Passport Requirements for Children in Pakistan – Complete Guide

Getting a passport for a child in Pakistan requires a different set of documents and procedures from those used for an adult applicant. Parents and legal guardians should prepare the child's identity document, parents' identity documents and any additional papers required for special family circumstances before visiting the passport office.

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), Ministry of Interior, has separate requirements for applicants below 18 years of age. The documents required can depend on the child's age, whether the child is a dual national, whether a parent is deceased, and whether the parents are separated or divorced.

A separate passport is issued to each applicant, including children. Children are not added as endorsements to a parent's machine-readable passport. DGI&P also states that children below 15 years of age are issued passports with five-year validity rather than ten-year validity.

Parents should always check the latest DGI&P requirements before applying because passport procedures, fees and supporting-document requirements can change.

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

For passport purposes, DGI&P treats applicants below 18 years of age as minors.

The documentation for a minor is different from the standard adult checklist. The child's own identity document is required, and the passport application also involves the identity documents of the parents or legal guardian.

The child's age is particularly important because DGI&P currently has different identity-document requirements for:

• Children aged 10 years and above

• Children below 10 years

Understanding this distinction before visiting the passport office can help parents prepare the correct documents.

2. Passport Requirements for Children Aged 10 Years and Above

DGI&P currently requires a minor aged 10 or above to provide either:

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

• A Juvenile Card

A photocopy of the relevant document is also required.

Parents should check that the document is valid and that the child's personal information is correct.

The child's name, date of birth and other identity information should match the relevant NADRA record.

3. Passport Requirements for Children Below 10 Years

For a child below 10 years of age, DGI&P currently requires either:

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

• Family Registration Certificate (FRC)

A photocopy is also required.

Parents should select the document applicable to the child's circumstances and follow the current DGI&P requirements.

4. What Is a Child Registration Certificate (CRC)?

A Child Registration Certificate, commonly called a B-Form or Form-B, is a NADRA identity document used for children.

For passport applications, DGI&P specifically refers to CRC documentation for minors. The required version depends on the child's age.

For children aged 10 and above, DGI&P currently specifies an updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph or a Juvenile Card.

For children below 10, the current requirement allows an original CRC/Form-B or FRC.

Parents should therefore avoid assuming that an old B-Form will automatically satisfy every child's passport requirement.

5. What Is a Juvenile Card?

A Juvenile Card is a NADRA identity document for children.

DGI&P currently accepts a Juvenile Card as an identity document option for minors aged 10 years and above.

If your child is 10 or older, check whether the child has an eligible Juvenile Card or an updated CRC containing the required biometric information and photograph.

6. Documents Required From the Parents

DGI&P currently requires the original valid CNICs or passports of both parents along with photocopies for a minor passport application.

Parents should therefore prepare:

• Father's original valid CNIC or passport

• Photocopy of father's CNIC or passport

• Mother's original valid CNIC or passport

• Photocopy of mother's CNIC or passport

The applicable documents should be valid and genuine.

7. Does a Parent Have to Accompany the Child?

Yes.

DGI&P states that a minor applying for a passport must be accompanied by either a parent or a legal guardian appointed by a court of law.

Parents should not send the child alone to the passport office.

The accompanying parent or guardian should bring the required original identity documents.

8. Can Either Parent Accompany the Child?

DGI&P allows the minor to be accompanied by either parent, subject to the applicable documentation and family circumstances.

However, additional requirements can apply where parents are separated or divorced.

Parents should therefore distinguish between an ordinary application where both parents' documents are available and a special family-circumstance case.

9. What If the Parents Are Separated or Divorced?

Additional documents are required when parents are separated or divorced.

DGI&P states that custody papers granted by a court of law should be brought in such cases.

Parents should keep the original relevant court documents and photocopies available for verification.

The passport office may also require evidence of the other parent's consent depending on who is submitting the application.

10. Consent of the Other Parent

Where parents are separated or divorced and one parent submits the child's passport application, DGI&P states that explicit permission is required from the other parent.

The permission may be provided through:

• The other parent's physical presence, or

• Consent on duly attested non-judicial stamp paper

The exact requirements should be confirmed with DGI&P for the particular family circumstances.

11. What If One Parent Is Deceased?

If either parent of the minor is deceased, DGI&P requires the original death certificate along with a photocopy.

Parents or guardians should bring the relevant death certificate when applying for the child's passport.

If the death certificate was issued by an authority other than NADRA, applicants should verify whether any additional authentication or documentation is required for their particular case.

12. Passport Requirements When a Legal Guardian Applies

A legally appointed guardian can apply for a child's passport where applicable.

