Minor Passport in Pakistan – Requirements and Procedure for Under 18

A Pakistani child under the age of 18 can obtain a separate passport for international travel. There is no need to add the child's name to a parent's passport because DGI&P issues a separate passport to every applicant, regardless of age. The application is made through the relevant Regional Passport Office (RPO), Executive Passport Office (EPO), Passport Processing Counter (PPC), or Pakistani Mission abroad where applicable.

Parents should prepare the child's NADRA document and the identity documents of both parents before visiting the passport office. The exact requirements depend partly on the child's age. Children aged 10 or above have different NADRA-document requirements from children below 10.

1. Who Is Considered a Minor for a Pakistani Passport?

For passport purposes, a person below 18 years of age is treated as a minor. DGI&P has separate documentary requirements for applicants under 18.

A minor does not normally apply using an adult CNIC. Instead, the child uses an appropriate NADRA identity document such as a Child Registration Certificate (CRC), updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph, Juvenile Card, or, in certain cases, Family Registration Certificate (FRC), depending on the child's age and circumstances.

The child must also be accompanied by a parent or an eligible legal guardian during the application process.

2. Important Requirement: Separate Passport for Every Child

Parents sometimes believe that children can be endorsed on the father's or mother's passport. This is not the current system for Pakistani machine-readable passports.

DGI&P states that a separate passport is issued to every applicant irrespective of age. The names of children cannot be endorsed on a parent's machine-readable passport.

Therefore, if a family has two children travelling internationally, each child should have the required identity documentation and a separate passport.

3. Documents Required for a Minor Aged 10 or Above

According to the current DGI&P requirements, a minor aged 10 years or above must provide either:

• Original updated Child Registration Certificate (CRC) containing fingerprints and photograph, or

• Original Juvenile Card.

A photocopy should also be provided.

In addition to the child's NADRA document, the following are generally required:

• 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 minor must be accompanied by a parent or legally appointed guardian.

• Previous passport and photocopy, if the child already has a passport.

• Foreign passport and photocopy if the child is a dual national.

• Additional documents in special cases such as divorce, separation, guardianship, death of a parent, or a lost passport.

Parents should take original documents as well as photocopies because the passport office needs to verify the originals.

4. Documents Required for a Child Below 10 Years

For children below 10 years, DGI&P currently requires one of the following:

• Original Child Registration Certificate (CRC/Form-B), or

• Original Family Registration Certificate (FRC).

A photocopy should also be provided.

The parents' identity documents are also required. Both parents' original valid CNICs or passports and photocopies should be taken to the passport office.

The child should be accompanied by either parent or a legally appointed guardian.

5. Documents Required from Both Parents

The current DGI&P requirements generally call for the original valid CNICs or passports of both parents, together with photocopies.

This requirement is important because passport authorities need to establish the identity and relationship of the minor and deal with parental consent or custody situations where applicable.

Parents should therefore avoid visiting the passport office with only one parent's CNIC unless the circumstances of the case permit it and the required consent or court documentation is available.

6. If the Parents Are Divorced or Separated

Special documentation is required when the parents are divorced or separated.

DGI&P states that custody papers granted by a court should be brought in such cases. Where one parent submits the passport application for the minor, explicit permission from the other parent may be required. This may be provided through the other parent's physical presence or consent on duly attested non-judicial stamp paper, according to the applicable rules.

The safest approach is to take all relevant court and consent documents rather than relying only on the child's NADRA record.

7. If a Legal Guardian Applies

A legally appointed guardian can accompany a minor for passport processing.

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

Parents should not assume that an informal caregiver, relative, teacher, or family friend automatically qualifies as the child's legal guardian for passport purposes.

8. If One Parent Has Died

If one of the minor's parents is deceased, DGI&P requires the original death certificate together with a photocopy.

The surviving parent should also bring the required identity documents and the child's NADRA document.

9. If the Child Is a Dual National

If the minor holds another country's nationality and has a foreign passport, DGI&P requires the foreign passport and its photocopy for dual-national applicants.

Parents should declare the child's dual nationality where required and keep both Pakistani and foreign identity documents available during processing.

10. If the Child's Previous Passport Has Been Lost

If the child previously had a Pakistani passport and it has been lost, a police report mentioning the previous passport number is required according to DGI&P.

Parents should therefore report the loss and obtain the required police documentation before proceeding with the replacement passport application.

11. Passport Validity for Children

Passport validity depends on the child's age and the passport category selected.

DGI&P states that children below 15 years of age are not entitled to a 10-year passport and are issued a passport with five years' validity.

Parents should check the current fee and validity options at the time of application because passport rules and charges can be revised.

12. Minor Passport Fees in Pakistan

The passport fee is based on factors such as passport type, number of pages, validity period and processing priority.

For an ordinary 36-page Machine Readable Passport (MRP), DGI&P currently lists:

• 5-year normal: Rs. 4,500

• 5-year urgent: Rs. 7,500

• 10-year normal: Rs. 6,700

• 10-year urgent: Rs. 11,200

The 10-year option is not applicable to children below 15 years. DGI&P also lists different charges for 72-page and 100-page passports.

