How to Apply for Child Passport in Pakistan

Children's passports in Pakistan operate under specific procedures distinct from adult passports — different documentation (child has B-form not CNIC), parental involvement throughout (parents typically apply on child's behalf), specific validity periods (5 years standard for children rather than 5/10 year choice), specific biometric handling for younger children (limited fingerprint capture below certain ages), and fee categories designed for the child passport context. Whether for international travel, education abroad, family pilgrimage, or establishing the child's travel documentation foundation, applying for child passports requires specific preparation. This guide covers the complete child passport application process.

Child passport categories by age

Different procedures by child's age:

• Newborn to age 5 — specific procedures for very young children. Limited fingerprint capture (children's fingerprints develop sufficiently for capture around age 5-7). Photograph is primary biometric. Parent's biometric verification may supplement.
• Age 5-12 — full child passport procedure. Biometric capture works normally. Standard 5-year validity. Parent accompaniment required.
• Age 13-17 — still child passport but more mature applicant involvement. Child can participate more directly in the application process while still requiring parental consent and B-form-based identity (since they don't yet have CNIC).
• Age 18 — transition to adult passport. The child obtains their own CNIC at 18, then any passport application follows adult process. Existing child passport remains valid until its stated expiry though.
• Validity considerations — children change appearance rapidly. A 5-year-old's passport photograph won't accurately represent them at age 10. Many families plan renewals every 3-4 years for actively-travelling children even before passport expiry.

Documents required for child passport

The specific documentation set:

• Child's B-form (Child Registration Certificate) — NADRA's record of the child's identity. Replaces CNIC for under-18 applicants. Original and photocopies.
• Both parents' CNICs — original and copies. Establishes parental identity and authority to apply on child's behalf. Single-parent situations need specific documentation explaining the absent parent.
• Marriage certificate of parents (Nikahnama) — establishes the family relationship.
• Child's birth certificate — from union council where child was born. Establishes the birth circumstances.
• Recent compliant photograph of child — meeting DGIP specifications with child-specific allowances (infants may have specific guidance about expressions and posture).
• Photograph of parent in some cases — particularly for very young children whose biometrics are limited.
• Application fee receipt — child passport fee category.
• NOC from school in some cases — particularly if applying for passport during school term for specific travel purposes.
• Court order or specific documentation for single-parent applications, guardianship cases, adoption cases.
• Death certificate if one parent is deceased — establishes the surviving parent's authority to apply alone.
• Divorce documentation if parents are divorced — custody documentation establishing which parent has authority to apply.

Children's photograph specifications

Specific considerations for younger subjects:

• Standard DGIP specifications apply — white background, head and shoulders, looking at camera, compliant size and format.
• Neutral expression expected for children old enough to control expression. Infants and toddlers may have natural expressions accepted if other elements comply.
• Eyes open and visible — challenging for very young children. Multiple attempts may be needed. Some photo studios specialize in infant/child passport photos.
• No support visible — if a parent's hand or support apparatus is helping the child sit, it shouldn't appear in the photo. Photo must show only the child.
• Recent photographs — particularly important for children whose appearance changes rapidly. Photographs older than a few months may not accurately represent current appearance.
• No props or accessories obscuring face — no hats (unless religious), no toys, no pacifiers visible in frame.
• Newborn-specific considerations — for newborns, lying on back on white sheet with face up and eyes open is the standard. DGIP-compliant newborn photographs require specific technique.
• Professional photo studios familiar with passport photo requirements produce best results. Cost is reasonable; saves rejection cycles.

Step-by-step child passport application

1. 1
   Confirm child has valid B-form

   First-time B-form applicants need to obtain B-form at NADRA before passport application can proceed. If B-form was issued long ago, verify it's still in good condition.

2. 2
   Gather all required documents

   Child's B-form, both parents' CNICs, marriage certificate, child's birth certificate, compliant photograph, any special-situation documents (single-parent, etc.). Photocopy everything.

3. 3
   Submit application via DGIP portal or Passport Asaan App

   Parent applies on child's behalf using parent's account. Child's details entered into the application. Select passport parameters (pages, validity, processing speed).

4. 4
   Upload child's photograph

   Compliant photograph uploaded. Validation checks may apply child-specific tolerances but core requirements remain.

5. 5
   Pay the fee

   Child passport fees through wallet, card, or banking channels. Lower than adult passport fees typically.

6. 6
   Book biometric appointment

   Selected passport office with appropriate child biometric capability. Parent accompaniment to appointment is required.

7. 7
   Attend appointment with child and parent

   Both child and accompanying parent (preferably both parents where possible). Bring all original documents. Biometric capture for child (age-appropriate); verification of parental authority.

8. 8
   Track and receive child passport

   Tracking via DGIP portal. Processing similar to adult passports. Delivery by post to family address or office collection.

Special situations in child passport applications

Beyond standard cases:

• Single-parent applications — court order establishing custody, death certificate of absent parent, or affidavit explaining circumstances. NADRA's family tree record may also need alignment with the single-parent status.
• Divorced parents — custody documentation determining which parent has authority. Sometimes both parents' consent required despite custody arrangement. Court may need to issue specific travel authorisation in some cases.
• Adopted children — adoption court documentation alongside standard documentation. Adoptive parents' documentation rather than biological parents'.
• Children of single mothers (unmarried mothers, complex circumstances) — specific NADRA and DGIP procedures with appropriate supporting documentation. Case-by-case handling.
• Children with disabled parents — where biometric verification of parent is challenging. Specific accommodations may apply.
• Overseas-born children — children born abroad to Pakistani parents. Different documentation chain (foreign birth certificate, Pakistani embassy registration, etc.). Apply through Pakistani embassy or during Pakistan visit.
• Newborns — need B-form first (which can be obtained shortly after birth). Passport can follow once B-form is issued. Some families wait until child is 6-12 months old for clearer biometric establishment.
• Children with disabilities — biometric capture accommodations as needed. Disability documentation supports the application with appropriate accommodations.

Child passport — common questions

Closing note on family travel planning

For families planning international travel involving children, the passport preparation timeline matters. Allow 4-8 weeks for normal processing of child passports from application to delivery. Faster categories cost more but provide reliability for specific travel deadlines. Plan well in advance of specific travel dates.

For families with multiple children, applying for passports together can be more efficient — same visit to passport office handles multiple children's biometric appointments if scheduled appropriately. Each child needs their own application and fee, but documentation gathering (family records like marriage certificate, address proof) overlaps across children.

Procedures, requirements, and special-case handling described above reflect DGIP's operational practice as of early 2026. Specific details evolve — verify current requirements through DGIP portal or passport office before relying on guide specifics for actual child passport preparation.