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.

Parents should not assume that an informal family arrangement is equivalent to a court-appointed legal guardianship.

13. Passport Requirements for a Dual-National Child

If the child is a dual national, additional documentation is required.

DGI&P states that a foreign passport along with its photocopy should be provided for dual-national applicants.

Parents should therefore prepare:

• Child's applicable Pakistani identity document

• Foreign passport

• Photocopy of foreign passport

• Parents' identity documents

• Any other documents required for the child's circumstances

14. What If the Child's Passport Has Been Lost?

A lost passport requires additional documentation.

DGI&P states that a lost-passport police report mentioning the previous passport number is required.

If the parents do not know the previous passport number, DGI&P states that the lost machine-readable passport number can be obtained from the nearest Regional Passport Office by submitting the required written application and supporting identity documents.

Parents should report the loss according to the applicable procedure before applying for the replacement passport.

15. What If the Child's Passport Is Damaged?

A damaged passport is treated as a separate case from a normal renewal.

DGI&P states that a passport against a damaged passport can be issued subject to the prescribed fee and production of the required documents.

Parents should keep the damaged passport and follow the current instructions of the passport office.

16. Does a Child Need a Separate Passport?

Yes.

DGI&P states that a separate passport will be issued to each applicant regardless of age. Names of children cannot be endorsed on a parent's machine-readable passport.

Therefore, parents travelling internationally with children should make sure that each child has the appropriate travel document.

17. Can a Child's Name Be Added to a Parent's Passport?

No, not for the machine-readable passport system.

DGI&P specifically states that endorsements, including children's names on parents' passports, are not allowed in machine-readable passports.

A child therefore needs a separate passport.

18. How Long Is a Child's Pakistani Passport Valid?

DGI&P states that minors below 15 years of age are not entitled to a ten-year validity passport.

A five-year validity passport is issued to them.

Parents should check the current passport category and validity options before paying the applicable fee.

19. What Happens at the Passport Office?

The passport application process involves several stages.

DGI&P's current process includes:

1. Arrival at the customer service counter

2. Photograph capture and QR-code token issuance

3. Biometric/fingerprint capture

4. Data entry

5. Verification

6. Interview and decision by the Assistant Director

7. Fee payment through QR code

8. Passport delivery

Parents should keep the child's documents organized so that the process can be completed efficiently.

20. Photograph and Token Issuance

At the passport office, the applicant's photograph is captured and a QR-code token is issued.

For applicants below 18 years, DGI&P's process identifies the child's CRC/B-Form or applicable identity document as part of the documentation used at this stage.

Parents should carefully check the information shown on the token.

21. Check the Child's Information on the Token

After receiving the QR-code token, applicants should check important information.

DGI&P specifically instructs applicants to check:

• Application type

• Priority type

• CNIC/CRC number

If there is a discrepancy, it should be reported immediately.

Parents should not ignore a mistake because correcting it later can cause additional processing.

22. Biometric Process for Children

The biometric stage depends on the applicant and applicable procedure.

DGI&P's general passport process includes fingerprint capture. The official process states that the right thumb, right index, left thumb and left index impressions are captured.

Parents should follow the instructions of the passport-office staff during the biometric stage.

23. Data Entry for a Child's Passport

The child's information is entered into the passport system.

Parents or guardians should carefully check the information being entered, particularly:

• Child's name

• Date of birth

• CRC/Juvenile Card details

• Parent information

• Other personal particulars

The information should correspond with the child's official identity record.

24. Special Data Verification for Minors

DGI&P's current process contains an additional step for applicants below 18 years.

At the interview/decision stage, the Assistant Director may defer the minor's case and hand over the printed form for attestation of the data form by a Government Gazetted Officer. The attester must write the CNIC number 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 step applies to their child's case.

25. Why Parents Should Check the Data Entry Form

A mistake in the child's name or date of birth can create problems later.

Parents should carefully compare the information on the Data Entry Form with the child's official identity document.

Check:

• Spelling of child's name

• Date of birth

• Parent details

• Identity-document number

• Other personal information

Any error should be reported before the application is finalized.

26. What Documents Should Be Kept Together?

A useful approach is to make a dedicated passport folder for the child.

Keep together:

• Child's original identity document

• Child's photocopy

• Father's original CNIC/passport

• Father's photocopy

• Mother's original CNIC/passport

• Mother's photocopy

• Previous passport, if applicable

• Foreign passport, if applicable

• Court documents, if applicable

• Death certificate, if applicable

• Police report, if applicable

• Guardianship certificate, if applicable

This makes it easier to respond if an official requests a document.

