Passport Applications for Children whose parents are not married to each other ©
All children travelling abroad need a passport in their own right.
Who is required to sign Passport Application Forms for children whose parents are not married to each other?
All guardians need to sign the Passport Application Form.
Who is a guardian?
Unmarried mothers are automatically guardians of their children. Unmarried fathers are not automatically guardians of their children.
An unmarried father can get guardianship rights by:
- Signing the Statutory Declaration for joint guardianship (S.I. No 5 of 1998) with the mother in the presence of a peace commissioner, commissioner for oaths or notary public.
- Applying to the local district court to become a joint guardian of his child, whether or not his name is on the birth certificate.
Who signs the Passport Application Form where the mother is a sole guardian?
Only the mother needs to sign the Passport Application Form. The consent of the father is not required for passport purposes. This applies even where the father's name is on the birth certificate.
The Sole Guardian Affidavit Form can be obtained from the Passport Office or downloaded from www.passport.ie under "Application Forms". The consent of the father is not required unless the father is a guardian or has made an application to court for guardianship and the case has not yet been heard.
Alternatively, instead of the mother having to swear the above affidavit, if the father's name is on the birth cert both parents can sign the passport application (Form APS1) even though the father is not a joint guardian of the child. This form is available from Garda Stations, most Post Offices and many Citizens Information Centres and Libraries.
Who signs the Passport Application Form where the father is a joint guardian of the child?
Both parents must sign the Passport Application Form. Where a father has applied to the court to become a joint guardian and the case has not yet been heard, his consent may be required.
If a joint guardian refuses to sign the Passport Application Form then the parent/guardian applying for the passport may apply to the local District Court to have the other guardian's consent dispensed with.
What documents are needed to get a passport?
- The Application Form (correctly witnessed by a Garda)
- 2 passport photos (one signed by a Garda)
- The child's birth cert
- Sole Guardian Affidavit Form if appropriate
- Proof of citizenship
- Where either parent is an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen the long form birth certificate or passport of one parent will be required.
- Where neither parent is an Irish citizen there are differing requirements depending on the nationality and/or residence of the parent(s).
- Appropriate Fee.
Contact the Passport Office for further details or visit their website www.passport.ie
How long do passports last?
Infants (up to age 3) are issued with a 3 year passport - €16
Children aged 3-17 are issued with a 5 year passport - €26.50
Apply for a passport early!
Note:
It can be useful for a parent to carry a letter from the child's other parent/guardian giving his/her consent to the child travelling abroad so there is no misunderstanding.
If you would like to talk through your individual situation, don’t hesitate to call us on our confidential LoCall number 1890 252 084.
