Berlin
Children also need travel documents for holiday trips abroad. However, there are a few special features to note about the ID cards.
The first holiday with children holds all kinds of challenges. There are also a few things to consider when it comes to travel documents. Because one is not always enough child identity card the end. The children’s passport is often required instead.
Children’s passport and children’s identity card: These are the differences
the child passport has several advantages over the ID card: it only costs 13 euros to issue it, while the ID card costs 22.80 euros. In addition, the children’s passport will be issued to you and given to you when you apply. So you only have to go to the office once. The authorities need about two to four weeks for the identity card.
Besides, the child passport valid worldwide with few restrictions. The identity card is only valid for travel within the EU and other countries in the Schengen area.
What you need to apply to the office
Both documents can be requested from the birth of the child. However, the children’s passport is only valid for children under the age of twelve, from the age of 12 children also need the normal passport when traveling outside the Schengen area. Child passports applied for since January 1, 2021 are valid for a maximum of one year. Children’s passports issued before this remain valid.
the child identity card is valid for six years. However, before you travel, you should make sure that your child is clearly recognizable in the photo. Because changed facial features can invalidate the ID card.
If the child has changed a lot visually, they should the identification documents so renew. Here, too, there is an important difference: Because the children’s passport can be updated at any time with a new photo for only six euros. This is not possible with an ID card.
Child identity card:
- from birth (regularly from 16 years)
- Processing time: up to four weeks
- Cost: 22.80 euros
- Validity: max. six years
- Travel: Within EU and Schengen area
Child passport:
- from birth (up to a maximum of 12 years of age)
- Processing time: Issuance directly upon application
- Cost: 13 euros
- Validity: one year (extension possible at any time)
- Travel: worldwide (with few restrictions)
Children’s passport: how to apply for it
The children’s passport or children’s identity card will be issued by the responsible Registration office issued or renewed by appointment. The prerequisite is that the child has German citizenship. The application can then be made by the legal guardians, the child must be present.
In addition, a biometric passport photo, the child’s birth certificate and the ID documents must be presented to both parents. If only one parent comes to the appointment, the other parent must agree in writing in advance. There is a simple form for this on the websites of the registration offices. The same applies to the children’s identity card.
There are exceptions for single parent and permanently separated parents: In the case of sole custody, the consent of the second parent does not apply. However, sole custody must be proven. In the case of permanently separated parents, only the parent with whom the child has its main place of residence may apply for the ID card. (lro)
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