27. Do Children Need Their Parents' Original Documents?

Yes.

DGI&P's current requirements specify original valid CNICs or passports of both parents along with photocopies for minor passport applications.

Parents should not rely only on photographs or scanned copies unless DGI&P specifically allows them for the particular service.

28. What If the Child Does Not Have a CRC?

Parents should determine which alternative identity document is accepted for the child's age.

For minors aged 10 and above, DGI&P currently lists an updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph or a Juvenile Card.

For children below 10, it lists CRC/Form-B or FRC.

If the child lacks the required NADRA document, parents should resolve that documentation issue before applying where necessary.

29. Online Passport Services for Children

DGI&P also provides online passport services for certain eligible applicants.

For overseas Pakistanis, the online system includes a category for a new passport for newborn babies up to two years of age.

The online documentation can include:

• Valid Smart Card/NICOP

• Parents' or legal guardian's CNIC/NICOP and passports

• Fingerprint forms

• Birth registration certificate

• CRC/FRC

• Death certificate where applicable

• Guardianship certificate where applicable

• Photograph meeting the online specifications

• Parents' visa, permanent-residence card, asylum card or other-country passport where applicable

• Form for minor verified and signed by both parents/legal guardian

These online requirements are different from simply applying at a passport office in Pakistan.

30. Online Passport for an Overseas Newborn

The DGI&P online passport system currently provides a new-passport category for overseas Pakistani newborns up to two years of age.

DGI&P states that if the minor is more than two years old, the applicant should visit the concerned Pakistan Mission with supporting documents rather than using the newborn online category.

Parents should therefore check the child's age and country of residence before selecting an online application category.

31. What If the Child Has No NICOP or CNIC for an Online Application?

DGI&P's online passport FAQ states that for a child who does not have NICOP/CNIC, the applicant can upload one of Child NICOP, Form-B/CRC or FRC, subject to the applicable online process.

Parents should follow the exact upload instructions displayed in the online portal.

32. Can a Child's Passport Be Renewed?

Yes.

Children who already have Pakistani passports can apply for renewal according to the applicable DGI&P procedure.

Parents should bring the child's required identity document and previous passport along with the required parent/guardian documents.

The latest requirements should be checked before submitting a renewal application.

33. Passport Application for a Child Before International Travel

Parents should not wait until the last moment to arrange a child's passport.

Processing and delivery take time, and additional documentation can be required in special family circumstances.

It is sensible to start the process sufficiently before the planned journey and check the passport's validity requirements for the destination country.

34. What If Parents Have Different Nationality Statuses?

If one or both parents have foreign nationality or the child has dual nationality, additional documentation may apply.

DGI&P specifically requires a foreign passport and photocopy for dual-national applicants.

Parents should disclose the child's nationality status accurately and provide genuine documents.

35. What If There Is Doubt About the Child's Nationality?

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

The Assistant Director may also require additional documentation or refer the case for determination of national status where applicable.

Parents should be prepared to provide genuine supporting records if requested.

36. Can a Child Apply at Any Passport Office in Pakistan?

DGI&P states that every Pakistani citizen 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 the child's CRC address does not by itself restrict the family to one particular passport office.

Parents should nevertheless check the services offered by their chosen office before visiting.

37. What Is the Current Processing Time?

DGI&P currently states that passports are delivered after four working days for urgent applications and after ten working days for normal applications.

Shipment time to the relevant Regional Passport Office or mission can take additional time.

Parents should therefore avoid treating the published processing period as a guarantee of physical collection on the exact same day.

38. Passport Fees for Children

The passport fee depends on the passport type, page count, validity and processing category.

DGI&P publishes separate fee schedules for Machine Readable Passports and e-Passports. Children below 15 are limited to five-year passport validity under the current rules, which affects the applicable fee category.

Parents should check the current official fee schedule before payment rather than relying on old fee information.

39. Can a Child Get an e-Passport?

DGI&P states that e-Passport issuance is available from field offices across the country.

Parents should check the current e-Passport fee and eligibility information before choosing this option.

The child's identity and supporting documents must still meet the applicable requirements.

40. Final Checklist for Parents

Before leaving for the passport office, use this checklist.

