How to Get a Pakistani Passport for a Newborn Baby

A newborn baby needs a separate Pakistani passport for international travel. Parents cannot simply add the baby's name to a parent's machine-readable passport. The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) states that a separate passport is issued to every applicant regardless of age.

For a newborn baby in Pakistan, the first important step is to make sure the baby's identity record is properly registered with NADRA. For children below 10 years, DGI&P currently accepts an original Child Registration Certificate (CRC/Form-B) or Family Registration Certificate (FRC), along with a photocopy, for a passport application. The original valid CNICs or passports of both parents and their photocopies are also required.

The baby must be accompanied by either a parent or a court-appointed legal guardian when applying. Additional documents may be required in special situations such as divorce, separation, guardianship, death of a parent or dual nationality.

This guide explains the current process for obtaining a Pakistani passport for a newborn baby, the documents parents should prepare, passport fees, processing options, validity, application procedure and important points to check before visiting the passport office.

1. Does a Newborn Baby Need a Separate Pakistani Passport?

Yes. A newborn baby needs an individual passport for international travel.

DGI&P states that a separate passport is issued to every applicant regardless of age. It also states that endorsements, including adding children's names to a parent's machine-readable passport, are not allowed.

Therefore, parents planning international travel with a newborn should arrange the baby's own passport rather than expecting the child to travel on a parent's passport.

2. First Register the Baby's Identity

Before applying for the passport, parents should make sure the baby's official identity record is available.

For a newborn in Pakistan, this normally means obtaining the appropriate NADRA child registration document. DGI&P's current passport requirements for minors below 10 years allow either an original CRC/Form-B or FRC, together with one photocopy.

Parents should check that the baby's:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Place of birth

• Father's details

• Mother's details

are correctly recorded.

Correcting an identity record after passport processing has started can create unnecessary delays.

3. What Is the CRC or B-Form?

The Child Registration Certificate (CRC), commonly known as B-Form or Form-B, is a NADRA identity document for children.

For minors below 10 years, DGI&P currently lists an original CRC/Form-B as one of the acceptable identity documents for passport applications. An FRC is also listed as an alternative.

For a newborn, parents should ensure that the child's identity information has been properly registered before beginning the passport application.

4. Can an FRC Be Used for a Newborn's Passport?

DGI&P currently lists a Family Registration Certificate (FRC) as an acceptable document for minors below 10 years, along with a photocopy.

However, parents should make sure that the newborn is correctly reflected in the family record before relying on an FRC.

If there is any discrepancy between the child's NADRA record and the information supplied at the passport office, the case may require clarification or additional documentation.

5. Documents Required for a Newborn Baby's Passport

For a newborn below 10 years, parents should prepare the following basic documents:

• Original CRC/Form-B or FRC

• Photocopy of the child's CRC/Form-B or FRC

• Original valid CNIC or passport of the father

• Photocopy of the father's CNIC or passport

• Original valid CNIC or passport of the mother

• Photocopy of the mother's CNIC or passport

The child must also be accompanied by either a parent or a court-appointed legal guardian.

Additional documents may be needed if the family falls under a special category.

6. Do Both Parents' CNICs Need to Be Taken?

Yes.

DGI&P's current requirements state that the original valid CNICs or passports of both parents, along with photocopies, should be provided for a minor passport application.

Parents should therefore take both originals even if only one parent is accompanying the newborn.

It is better to carry the original documents and required photocopies rather than relying on mobile-phone photographs.

7. Does the Baby Have to Go to the Passport Office?

The minor must be accompanied by either a parent or a court-appointed legal guardian. DGI&P's requirements specifically provide for the minor to be accompanied during the application process.

Parents should therefore take the newborn with them unless DGI&P has specifically instructed otherwise for their particular application.

The passport office will determine the applicable photograph and biometric/data-capture requirements according to the child's age and the current system.

8. Can the Father Apply for the Newborn's Passport?

Yes, a parent can accompany the minor.

DGI&P's current requirements state that a minor seeking a passport shall be accompanied by either of the parents or a court-appointed legal guardian.

The accompanying father should carry his original valid CNIC or passport and photocopy, along with the mother's original valid CNIC or passport and photocopy and the baby's required identity document.

9. Can the Mother Apply for the Newborn's Passport?

Yes.

The mother can accompany the newborn for the passport application, subject to the applicable documentation.

She should carry:

• Her original valid CNIC or passport

• Photocopy of her CNIC or passport

• Father's original valid CNIC or passport

• Photocopy of father's document

• Baby's original CRC/Form-B or FRC

• Photocopy of the baby's document

10. What If the Parents Are Married and Applying Normally?

For a straightforward application where both parents are available and the family documents are consistent, parents should prepare the baby's identity document and both parents' original valid identity documents with photocopies.

