How to Get a Child's Passport: Documents and Parental Consent

The answer to how to get a child's passport: the child must go in person to the application center with a biometric photo, and the consent (muvafakat) of the legal representative must be obtained. A separate passport is issued for each child. This post covers the documents, parental consent rules, exceptions, and a checklist.

In brief

• A separate passport is issued for each child; there is no accompanying record on the mother's or father's passport.
• The child must be present in person at the application with their biometric photo.
• If the mother and father cannot attend the application, a notarized consent letter (muvafakatname) and a power of attorney (vekâletname) to someone over 18 are required.
• The fee and booklet cost are paid before the application; appointments are made via the NVI system or by calling 199.

The core rule: a separate passport for the child, in-person application

Since new-type passports no longer have an accompanying record, a separate passport is issued for children as well. There is no way to add a child to the mother's or father's passport. Even an infant must have their own passport.

Since biometric data is collected, the application must be made in person. The child must be present at the application center along with their biometric photo during the application. Submitting the documents without the child present is not sufficient.

For an applicant under the age of 18, the consent (muvafakat) of the legal representative is required. Consent can be given in one of two ways:

• The legal representatives are present at the application center; consent can be obtained there by the application center.
• If the legal representatives cannot be present, a consent letter (muvafakatname) must be brought.

If you have travel plans, finish the passport process before applying for a visa. You can check the entry requirements of your destination country on the visa information by country page.

Photos and data collected by age

1 biometric photo is required for every age group, including infants. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. Children can change quickly; do not use an old photo.

Biometric data by age

• Biometric data is collected from those who have completed 7 years of age.
• Biometric data and a signature are collected from those who have completed 12 years of age.

In practice, these thresholds mean: a child who has completed 12 years of age signs their own signature during the application. Let the child know about this in advance.

Practical tip for infants

For infants, taking the photo is the hardest step. Choose a time when the baby is awake, calm, and fed. Tell the photographer clearly that the photo will be a biometric passport photo. Don't leave the photo until the day of the application; have it taken a few days beforehand and keep it ready.

Required documents

The documents requested for a general passport application are as follows:

• T.R. identity card, population registration certificate, or temporary identity document
• 1 biometric photo taken within the last 6 months
• A consent letter (muvafakatname) if the legal representatives are not present at the application center
• The previous passport, if one was issued earlier and has not been cancelled

Fee and booklet cost

The passport booklet and fee must be paid before the application. Since the payment information is visible in the system, no separate receipt or transfer slip is requested at the application. Still, it doesn't hurt to keep your payment record.

Old passport

If the child has a previously issued passport that has not been cancelled, it must be brought to the application. If you are not sure about the status of your old passport, bring it along.

Parental consent, consent letter, and power of attorney

For an applicant under 18 years of age, the consent of the legal representative is required.

If the mother and father come together

If the mother and father are present at the application, no consent letter or power of attorney is requested. Consent can be obtained by the application center. This is the smoothest route; bring both of your IDs with you.

If the mother and father cannot attend the application

If the mother and father cannot attend the application, a notarized consent letter and a power of attorney are required. The power of attorney must be given to someone over the age of 18. In other words, the person who will take the child, for example a grandmother or uncle, must be of legal age and named in the power of attorney.

Special cases

In cases where only one of the parents can attend, where custody belongs to only one parent, or where there is a guardianship, ask the application center in advance which document is required. We do not provide a verified rule for these cases; an incorrectly prepared document can delay the application.

Exceptions and common mistakes

Applying from abroad

If you will apply from abroad, the consulate's rules apply. For example, at the Cologne Consulate General, a passport valid for a maximum of 5 years can be issued for those under 18, and children are required to come together with their mother and father. For another consulate, check the requirements on its own page.

Common mistakes

• Not bringing the child. The child must be present at the application.
• Old photo. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
• Forgetting the old passport. A non-cancelled passport must be brought to the application.
• Not paying the fee. Payment is made before the application and is visible in the system.
• A minor as proxy. The power of attorney must be given to someone over 18.
• Leaving the passport to the last minute. Visa applications and flight plans depend on the passport being ready.

Missing documents can also cause problems during the visa process. If your application is rejected, see the what to do after a visa refusal post for objection and reapplication options.

Step-by-step application

The application has six steps:

1. Get an appointment. Appointments can be made through the NVI appointment system (randevu.nvi.gov.tr) or by calling 199.
2. Pay the fee and booklet cost. Complete the payment before the application. No receipt is requested; payment is visible in the system.
3. Have the biometric photo taken. 1 photo taken within the last 6 months is required.
4. Gather the documents. The child's ID, their non-cancelled old passport if any, and the legal representatives' IDs. If the mother and father cannot come, a notarized consent letter and power of attorney.
5. Go to the application center with the child. Arrive a little before the appointment time. Biometric data is collected from children who have completed 7 years of age, and a signature is additionally collected from those who have completed 12 years of age.
6. Find out the delivery information. Ask about the delivery time and method during the application; start the process well before your travel date.

Once you have the passport in hand, check your destination country's entry requirements on the visa page.

Pre-departure checklist

Review the following items before the application and after receiving the passport:

• Does the child have their own passport? There is no record for the child on the mother's or father's passport.
• Will the child be present at the application with their biometric photo?
• Will the mother and father attend the application? If not, is the notarized consent letter and power of attorney ready?
• Was the power of attorney issued to someone over the age of 18?
• Was the biometric photo taken within the last 6 months?
• Do you have the non-cancelled old passport with you?
• Have the fee and booklet cost been paid?
• Does the child who has completed 12 years of age know they will sign?

Final check before travel

When you receive the passport, check the personal information and photo immediately. If you are considering renting a car with your child, also prepare the driver's international driving license documents separately. Check your airline's current rules for any additional documents required for child passengers.

Frequently asked questions

Is it mandatory to bring the child to the passport application?

Yes. Since biometric data is collected, the application must be made in person. The child must be present at the application center with their biometric photo. This also applies to infants.

Do both the mother and father have to come for a child's passport?

If the mother and father come together, no consent letter or power of attorney is required. If the mother and father cannot attend the application, a notarized consent letter and power of attorney are required. For cases where only one parent can attend or custody belongs to only one parent, consult the application center.

Who can the power of attorney be given to?

The power of attorney must be given to someone over the age of 18. For example, it could be an adult relative who will take the child. Have the document prepared at a notary.

What documents are required for a child's passport?

A T.R. identity card, population registration certificate, or temporary identity document, and 1 biometric photo taken within the last 6 months are required. If the legal representatives are not present at the application center, a consent letter is also required. If there is a non-cancelled old passport, it must also be brought.

How do you get an appointment for a child's passport?

Appointments are made through the NVI appointment system (randevu.nvi.gov.tr) or by calling 199. The passport booklet and fee are paid before the application.

Does an infant also need a separate passport?

Yes. Since new-type passports have no accompanying record, a separate passport is issued for every child, including infants. 1 biometric photo is also required for infants.

Sources

• Frequently Asked Questions - NVI — randevu.nvi.gov.tr
• General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs - Documents Required for General Passport Application — nvi.gov.tr
• General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs - PASSPORT APPLICATION (APPLICATION, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND APPOINTMENT) — nvi.gov.tr
• Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Cologne Consulate General - Information Notes — koln-bk.mfa.gov.tr
• How to Apply for a Passport? Required Documents - Wise — wise.com