Parental Consent for Passport Application forms for Children

At this time of year we frequently get calls from clients who are applying for their child’s passport and a problem arises where the ex-partner or spouse refuses to sign the parental consent on the application form.

If you are or were married to the other parent of your child, and the parent is still alive, or if you are a joint guardian of the child, both parents/guardians must sign the parental consent section of the passport application form.

If one parent refuses to sign the application form an application can be made to your local family law District Court to dispense with the non-signing spouses consent.

The situation is different if you are the sole guardian of the child. This can happen if you are the single mother and the father has not arranged to become a joint guardian. If the father’s name is on the child’s birth certificate and he is willing to sign, both of you can sign the parental consent section.

Alternatively, instead of the father signing the parental consent section, you will have to provide an Affidavit stating that you are the sole guardian.  You can get a copy of the affidavit here.

This should be completed in the presence of a Solicitor/Commissioner for Oaths. You will need to bring the child’s original birth certificate. The cost of completing this before a Solicitor/ Commissioner for Oaths is €12.