The ordinary minor requirements are considerably simpler when there are no custody, guardianship, death, nationality or lost-passport issues.

Parents should still check the latest DGI&P instructions before visiting.

11. What If the Parents Are Separated or Divorced?

Special documentation applies.

DGI&P states that where parents are separated or divorced, custody papers granted by a court of law should be provided. If either parent submits the passport application on behalf of the minor, explicit permission from the other parent is required in the circumstances specified by DGI&P. This may be through the other parent's physical presence or consent on duly attested non-judicial stamp paper.

Parents should prepare the relevant court documents before visiting the passport office.

12. What If a Parent Has Died?

If either parent is deceased, DGI&P requires the original death certificate and a photocopy.

The surviving parent or legally authorized applicant should bring this document along with the baby's identity document and the other required papers.

13. What If a Legal Guardian Is Applying?

A court-appointed legal guardian can apply in applicable circumstances.

DGI&P requires a guardianship certificate issued by a court of law. The appointed guardian must personally visit the passport office with the minor and bring the guardian's original CNIC and photocopy.

An informal family arrangement does not automatically replace a court-issued guardianship certificate.

14. What If the Baby Has Dual Nationality?

If the baby is a dual national, DGI&P requires the foreign passport and its photocopy.

Parents should disclose the child's nationality status accurately and bring the relevant foreign passport when applying.

Additional documentation can be requested if there is uncertainty regarding nationality or other particulars.

15. Is a Birth Certificate Needed?

For an in-country minor passport application, DGI&P's general requirements specifically identify the CRC/Form-B or FRC for children below 10 years.

A birth registration certificate may nevertheless be relevant in particular circumstances, especially for overseas online applications. DGI&P's online newborn category for overseas Pakistanis lists a birth registration certificate issued by NADRA or, in certain cases, a foreign-government birth registration certificate duly attested by the relevant Pakistan Mission.

Parents should therefore distinguish between an ordinary in-country application and an overseas online application.

16. Can a Newborn Apply for a Passport Online?

The answer depends on where the baby and parents are located.

DGI&P currently provides a special online category for a new passport for a newborn baby up to two years of age, but this category is specifically described for overseas Pakistanis. DGI&P states that a minor older than two years should visit the concerned Foreign Mission with supporting documents.

For a newborn residing in Pakistan, the ordinary passport application process is through the relevant passport office rather than assuming that the overseas newborn online category applies.

17. Online Newborn Passport for Overseas Pakistanis

For eligible overseas applicants, DGI&P's online system includes a "New Passport for a newborn baby" category for babies up to two years old.

The online documentation listed by DGI&P includes:

• Valid original Smart Card/NICOP issued with father's or legal guardian's name

• Original valid CNIC/NICOP and passports of either parent or legal guardian where applicable

• Fingerprint forms of both parents and legal guardian

• Birth registration certificate issued by NADRA or an appropriately attested foreign-government birth certificate

• CRC/FRC

• Other prescribed declarations and supporting documents where applicable

The exact documents depend on the online application circumstances.

18. How Long Is a Newborn's Passport Valid?

Children below 15 years of age are currently issued passports with five-year validity.

DGI&P specifically states that minors below 15 are not entitled to ten-year validity passports.

Therefore, a newborn baby's Pakistani passport is currently issued with five-year validity.

Parents should check the expiry date printed on the passport after collection.

19. What Passport Type Can a Newborn Get?

DGI&P currently provides Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and e-Passport services.

The official DGI&P page states that e-Passport issuance is available from field offices across Pakistan.

Parents should check the current fee and service options at the time of application.

20. Current Passport Fees for a Newborn

Passport fees depend on the passport type, number of pages and processing category.

For the ordinary 36-page Machine Readable Passport with five-year validity, DGI&P currently lists:

• Normal: Rs. 4,500

• Urgent: Rs. 7,500

• Fast Track: Rs. 12,500

The Fast Track service is available only in designated cities.

For a 36-page ordinary e-Passport with five-year validity, DGI&P currently lists:

• Normal: Rs. 9,000

• Urgent: Rs. 15,000

Fast Track is not available for e-Passport delivery.

Additional service charges may apply at Executive Passport Offices or Passport Processing Counters where applicable. Parents should verify the amount before payment because official fees can change.

21. Current Processing Time

DGI&P's current General Requirements page lists the following processing periods for Machine Readable Passports after successful processing:

• Fast Track: 2 working days

• Urgent: 5 working days

• Normal: 21 working days

The page notes that courier/shipment time is not included in the stated processing period.

Parents should therefore allow additional time for delivery to the relevant office or destination.

