Traveling with a child: how to make a passport and ID card in Poland?

We got through the hardest part, we took a picture of our behemoth! We can now apply for a proof or passport and the whole world is open to us :) What to choose and how to apply for a proof and/or passport?

In the post about how to take a photo for a child’s passport and ID card, we wrote that it’s a good idea to take this photo at home. Today a few words about the next step, that is, making a passport and/or proof.

It’s a good idea to think about this (especially the passport) as early as possible to avoid queues at the peak before the holiday season :)

Please note, the information in this post is updated, current as of December 2023.

What to choose, proof or passport?

We already wrote about this in a previous post.

Generally speaking, if you do not travel outside the European Union or the Schengen zone then you can safely just need a free proof (which you can also apply for online!). But on the other hand, you never know when some cool last minute abroad of our beautiful Union will happen, so it is better to be prepared ;)

How to apply for a child’s passport?

The application for a passport is submitted by both parents. Both of you have to appear at the office (you can be without your kid) or do it online, which is again possible just from 2023.

Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the father is unknown or the other parent does not have full rights. It is also possible to handle the subject by a proper declaration from one parent, but this must be handled by a notary, consular or passport office official. Here, however, we will focus on the situation when both parents/legal guardians go to the office.

Online:

What you will need:

1. Photo in electronic form. See: how to take a child’s photo for a passport “
2. Proof of payment for the document (this already depends on the office and in it you must check how it accepts fees).
3. If you have a Large Family Card this will also come in handy :)
4. Consent of the other parent: by submitting consent online or in person at the office. Alternatively, the option of notarized consent remains.
5. To apply online you need to have:
   1. trusted profile,
   2. or e-vidence,
   3. or qualified electronic signature.

You can complete all the paperwork on this website: https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/uzyskaj-paszport-dla-dziecka

Municipality office:

What you need:

1. Application for a passport – this one you will get at the passport point and fill out on the spot. Attention! Do not sign right away – this should be done only at the window under the watchful eye of an official.
2. One printed photo (color).
3. Confirmation of payment of the passport fee. The fee can usually be paid on the spot by card (you’ll have to ask your office for details).
4. If there is: passport or proof of child, Large Family Card.
5. Parents’ ID cards.

With these documents you go together to the window at the passport point, complete the formalities and receive confirmation of your application, on which there is a rather important number. It will allow you to check online if your passport is ready for collection (you can check here).

The passport should be ready within 30 days, but it’s a good idea to check online after just 2 weeks to see what the status is. Ours was ready after about 20 days.

How much does it cost to issue a passport for a child?

Issuing a passport for a child costs PLN 30, or PLN 15 when you have a large family card.

To pick up a passport, all you need is one of your parents with their ID.

How to apply for a proof for a child?

An application for a child’s ID can be submitted online or at the office.

Online:

Similar to the above, this is an option if you have a trusted profile, e-card or qualified electronic signature.

The process itself is trivial – just go to the government website and select the appropriate option. After logging in to the trusted profile, choose the municipality office where you will pick up the document, fill out the form, attach a photo, electronically sign, send and…. done :)

Now it remains to wait a maximum of 30 days.

Municipality office:

The whole family does not have to go to the office – one parent is enough, unless the child is over 5, in which case the young citizen must also show up.

What you need:

1. Identity document of the parent or legal guardian,
2. application for proof – unlike the application for a passport, here it is even recommended to prepare it at home,
3. a photo of the child (in color).

As with the passport, there is also a 30-day wait for the proof and you can also verify the status online(here). Collection of the document takes place at the same office, and you must appear for collection with an identity document.

As for the photo, the requirements for children are the same as for the passport, with the one difference that if you send an online form you simply attach one photo with a resolution of min. 492 x 610 pixels (must not weigh more than 2.5 MB).

The issuance of an ID card is free of charge.

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Summary

It turns out that official matters can be handled easily and quickly. All you need to do is read what you need and prepare to have a set of documents with you.

We were especially positively surprised by the way to apply for an ID card without leaving home!

See also how to take a child’s photo for passport and ID?