Everything you need to know about passports and identity cards for children

Mis à jour le 22 May 2026

In the hectic world of family travel, mastering passport and ID card procedures for children has become essential. Whether it’s for a planned trip to Holbox, a getaway to Martinique, or a family adventure to Ireland, these documents are the key to making every departure a stress-free experience. In 2025, with rules that are changing frequently, it’s best to be aware of the formalities, deadlines, and especially the little details that make all the difference. From the mandatory presence of children during procedures to the limited validity of junior ID documents, everything is under scrutiny so that you, too, can travel with peace of mind.

But that’s not all: knowing how to anticipate, choosing the right services like Passeport Express or properly preparing a Dossier Prêt are tips that will simplify your life. Not to mention the complexity of family situations, particularly in the event of parental separation, where documents like theRégistrar Civil Junior or specific certificates become crucial. The goal is clear: avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport, whether for a trip to Mexico or a stay in Africa.

With practical advice, real-life examples, and recent updates, this comprehensive guide is your ally in making every trip with your Little Travelers a unique experience, without administrative stress. So, are you ready to take off on your adventure with everything you need to know about passports and identity cards for children?

Mandatory presence of the child for passport or identity card applications: what do you need to know?

The question of children’s presence during administrative procedures for passports or identity cards is often a source of confusion. In 2025, the rules are clear, but they require careful organization. For a first application, The child must be present when submitting and collecting the document. This means that one of the two parents exercising parental authority must also be present to validate the process. The procedure is strict on this point, even if it can seem restrictive, especially with very young children.

However, when it comes to renewal, the child’s presence depends on their age. Up to the age of 11, the child does not need to be present when submitting the application. For children 12 and older, their presence is required. These details are essential to avoid getting stuck during the process. This rule applies to documents such as the Child National Identity Card, a classic and essential for traveling within Europe. Some practical tips:

🛂 To make sure you don’t forget anything, prepare your

• Loan File with the required documents: proof of address, passport photos that meet the standards, and proof of parental authority. 🖥️ Buy your tax stamps online to avoid unnecessary travel thanks to modernized platforms – a real time saver.
• 📅 Book your appointments in advance, especially if you’re in a large city where appointment times are limited.
• It’s also recommended to carefully check the specific rules of the town hall where you’re applying: some offices have special arrangements for large families or dedicated hours. The moment when your child discovers their

Little Passport can even become a fun anecdote for budding future globetrotters. Application Type Child’s Presence Required

Validity of a child’s passport and identity card: how to plan ahead An essential tip when traveling with children is to be aware of the validity period of identity documents. Unlike for adults, documents for minors have shorter validity periods. In 2025, this particularity will be confirmed: ⏳ The

is valid for 10 years (compared to 15 years for an adult since the 2003 reform). ⏳ A child’s passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years, while an adult’s passport is valid for 10 years.

These differences take into account the rapid growth of children, particularly with regard to rapidly changing facial features. This rule is crucial to ensure the document remains a secure means of identification, especially at immigration control.

• To avoid the unpleasant surprise of an expired document while the family is in the middle of planning a trip, a valuable tip is to set up an alert 8 months before the expiration date. On your phone or in an electronic calendar like Outlook, this often saves the day and avoids last-minute stress. Moreover, a common problem relates to the document validity requirements of certain countries. For example: Document Type Child Validity Adult Validity
• Specific Notes Child ID 10 years

15 years

Automatic extension for cards issued between 2004 and 2013 (be aware of acceptance by certain countries)

Petit Passport

an exit permit, provided they have a valid passport or identity card.

🌍 However, some countries require additional documents such as visas or special parental authorizations, as is the case in Morocco.

When the parents are divorced, you must strictly follow the court ruling. This sets out the terms and conditions for the children’s departure from the country. In the absence of specific directives, the general rule applies, as it does for unmarried parents. This is an enlightening topic that has been the subject of numerous consultations through specialized services such as FamilySteps, experts in family planning. Here is a summary table of requirements by situation:

Situation

• Identity document required Exit authorization required Comments
• Child traveling accompanied by both parents Passport or National Identity Card (Child) No
• Free movement

Child accompanied by one parent only

Passport or National Identity Card (Child) No, but certification recommendedCertification from absent parent recommended

Child traveling alone

Can replace identity? Used for CommentsChildren’s Passport✅

Main document

Child’s National Identity Card

• ✅ Identity, intra-EU travelMain document
• Family record book
• ❌

Proof of filiation, civil statusRecommended supplement Birth certificate extract

❌

Make an appointment early and prepare a Ready FileRenewal of a child’s ID card7 to 20

Express Passport (emergency)

Within 48 hours* (in justified circumstances) Submit plane ticket and complete application *The Express Passport is a paid service that allows you to obtain it quickly in case of an emergency.

What to do if your child’s identity papers are lost or stolen while on vacation?

• Losing or stealing an identity document is a real hassle, especially when you’re abroad with children. The process can seem complex, but good planning in advance really simplifies the situation.
• Here are some good practices to adopt in case of a problem: 🔖 Always make photocopies of both sides of your identity documents and the family record book. 📱 Store these copies somewhere other than in the bag containing the originals, or opt for a digital version accessible via your email or platforms like
• Mes Docs . ⏳ Contact the consulate or local town hall as soon as possible to begin the necessary formalities for a renewal or a loss/theft report.

📸 Always carry two valid passport photos. Since 2015, the consulate has no longer been able to take photos on site, which can save valuable time.

Allow time and complete the application

Is an ID card for a baby or child required for a domestic flight in France?

An often overlooked fact is that when traveling by plane within France, airlines generally require ID for all passengers, including children, regardless of their age. Unfortunately, a family record book is not sufficient.

Some airlines are very strict and refuse to allow children to board without official proof, making a national identity card or passport a must. Therefore, you should plan ahead to obtain a

• Child Identity Card (CNI) to avoid unpleasant surprises on a domestic flight to Corsica or Guadeloupe.
• ✈️ Remember to check the specific conditions of the airline you are using. 💳 Bring a valid ID card, even for a baby; it will make it easier to pass through security checks.🔍 If in doubt, consult official websites that summarize the required documents. Child’s Age Group
• Document Required for Domestic Flights
• Can a Family Record Book be a Replacement?

0–2 yearsID Card or PassportNo

€42

, as it’s closer to the adult rate.

🧑 From the age of majority, the standard adult rate is €86 that you need to provide for a passport.

• 📇 The national identity card for a child is free, but be aware: some additional services, such as photo taking, may incur a fee.
• These costs remain reasonable overall and are strongly justified by increased security and compliance with European standards. For large families, an effective method is to consolidate all applications at once to optimize administrative checks.
• Age

❓

Does my child need to be present for their passport renewal?

✅ They only need to be present if they are 12 years of age or older. Otherwise, it is not mandatory. ❓

• Can I use the family record book as identification for my baby on a domestic flight? ❌ No, the family record book does not replace an identity card or passport.❓
• Can I travel abroad with an expired identity card? ❌ No, the card must be valid. Be careful with cards automatically extended between 2004 and 2013, which are not necessarily accepted everywhere.❓
• What should I do if I lose my child’s passport abroad? ✅ Report the loss to the consulate and arrange for an express passport in case of emergency. ❓
• Is an exit permit required if my child is traveling with only one parent?

✅ No, but it is strongly recommended to have a signed parental certificate to avoid complications.