for both parents, such as passports or driver’s licenses.

Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos of the child, meeting the Australian passport photo requirements. One photo must be endorsed on the back by the guarantor.

3. Guarantor

The application must be signed by a guarantor who meets specific criteria (e.g., an Australian citizen aged 18 or older who has known the child for at least 12 months and is not related to the child).

4. Parental Consent

Both parents must complete and sign the consent section of the application form in the presence of an authorised witness. If one parent is unavailable to sign, you may need to provide additional documentation or a court order.

5. Submit the Application

Lodge the completed application form, supporting documents, and passport photos at an Australia Post outlet that offers passport services. An appointment may be required. Pay the required application fee.

6. Application Review and Processing

The Australian Passport Office will review the application. Processing times can vary, but standard processing is usually around three weeks. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.

Special Considerations

1. Non-consenting Parent

If one parent does not consent, you may need to provide a court order permitting the passport application. This is often the case in situations of parental dispute.

2. Urgent Travel

If you need a passport urgently, you can apply for priority processing at an additional cost. Ensure you provide evidence of urgent travel if required.

3. Overseas Applications

If you are applying from overseas, contact the nearest Australian diplomatic mission for specific procedures and requirements.

Important Legal Concepts

1. Parental Responsibility

Both parents generally share equal parental responsibility unless a court orders otherwise. This includes making decisions about passport applications.

2. Best Interests of the Child

In cases where there is a dispute, the court will make decisions based on the best interests of the child.

Suggestions

Plan Ahead: Start the application process well in advance of any planned travel to avoid last-minute issues.

Legal Advice: If there are any disputes or complexities, consider seeking advice from a family lawyer to navigate the process smoothly.

Check Requirements: Ensure all documents and photos meet the Australian Passport Office’s requirements to avoid delays.

If you have further questions or need more specific assistance, feel free to ask!