Getting a baby passport in the UK feels daunting when you’re staring at government websites at 2am, desperate to book that first family holiday. How long will it take? Can you even photograph a 6-week-old? What if the countersignatory thing is complicated?
When R was 8 weeks old and we needed to add his passport details for his first flight, I had a minor panic about his passport. The gov.uk website made it sound straightforward but also vaguely terrifying – what if we got the photo wrong? What if it took 8 weeks and ruined our plans?
Spoiler: we got R’s baby passport in 10 days from application to arrival. The photo was easier than expected (took 12 attempts over two days but we got there), the countersignatory process took our accountant 5 minutes online, and the whole thing was surprisingly painless.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting a baby passport in the UK, whether you have a newborn or a 4-year-old, including exact costs, processing times, and the mistakes to avoid.
Baby passport UK: quick facts
Before I walk through the step-by-step process, here’s what you need to know:
- Processing time: 3 weeks on average (we got ours in 10 days)
- Cost: £61.50 online, £74 paper application
- Fast track: £115.50 (1 week) or £177 (same day)
- Validity: 5 years for babies and children under 16
- Photo requirements: Plain white background, under 1s don’t need eyes open
- Documents needed: Full birth certificate (you post the original)
- Countersignatory: Usually required for first passport under 12 months
No – all babies need their own passport to travel internationally from birth, including to Europe. There are no exceptions even for newborns.
Yes – since Brexit, all UK children need their own passport for travel to any European country. Babies cannot be added to parents’ passports.
Now here’s exactly how to get your baby’s first passport:
Baby passport UK how-to guide
Step 1: make sure your baby is eligible
To apply for a passport, your baby must:
- Be a British citizen or have the right to a British passport
- Be under 16 years old (child passports are valid for 5 years)
Step 2: gather the right documents for your baby’s passport
This actually was the stage that took the longest, as I applied for his passport when we were staying with family and didn’t realise I needed to send off R’s birth certificate.
You’ll need:
- Your baby’s full UK birth certificate (showing both parents’ names) – which you’ll actually need to post off (this was all we needed to send)
- Proof of parental identity (e.g. passports or driving licences)
- A digital passport photo of your baby (must meet specific HM Passport Office photo rules)
- The name and details of someone who can confirm your baby’s identity (the ‘countersignatory’) if applying online, with only specific job titles eligible
Step 3: take a passport photo of your baby
This can be tricky, especially with very young babies, but it is possible!
- Lay your baby on a plain white sheet or blanket for contrast and try to stretch out the creases
- No toys, dummies, or hands visible in the photo
- Children under 1 don’t need to have their eyes open, and children under 6 don’t have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression
Some photo services (eg Snappy Snaps) or pharmacies (like Boots) offer baby passport photo services that meet UK government standards.
Step 4: submit your baby’s passport application
You can apply:
- Online at GOV.UK
- By post using a paper form from the Post Office
Applying online is generally quicker and slightly cheaper.
- Online: £61.50
- Paper application: £74
The costs, cited here, are correct at time of publishing, This cost is for the standard 34 page passport, but you can pay a little more for a 54 page one.
Step 5: have the UK passport application countersigned (if needed)
If your baby is under 12 months old, or if their appearance has changed significantly, you’ll need someone to confirm their identity. This person:
- Must have known you (the parent) for at least 2 years
- Must not be a relative
- Should work in a recognised profession (e.g. teacher, doctor, accountant or solicitor). The full list is here.
They will either sign the back of one photo and part of the paper application or fill in their details during the online process. Ours did the latter and it was a 5 minute job for them – just make sure they know the full name and date of birth of your baby!
Step 6: send off your documents
You’ll need to post your baby’s birth certificate off. We chose tracked next day delivery. They will send your documents back to you in the post after the passport is approved.
Step 7: wait for your baby’s first UK passport to arrive
Processing times can vary, but it typically takes around 3 weeks apparently although we got ours approved and dispatched within a week. During busy periods (like summer), allow extra time.
You can track the progress of your application online if you applied through the GOV.UK website.
Baby passport UK by age: what to expect and photo tips
Getting a passport for a newborn feels different to getting one for a toddler. Here’s what to expect at different ages:
Newborn passport (0-3 months)
Photo tips: Actually the easiest age for photos. Newborns sleep deeply – lay baby on a plain white sheet during a deep sleep. Eyes don’t need to be open for babies under 1 year.
Countersignatory: Always required for first passport under 12 months. Line someone up before you apply.
Timeline: Apply as soon as you have the birth certificate if you’re planning to travel. We applied when R was 8 weeks old.
What’s different: Nothing bureaucratically, but you’re doing this while sleep-deprived which makes everything feel harder than it is!
Documents: You need the full birth certificate which takes 2-3 weeks to arrive after registering the birth, so factor this in.
Baby passport (3-12 months)
Photo tips: Harder once they’re moving and awake more. Try after a feed when drowsy, or prop up with white cushions/pillows behind them. Remove cushions for the actual photo.
Countersignatory: Required if this is their first passport or if their appearance has changed significantly (doubtful at this age).
Timeline: Same as newborns – 3 weeks standard processing.
What’s different: Babies at this age might grab at things, so remove toys from the shot. We took photos of R at 6 weeks during tummy time on a white sheet.
Toddler passport (1-3 years)
Photo tips: They can sit now but won’t cooperate! Distraction helps. Under 6s don’t need neutral expressions so smiling is fine. Try to get them looking roughly towards camera.
Countersignatory: Usually not needed unless this is their first passport.
Timeline: Same 3 weeks standard.
What’s different: Much harder to get a good photo! Take lots of options. Bribery with favourite toy after (not during!) helps.
Child passport (3-5 years)
Photo tips: Similar to toddlers. Expression doesn’t need to be neutral under age 6, which helps. Make it a game.
Countersignatory: Not needed for renewals.
Timeline: 3 weeks standard, but in summer (May-August) allow 4-6 weeks as processing times increase.
What’s different: Valid until age 16 (from whenever you apply), so this passport will last years. Worth getting the photo right!
Getting your baby’s first UK passport: final tips
Getting a baby passport doesn’t need to be stressful if you’re organized. The key steps: have the full birth certificate ready, take a decent photo (patience helps!), line up your countersignatory in advance, and apply well before your travel date.
We got R’s first passport in 10 days from application to arrival, but we applied in March (not summer rush), had all documents ready, and our accountant completed the countersignatory part immediately.
The three things that matter most:
- Photo quality – take it in good natural light, plain white background, no hands visible
- Timing – apply 8-12 weeks before summer travel, 6 weeks for other times of year
- Right documents – full birth certificate (not short version), countersignatory who meets requirements
If R’s passport application taught me anything, it’s that the anticipation and worry are worse than the actual process. The government website makes it sound complicated but it’s genuinely straightforward.
Once that tiny passport arrives (and yes, baby passports are adorable), you’re one step closer to your first big family adventure!
Planning your first trip with baby?
- Flying with a baby: tips for stress-free travel
- Complete baby travel packing list
- How to keep baby cool in summer
Allie, Jack & R
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