Fast Track and e-Passport charges are different. Additional NADRA service charges may also apply at EPOs and PPCs. Parents should verify the applicable fee immediately before payment because government fees can change.

13. Processing Time for a Minor Passport

DGI&P currently lists the following MRP processing categories:

• Fast Track: 2 working days

• Urgent: 5 working days

• Normal: 21 working days

These periods refer to processing after successful completion of the application and do not include additional courier or shipment time where applicable.

Parents should therefore not assume that selecting urgent service means the passport will necessarily arrive at the home or collection office exactly five calendar days later.

14. Where Can a Minor Apply?

DGI&P states that Pakistani citizens may apply for passport services from any passport office regardless of the address recorded on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC, subject to the applicable rules.

This means parents generally do not have to restrict the child's passport application to the city mentioned on the child's NADRA record.

For applicants in Pakistan, the process is handled through passport offices. Overseas applicants should follow the instructions of the relevant Pakistani Mission.

15. Can a Child Apply Without a Parent?

A minor normally needs to be accompanied by either a parent or a legally appointed guardian.

If a legal guardian is applying, the guardian must have the required court-issued guardianship documentation and must personally accompany the child.

For separated or divorced parents, additional consent or custody documentation may be required.

16. Passport Office Application Process for a Minor

DGI&P describes the in-person passport process in several stages. These include arrival at the customer service counter, photograph and token issuance, biometrics, data entry, verification, interview and decision, fee payment, and passport delivery.

The minor should be present during the relevant stages because the application concerns the child's identity and passport.

Parents should carefully check the information entered into the passport system before the application is finalized.

17. Photograph and Token Issuance

At the passport office, the applicant first approaches the customer service counter.

For a minor, the relevant original NADRA identity document is checked. The applicant's information is entered and the photograph is captured before a QR-code-based token is issued.

Parents should check the token details carefully, including:

• Application type

• Priority type

• Child's identity/CRC number

• Other displayed information

Any error should be reported immediately to the concerned official.

18. Biometric Stage for Minors

Passport processing can involve biometric information. The exact biometric requirements depend on the child's age and the applicable current procedure.

DGI&P's general process includes biometric/fingerprint capture before data entry. Its current minor requirements specifically distinguish the NADRA documentation required for children aged 10 and above and children below 10.

Parents should follow the instructions of the passport office staff rather than assuming that every child will undergo exactly the same biometric procedure.

19. Data Entry Stage

At the data-entry counter, passport officials enter the applicant's information into the passport system.

The applicant or accompanying parent should carefully observe the information being entered. DGI&P advises applicants to provide a valid mobile number or email address so passport-status notifications can be received.

Important details to check include:

• Child's name

• Father's name

• Mother's name where applicable

• Date of birth

• Place of birth

• CRC/Juvenile Card details

• Passport type

• Priority category

20. Verification and Interview

After data entry, the case goes through verification and then to the Assistant Director or officer in charge for interview and decision.

For minors, DGI&P's process specifically states that the Assistant Director may defer the case and provide a printed form for attestation by a Government Gazetted Officer. The attested form must then be produced before the deferred minor token can receive the go-ahead.

This means parents should not be surprised if an under-18 application requires an additional attestation step.

21. Fee Payment

After the application has reached the appropriate stage, passport fee payment is completed through the applicable payment mechanism.

DGI&P's current process states that after a QR-based passport token is generated, the applicant can pay the passport fee by scanning the QR code through supported digital payment platforms such as Easypaisa, JazzCash or online banking.

Parents should retain proof of payment until the passport has been collected.

22. Passport Delivery

After successful processing and printing, the passport is delivered according to the selected delivery arrangement.

DGI&P states that the applicant or a blood relative may collect the passport at the relevant delivery counter when collection is required, subject to the applicable procedure. Status information can also be communicated through SMS service 9988.

Parents should keep the original token or required collection document safely until the passport is received.

23. How to Track a Minor Passport

Applicants can provide a valid mobile number during data entry to receive passport-status information through SMS service 9988. DGI&P also provides a helpline for passport-related queries.

Parents should keep the child's application/token information available when making an inquiry.

24. Important Difference Between CRC, Juvenile Card and FRC

A CRC is a Child Registration Certificate issued through NADRA. An updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph is currently listed by DGI&P for minors aged 10 and above.

A Juvenile Card can also be used for a minor aged 10 or above under the current DGI&P requirements.

For children below 10, DGI&P lists CRC/Form-B or FRC as acceptable documents.

Parents should use the document that matches the child's age and the current DGI&P requirement.

25. Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid

Common problems include:

• Bringing only one parent's identity document without checking whether both are required.

• Bringing a photocopy but not the original.

• Using an outdated or incorrect child identity document.

• Failing to bring a previous passport when applying for renewal/replacement.

• Ignoring custody or consent requirements in divorce/separation cases.

• Failing to bring the deceased parent's death certificate.

• Not bringing the court guardianship certificate when a guardian applies.