22. How to Start the Application in Pakistan

For an in-country newborn application, parents should first prepare the baby's identity document and both parents' identity documents.

They should then visit the relevant Regional Passport Office, Executive Passport Office or Passport Processing Counter according to the available service.

DGI&P states that passport applicants in Pakistan go through the prescribed passport-office process for new passports.

23. Passport Office Process for a Newborn

The DGI&P process includes:

• Arrival at customer service

• Photograph and token issuance

• Biometric/fingerprint capture where applicable

• Data entry

• Verification

• Interview and decision

• Fee payment

• Passport delivery

For minors, there are additional requirements at the decision stage, including possible attestation of the data form by a Government Gazetted Officer if the case is deferred for that purpose.

24. Check the QR Token Carefully

When the passport office issues the QR-based token, parents should carefully check the information shown on it.

DGI&P specifically instructs applicants to check the application type, priority type and CNIC/CRC number. Any discrepancy should be reported immediately.

This is particularly important for a newborn because the baby's name and identity information may be newly entered into the passport system.

25. Check the Data Entry Form

The data-entry stage is an important verification point.

DGI&P states that the data-entry form is printed and presented to the applicant for rechecking and verification. Changes should be pointed out at this stage. Once the information has been saved, making a modification can require cancellation of the token and repeating the process. After the Assistant Director gives "go ahead," changes cannot be made at that stage.

Parents should carefully check the baby's name and date of birth before signing.

26. Minor's Data Form Attestation

DGI&P's current process states that the Assistant Director may defer the case of an applicant below 18 years and hand over the printed form for attestation by a Government Gazetted Officer.

The attester is required to write the relevant CNIC and contact number and affix the official stamp. Once the duly attested form is produced, the deferred minor token can proceed.

Parents should follow the instructions given by the passport office if this requirement applies.

27. How Is the Passport Fee Paid?

DGI&P's current process states that after generation of the QR-based passport token, the passport fee can be paid by scanning the QR code through supported digital payment platforms such as EasyPaisa, JazzCash and online banking.

Parents should keep the payment confirmation or transaction details until the application is completed.

28. How Will Parents Know When the Passport Is Ready?

DGI&P states that applicants can receive passport-status information through SMS using 9988 in Pakistan. A valid mobile number should be provided during the data-entry stage.

Parents should therefore provide an active mobile number and retain the application/token information.

29. How Is the Baby's Passport Collected?

After successful processing, the applicant goes to the passport delivery counter on the given date with the original token.

DGI&P states that passport delivery is made to the applicant or a blood relative according to its delivery procedure.

Parents should follow the collection instructions given by the passport office.

30. Important Mistakes to Avoid

Parents should avoid:

• Applying before the baby's identity record is ready

• Taking only photocopies instead of required originals

• Forgetting one parent's CNIC/passport

• Using incorrect child information

• Failing to check the QR token

• Signing the data-entry form without checking it

• Ignoring a spelling mistake in the baby's name

• Ignoring an incorrect date of birth

• Assuming an overseas online facility applies to an in-country applicant

• Relying on outdated passport fees

• Waiting until immediately before international travel

• Forgetting special documents in divorce, guardianship or dual-nationality cases

31. Can Parents Apply Immediately After Birth?

Parents should first complete the baby's required identity registration and obtain the document accepted for the passport application.

For a child below 10 years, DGI&P currently lists CRC/Form-B or FRC as the relevant identity-document options for the in-country passport application.

Therefore, the practical starting point is to complete the baby's NADRA documentation before visiting the passport office.

32. What If the Baby's Name Is Changed Later?

The child's identity information should be kept consistent across official records.

If the name or other particulars need to be changed after the passport has been issued, parents should first check the applicable NADRA and DGI&P modification requirements.

Do not assume that a passport can be changed simply by providing a verbal request.

33. What If There Is a Problem With the Baby's Nationality?

DGI&P states that where there is doubt about national status and antecedents, additional documents may be required.

The Assistant Director can request additional documents or refer the matter for further determination where applicable.

Parents should provide genuine and consistent records if such a situation arises.

34. Can Parents Use Any Passport Office?

DGI&P's current general requirements state that Pakistani citizens may apply from passport offices irrespective of the address on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC, subject to applicable rules.

Parents should nevertheless confirm that the selected office provides the required service and check its current public-dealing arrangements before travelling.

35. Newborn Passport and International Travel

A baby's passport should be arranged before international travel.

Parents should also check the destination country's entry requirements because a passport alone may not be sufficient. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the baby may require a visa, entry permit or other travel documentation.

Those requirements are controlled by the destination country and should be verified separately.

