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.

What the consenting parent needs to do

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.

How to stop a child from leaving New Zealand

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: