This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Find out more on how we use cookies. x
New Zealand Government
New Zealand Government | Te Kawanatanga o Aotearoa
  1. Home /
  2. What you need for your application /
  3. Parental consent for children

Notice

There is planned maintenance for some of our passports systems on Sunday 6 July from 7:30am to 6:00pm (NZST) which may affect the after hours urgent service. Please call us on 0800 22 50 50 as soon as possible if you require an urgent after hours passport.

Official Home

What you need for your application

  • Identity referee or witness
  • Parental consent for children
  • Document translations
  • Certificate of identity or refugee travel document

What you need for your application

  • Identity referee or witness
  • Parental consent for children
  • Document translations
  • Certificate of identity or refugee travel document

Parental consent for children

Children aged 15 and under need parental consent to apply for a passport.

Consent can be given by:

  • a parent named on the child's birth record
  • a person appointed as the child's legal guardian through a court process, or in a parent's will.

The parent or legal guardian needs to:

  • complete the consent section of the application
  • give their name, address and contact details.

If you are a legal guardian not named on the child's birth record and this is the first time you are giving consent for this child, you must also provide documentation – either a court order or a testamentary in a parent's will – to prove that you are their legal guardian.

A parenting order, also known as a custody order, cannot be used as evidence of legal guardianship.

The consent of only 1 parent or guardian is needed for a New Zealand passport to be issued to a child.

If you are in a situation involving the removal of your child from New Zealand without your consent, or keeping your child outside New Zealand, we recommend you seek assistance from a lawyer.

Find out more about what to do:

Stop a child leaving New Zealand

Get a child returned to New Zealand

Print

Last Updated

Page last updated: 28 May 2021

About

  • About this site
  • Your privacy
  • Copyright
  • Terms of use
  • Accessibility

Contact us

  • In New Zealand
  • In Australia
  • In the United Kingdom
  • In any other country

Apply

  • Start application

 

  •  
Internal Affairs - Te Tari Taiwhenua
New Zealand Government New Zealand Government

Back to top