Passport Renewal for Children (2026)
Renewing a passport for a child requires special considerations including parental consent, different validity periods, and age-specific requirements. Understanding the process, requirements, and documentation helps ensure a smooth renewal experience for your child's passport. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about renewing passports for children in South Africa.
Child Passport Basics
Validity Period
Child Passport Validity:
- Under 16 years: 5 years validity
- Shorter than adults: Due to growth and appearance changes
- Must renew: When child turns 16 (adult passport)
- Regular renewals: Every 5 years until 16
Why Shorter Validity:
- Children's appearance changes
- Growth and development
- Security considerations
- Accurate identification
- Regular updates needed
Age Categories
Child Passports:
- Under 16 years: Child passport (5 years)
- 16 years and older: Adult passport (10 years)
- Transition: Must apply for adult passport at 16
- Different requirements: Based on age
Renewal Requirements
Basic Requirements
Essential Documents:
- Previous Child Passport: Original passport (expired or expiring)
- Valid ID Document: Child's ID (if they have one) or birth certificate
- Two Passport Photos: Recent photos of child meeting requirements
- Completed Application Form: DHA-73 form
- Parental Consent: Both parents must consent
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for passport fee
Age-Specific Requirements:
- Under 16: Child passport requirements
- 16 and over: Adult passport requirements
- Different fees: Based on age
- Different validity: Based on age
Parental Consent
Consent Requirements:
- Both parents: Must consent (if both are alive and have parental rights)
- Consent form: Must be completed
- Both parents present: At application (if possible)
- If one parent unavailable: Court order or other documentation needed
- Sole custody: Documentation required
Consent Documentation:
- Consent form: Completed by both parents
- ID documents: Both parents' IDs
- Proof of relationship: Birth certificate showing parents
- Court order: If one parent unavailable or sole custody
- Death certificate: If one parent deceased
Additional Documents
If Name Changed:
- Marriage certificate: If parent remarried and child's name changed
- Court order: If name changed by court
- Adoption papers: If child was adopted
- Name change documentation: As applicable
If Circumstances Changed:
- Divorce decree: If parents divorced
- Custody order: If custody arrangements changed
- Guardianship papers: If applicable
- Other relevant documentation: As needed
Renewal Process
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Before Applying:
- Check passport expiry date
- Ensure child's ID is valid (if they have one)
- Get passport photos of child
- Complete application form
- Get parental consent
- Pay application fee
Document Checklist:
- ✓ Previous child passport (original)
- ✓ Child's ID or birth certificate
- ✓ Two passport photos of child
- ✓ Completed application form
- ✓ Parental consent (both parents)
- ✓ Both parents' ID documents
- ✓ Proof of payment
- ✓ Additional documents (if needed)
Step 2: Get Parental Consent
Consent Process:
- Both parents complete consent form
- Both parents sign form
- Both parents provide ID
- Both parents present at application (if possible)
- Provide proof if one parent unavailable
If One Parent Unavailable:
- Court order: Granting sole custody or permission
- Death certificate: If parent deceased
- Legal documentation: As required
- Explain circumstances: To Home Affairs
- Follow instructions: From Home Affairs
Step 3: Pay Application Fee
Child Passport Fees (2026):
- Child Passport (under 16): R400
- Lower than adult: Due to shorter validity
- Non-refundable: Even if not issued
- Payment required: Before application
Payment Methods:
- Bank deposit (most common)
- Use Home Affairs banking details
- Use child's ID number as reference
- Get proof of payment
- Bring receipt to application
Step 4: Book Appointment or Walk In
Appointment Booking:
- Book online (if available)
- Select child passport service
- Choose date and time
- Both parents attend (if possible)
- Bring child to appointment
Walk-In Option:
- Some offices accept walk-ins
- Arrive early with child
- Both parents present
- Bring all documents
- Be prepared for wait
Step 5: Visit Home Affairs Office
At the Office:
- Both parents present (if possible)
- Child must be present
- Present previous passport
- Submit application form
- Provide parental consent
- Complete biometric capture (if child is old enough)
Biometric Capture:
- Older children: May have fingerprints
- Younger children: Photo only
- Age-dependent: Based on child's age
- Parental presence: Required
- Child cooperation: Needed
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
- Standard: 10-15 working days
- Similar to adults: Same processing
- May vary: By office and time of year
- Track application: Use reference number
- Be patient: Processing takes time
Step 7: Collect New Passport
Collection:
- Receive notification when ready
- Parent collects (with ID)
- Bring application receipt
- Bring child's ID or birth certificate
- Verify passport details
- Check child's information
Special Considerations
When Child Turns 16
Transition to Adult Passport:
- Must apply for adult passport
- Cannot renew child passport