Child Aged 10 or Above

• Original updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph, or Juvenile Card

• One photocopy of the child's document

• Original valid CNIC/passport of both parents

• Photocopies of both parents' documents

• Previous passport, if applicable

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

• Police report mentioning previous passport number if the passport was lost

• Court custody documents if parents are separated/divorced

• Other parent's consent where applicable

• Guardianship certificate if a legal guardian is applying

• Death certificate of deceased parent where applicable

Child Below 10

• Original CRC/Form-B or FRC

• One photocopy

• Original valid CNIC/passport of both parents

• Photocopies of both parents' documents

• Previous passport, if applicable

• Foreign passport and photocopy if dual national

• Police report if the passport was lost

• Court documents or consent where applicable

• Guardianship certificate where applicable

• Death certificate where applicable

Conclusion

Obtaining a Pakistani passport for a child requires careful preparation because the documentation differs according to the child's age and family circumstances. For children aged 10 and above, DGI&P currently requires either an updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph or a Juvenile Card. Children below 10 can provide an original CRC/Form-B or FRC.

The original valid CNICs or passports of both parents and their photocopies are also part of the current minor-passport requirements. Special cases such as divorce, separation, guardianship, death of a parent, dual nationality and a lost passport require additional documents.

Parents should also understand that a separate passport is issued to every applicant, including children. A child's name cannot be added as an endorsement to a parent's machine-readable passport. Children below 15 years are currently issued passports with five-year validity.

For in-person applications, the child and accompanying parent or legal guardian should follow the DGI&P passport-office process, carefully check the token and data-entry information, and provide any additional documents requested by the competent authority.

Because passport rules, fees and procedures can change, parents should verify the latest requirements directly from DGI&P before visiting the passport office.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm that the applicant is under 18 years of age.

2. Identify whether the child is aged 10 or above or below 10.

3. Check the latest DGI&P minor passport requirements.

4. Determine whether the application is new, renewal, modification, lost or damaged.

5. Check the child's current NADRA identity document.

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

7. For a child below 10, obtain the original CRC/Form-B or FRC.

8. Make a clear photocopy of the child's identity document.

9. Check the child's name for correct spelling.

10. Check the child's date of birth.

11. Check the child's other identity information against the NADRA record.

12. Prepare the original valid CNIC or passport of the father.

13. Prepare a photocopy of the father's CNIC or passport.

14. Prepare the original valid CNIC or passport of the mother.

15. Prepare a photocopy of the mother's CNIC or passport.

16. Check whether the child already has a previous Pakistani passport.

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

18. If the child is a dual national, prepare the foreign passport.

19. Make a photocopy of the foreign passport.

20. If the child's passport was lost, obtain the required police report.

21. Check that the police report mentions the previous passport number.

22. If the parents are separated or divorced, prepare the applicable court custody papers.

23. Check whether consent from the other parent is required.

24. Prepare the required consent in the prescribed form where applicable.

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

26. Prepare the guardian's original CNIC.

27. Make a photocopy of the guardian's CNIC.

28. If a parent is deceased, obtain the original death certificate.

29. Make a photocopy of the death certificate.

30. Confirm which parent or legal guardian will accompany the child.

31. Organize originals and photocopies in a secure folder.

32. Check the current DGI&P fee schedule.

33. Select the applicable passport type and processing category.

34. Visit the relevant passport office.

35. Take the child to the passport office with the accompanying parent or legal guardian.

36. Present the required original identity documents.

37. Complete photograph capture.

38. Receive the QR-code token.

39. Check the application type shown on the token.

40. Check the priority type shown on the token.

41. Check the child's CRC/identity number shown on the token.

42. Report any discrepancy immediately.

43. Complete biometric processing according to the applicable procedure.

44. Proceed to the data-entry counter when called.

45. Watch the information being entered for the child.

46. Check the child's name carefully.

47. Check the child's date of birth.

48. Check parent information.

49. Check the child's identity-document number.

50. Check the previous passport information if applicable.

51. Review the printed Data Entry Form.

52. Report any incorrect information before finalization.

53. Follow the instructions of the Assistant Director or Officer In-charge.

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

55. Ensure the attester writes the required CNIC and contact information and affixes the official stamp.

56. Submit the duly attested form as instructed.

57. Provide additional documents if the Assistant Director requests them.

58. Complete the passport fee payment through the prescribed method.

59. Keep the original token safely.

60. Monitor passport status through the official DGI&P status service.

61. Use SMS 9988 where applicable.

62. Wait for the prescribed processing period.

63. Allow additional shipment time where applicable.

64. Visit the delivery counter on the given date.

65. Bring the original token for collection.

66. Collect the child's passport according to DGI&P's delivery procedure.

67. Check the child's name and date of birth on the issued passport.

68. Check other printed particulars for accuracy.

69. Keep the child's passport safely for future travel.

70. Verify the passport's expiry date before planning future international travel.