Renew or replace passport for a child
1. Overview
6. Lost, stolen and damaged passports
Overview
A child under the age of 18 must have their own passport to travel. All Irish citizens can renew their passport from anywhere in the world using Passport Online.
Passports issued to children are valid for five years.
When to apply
You can apply for a new passport for your child if their passport is due to expire in the next 6 months.
If your child’s last passport was issued more than 15 years ago you must apply on their behalf as a first-time child applicant.
You can also apply for a passport card along with a passport book when you renew online.
How to apply online
To renew your child’s passport using Passport Online you will need:
- a digital photo that meets the photo guidelines
- credit or debit card
- an email address
- access to a printer
- their current passport (see below if it was lost or stolen)
Documents you need
The online application will tell you the documents you need to submit after applying online.
Read more on the documents you need to submit after applying to renew a child’s passport.
How to meet photo guidelines
Guardianship and consent
As part of the online application, you will be asked to print an Identity and Consent form.
The consent of all the child’s guardians must be confirmed on this form and the child’s identity must be verified.
All guardians need to sign the consent part of the form in the presence of a suitable witness. The form will tell you what witness is required.
Verify consent and identity
At least one of the guardians must accompany the child to an appropriate witness for completion of the Identity section of the form.
See our guide to guardianship and consent and our guide to getting your application witnessed for more information.
Video guide to guardianship and consent
What it costs
The cost of your passport depends on the way you apply for it and the type you choose, for example standard or large.
When you apply using Passport Online:
- a standard 5-year passport for a child is €20
- a large 66-page 5-year passport for a child is €50
There is an additional €5 postal fee for each child application to cover the cost of returning documents to the applicant. The postal fee is €15 if you live outside Ireland.
Read the full list of passport fees.
How long it takes
Check the current turnaround times for the latest information.
Urgent renewals
If you need your passport renewed urgently, we have an in-person Urgent Appointment Service for passport renewal.
This is available at our Mount St, Dublin office, our Cork office and also our office in London.
Read more on the Urgent Appointment Service for passport renewal.
Passport tracking service
You can check the status of your online application using the passport tracking service.
Lost, stolen and damaged passports
If your child’s passport is lost or stolen, make an application for a new passport immediately using Passport Online. This is the fastest way to report their passport as lost or stolen and ensures that no one else can use it for travel.
You will need:
- a digital photo that meets the photo guidelines
- credit or debit card
- an email address
- access to a printer
The online application will tell you of any other documents you may need to submit.
If your child’s passport is lost, stolen or damaged while you are on holidays, they may need an emergency travel document to return home. You should contact your nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Damaged passport
If your child’s passport has been damaged, you will need to return the damaged passport when you are making an application for a replacement. If a passport is damaged, do not travel on it.
Other ways to apply
Passport Online is the fastest way to get your passport. If you are living in Ireland, Northern Ireland or Great Britain and do not wish to apply online, you can apply using a paper passport form.
In Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, paper applications are submitted through the Post Passport service.
Apply online now
Contact us
Read more on how to contact the Passport Service or see more guidance on making your application on our information hub.