- Different application process
- Different fees (R600 for adult)
- 10-year validity
Application:
- Apply as new adult passport
- Provide previous child passport
- Complete adult application
- Pay adult passport fee
- Get 10-year passport
Name Changes
If Child's Name Changed:
- Provide name change documentation
- Marriage certificate (if parent remarried)
- Court order (if name changed)
- Adoption papers (if adopted)
- Update passport with new name
Lost or Stolen Child Passport
If Passport is Lost/Stolen:
- Report to police (get case number)
- Get police report
- Apply for replacement (not renewal)
- Provide police report
- Both parents must consent
- Same process as lost adult passport
Fees and Costs
Child Passport Fees
Renewal Fees (2026):
- Child Passport (under 16): R400
- Lower than adult: R600
- Shorter validity: 5 years vs 10 years
- Non-refundable: Even if not used
Additional Costs:
- Passport photos (separate)
- Travel to office
- Courier (if available, extra)
- Additional documentation (if needed)
Value Comparison
Cost Per Year:
- Child Passport: R400 for 5 years = R80/year
- Adult Passport: R600 for 10 years = R60/year
- More expensive per year: But shorter validity needed
- Reasonable cost: For child passport
Tips for Smooth Renewal
Preparation
Before Application:
- Check passport expiry well in advance
- Renew 6 months before expiry
- Prepare all documents early
- Get parental consent sorted
- Book appointment early
Document Preparation:
- Ensure all documents current
- Get passport photos early
- Complete forms accurately
- Have both parents available
- Prepare child for visit
At the Office
During Application:
- Arrive on time (or early)
- Bring child to appointment
- Both parents present (if possible)
- Have all documents ready
- Be patient with process
- Keep child calm and cooperative
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a child's passport valid?
A child's passport (for children under 16) is valid for 5 years, compared to 10 years for adult passports. This shorter validity is due to children's appearance changing as they grow.
How much does it cost to renew a child's passport?
Renewing a child's passport costs R400 in 2026, which is lower than an adult passport (R600) due to the shorter 5-year validity period. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before application.
Do both parents need to consent to renew a child's passport?
Yes, both parents must consent to renew a child's passport if both are alive and have parental rights. Both parents should be present at the application, or provide proper documentation if one parent is unavailable.
What if one parent cannot be present for the renewal?
If one parent cannot be present, you'll need a court order granting permission, a death certificate if the parent is deceased, or other legal documentation as required by Home Affairs. Contact Home Affairs for specific requirements in your situation.
Can a child travel alone with their passport?
Children can travel alone with their passport, but airlines and immigration authorities may have additional requirements such as unaccompanied minor services, parental consent letters, or other documentation. Check with your airline and destination country requirements.
What happens when a child turns 16?
When a child turns 16, they must apply for an adult passport (cannot renew the child passport). The adult passport has 10-year validity and costs R600. The child passport cannot be renewed after the child turns 16.
How long does it take to renew a child's passport?
Renewing a child's passport takes 10-15 working days, similar to adult passport processing. Processing times may vary depending on office workload and time of year. Express processing may be available at some offices for an additional fee.
What documents are needed to renew a child's passport?
You need the previous child passport (original), the child's ID or birth certificate, two recent passport photos of the child, completed application form, parental consent from both parents, both parents' ID documents, and proof of payment.
Can I renew my child's passport online?
While you can book an appointment online, you must visit a Home Affairs office in person to complete the renewal, submit documents, and have biometrics captured (if the child is old enough). The renewal cannot be completed entirely online.
What if my child's passport is lost or stolen?
If your child's passport is lost or stolen, report it to the police immediately and get a case number and police report. Then apply for a replacement (not a renewal) at Home Affairs, providing the police report and all required documents. Both parents must consent to the replacement.
Conclusion
Renewing a child's passport requires the previous child passport, valid ID or birth certificate, passport photos, completed application form, parental consent from both parents, and proof of payment. Child passports are valid for 5 years (compared to 10 years for adults) and cost R400. Both parents must consent to the renewal, and the child must be present at the application. When the child turns 16, they must apply for an adult passport. Plan ahead and renew 6 months before expiry to avoid travel disruptions.
For more information about passport applications, requirements, or Home Affairs services, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
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