36. Newborn Passport Checklist

Before leaving for the passport office, parents can use this checklist:

• Baby's original CRC/Form-B or FRC

• Photocopy of baby's identity document

• Father's original valid CNIC/passport

• Photocopy of father's document

• Mother's original valid CNIC/passport

• Photocopy of mother's document

• Foreign passport if the baby is a dual national

• Court custody papers if parents are separated/divorced

• Required consent from the other parent where applicable

• Guardianship certificate where applicable

• Death certificate where applicable

• Previous passport and police report if this is a lost-passport case

• Applicable passport fee

• Active mobile number for status notifications

Conclusion

Getting a Pakistani passport for a newborn baby starts with having the baby's identity properly registered and preparing the required documents. For an in-country application, DGI&P currently requires children below 10 years to provide an original CRC/Form-B or FRC with a photocopy. Both parents' original valid CNICs or passports and photocopies are also required.

The newborn must be accompanied by a parent or court-appointed legal guardian. Special documents are required in situations involving divorce, separation, guardianship, death of a parent or dual nationality.

A newborn receives a separate passport rather than being added to a parent's machine-readable passport. Children below 15 years are currently issued passports with five-year validity.

For ordinary applications in Pakistan, parents should visit the appropriate passport office and complete the prescribed process. DGI&P also has a separate online newborn-passport category for eligible overseas Pakistanis where the baby is up to two years old.

Because passport fees, processing options and procedures can change, parents should verify the latest information directly from DGI&P before submitting the application.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm that the baby is a Pakistani citizen and requires a Pakistani passport.

2. Register the newborn's identity with the appropriate NADRA authority.

3. Obtain the baby's CRC/Form-B or other accepted identity document.

4. Check the baby's name on the NADRA document.

5. Check the baby's date of birth.

6. Check the baby's parent information.

7. Decide whether an MRP or e-Passport is required.

8. Check the latest DGI&P passport requirements.

9. Check the latest official passport fee schedule.

10. Select the required page category.

11. Select the Normal, Urgent or Fast Track option where available.

12. Confirm whether Fast Track service is available at the selected location.

13. Prepare the baby's original CRC/Form-B or FRC.

14. Make a photocopy of the baby's identity document.

15. Prepare the father's original valid CNIC or passport.

16. Make a photocopy of the father's CNIC or passport.

17. Prepare the mother's original valid CNIC or passport.

18. Make a photocopy of the mother's CNIC or passport.

19. Check whether the child has dual nationality.

20. If dual national, prepare the foreign passport and photocopy.

21. Check whether either parent is deceased.

22. If applicable, prepare the original death certificate and photocopy.

23. Check whether the parents are separated or divorced.

24. If applicable, prepare court custody papers.

25. Arrange the other parent's required consent where applicable.

26. If a legal guardian is applying, prepare the court-issued guardianship certificate.

27. Prepare the guardian's original CNIC and photocopy where applicable.

28. Organize all originals and photocopies in a folder.

29. Take the newborn and accompanying parent or legal guardian to the passport office.

30. Go to the customer service counter.

31. Present the required documents for initial checking.

32. Proceed to the photograph and token stage as directed.

33. Check the QR token carefully.

34. Confirm the application type on the token.

35. Confirm the priority type on the token.

36. Confirm the baby's CRC number or other identity information.

37. Report any discrepancy immediately.

38. Proceed to biometric/data-capture stages as instructed by officials.

39. Proceed to data entry when the token is called.

40. Check the information displayed on the data-entry screen.

41. Confirm the baby's name.

42. Confirm the baby's date of birth.

43. Confirm the parents' information.

44. Carefully review the printed Data Entry Form.

45. Point out any error before the information is saved.

46. Sign or verify the form as instructed.

47. Proceed to verification according to the passport-office process.

48. Appear before the Assistant Director or Officer In-charge when called.

49. Provide any additional documents requested.

50. If the minor case is deferred for attestation, obtain the required Government Gazetted Officer attestation.

51. Ensure the attested form contains the required official information and stamp.

52. Submit the duly attested form as instructed.

53. Complete the passport fee payment through the prescribed QR/digital payment process.

54. Keep the payment confirmation.

55. Keep the original token safely.

56. Provide an active mobile number for passport-status notifications.

57. Monitor passport status through SMS 9988 where applicable.

58. Wait for the applicable processing period.

59. Allow additional shipment time where necessary.

60. Visit the passport delivery counter on the given date.

61. Bring the original token for collection.

62. Follow DGI&P's delivery requirements.

63. Collect the newborn's passport.

64. Check the baby's name immediately.

65. Check the date of birth immediately.

66. Check the passport number and other particulars.

67. Check the passport expiry date.

68. Report any apparent error through the appropriate official channel.

69. Keep the passport safely with the baby's other travel documents.

70. Check the destination country's visa and entry requirements before international travel.