• Entering incorrect information without checking the Data Entry Form.

• Assuming the passport will be delivered immediately after payment.

• Not checking the latest official fee before payment.

26. Can a Minor Get an e-Passport?

DGI&P states that e-Passport issuance is available at field offices across Pakistan. The e-Passport fee structure differs from the ordinary MRP fee structure.

Parents should confirm the current e-Passport eligibility, fee and validity applicable to the child before selecting that option.

27. Is a Student Passport Different from a Minor Passport?

There is no separate passport category simply because a child is a student.

A school-going child or student under 18 applies for the appropriate Pakistani passport as a minor. If the passport is required for school travel, study abroad, a student visa or another purpose, the passport itself remains the child's Pakistani passport.

The relevant visa, admission or travel documents may have additional requirements depending on the destination country.

28. Can Parents Apply from Any Passport Office?

DGI&P's current guidance states that Pakistani citizens can apply for passport services from any passport office regardless of the address recorded on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

Parents should nevertheless check the selected office's current public-dealing hours and service availability before travelling.

29. Passport Offices and Working Hours

DGI&P currently lists standard public-dealing hours for many passport offices as 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a prayer/lunch break from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Public holidays are excluded.

Some locations provide extended or 24/7 passport processing services. The official DGI&P directory should be checked for the relevant office before visiting.

30. Official Source and Verification

The official authority responsible for Pakistani passports is the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan.

Because passport fees, processing arrangements, office timings and service procedures can change, parents should verify the latest information on the official DGI&P website before submitting an application.

A minor's passport application is generally straightforward when the child's NADRA document, both parents' identity documents and any special-case documents are prepared in advance.

For the most important cases—divorce, separation, guardianship, death of a parent, dual nationality or a lost passport—parents should pay particular attention to the additional documentary requirements.

Conclusion

Obtaining a minor passport in Pakistan requires the child's appropriate NADRA document, the identity documents of the parents, the presence of a parent or legally appointed guardian, and any additional documents required for special circumstances.

For children aged 10 or above, DGI&P currently requires an updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph or a Juvenile Card. For children below 10, CRC/Form-B or FRC can be used under the current requirements. Both parents' original valid CNICs or passports and photocopies are also generally required.

Parents should check the current passport fee, processing category and office arrangements immediately before applying because these details can change. The official DGI&P website remains the appropriate source for the latest requirements.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm that the child is below 18 years of age.

2. Check whether the child is below 10 or aged 10 to under 18.

3. Check the child's current NADRA document.

4. For a child aged 10 or above, obtain an updated CRC with fingerprints and photograph or Juvenile Card.

5. For a child below 10, obtain the CRC/Form-B or FRC required under the current rules.

6. Check that the child's name and date of birth are correct on the NADRA document.

7. Prepare the original identity document of the father.

8. Prepare a photocopy of the father's identity document.

9. Prepare the original identity document of the mother.

10. Prepare a photocopy of the mother's identity document.

11. Check whether the child already has a previous passport.

12. If there is a previous passport, take the original and photocopy.

13. If the child is a dual national, take the foreign passport and photocopy.

14. If a parent is deceased, obtain the original death certificate and photocopy.

15. If the parents are separated or divorced, prepare the relevant custody documents.

16. Arrange the required consent of the other parent where applicable.

17. If a legal guardian is applying, obtain the court-issued guardianship certificate.

18. Make clear photocopies of all required documents.

19. Confirm the current passport fee on the official DGI&P website.

20. Select the required passport type and processing priority.

21. Check the nearest or most convenient passport office.

22. Verify the office's current public-dealing hours.

23. Take the minor to the passport office.

24. Ensure that the child is accompanied by a parent or legally appointed guardian.

25. Visit the customer service counter.

26. Present the child's original NADRA document and required supporting documents.

27. Complete photograph and token issuance requirements.

28. Check the QR-code token carefully.

29. Report any mistake on the token immediately.

30. Proceed to the biometric stage when the token is called.

31. Complete the required biometric procedure according to the child's age and current office instructions.

32. Proceed to the data-entry counter.

33. Carefully check the information displayed during data entry.

34. Confirm the child's name, date of birth and other particulars.

35. Provide a valid mobile number or email address for status notifications where requested.

36. Proceed to verification.

37. Appear before the Assistant Director or officer in charge when called.

38. Provide any additional document requested by the officer.

39. If the minor's case is deferred for attestation, obtain the required attestation from a Government Gazetted Officer.

40. Submit the duly attested form as instructed.

41. Complete the applicable fee payment process.

42. Keep the payment confirmation or receipt.

43. Wait for passport production according to the selected processing category.

44. Monitor the passport status through SMS 9988 where applicable.

45. Keep the original token or collection document safe.

46. Visit the delivery counter on the assigned date if collection is required.

47. Collect the passport according to the applicable delivery procedure.

48. Check the child's name, photograph, date of birth and other passport details immediately after receiving it.

49. Keep the passport safely and separately from other travel documents.

50. Before international travel, check the passport's validity and the destination country's visa requirements.