A passport application for a child in the UK often needs more than a form and a photo. Where someone else shares parental responsibility, or where only one parent is applying, the passport office may ask for written consent from the other person. A clear consent letter removes doubt, speeds up checks and shows that everyone with a say has agreed to the application.
The situations vary more than people expect. Sometimes parents live apart and one has day-to-day care. Sometimes a parent has died and the surviving parent needs to explain the paperwork. Sometimes a grandparent or guardian is helping a child apply, or a parent lives abroad and cannot sign in person. Each case needs slightly different wording, but the core ingredients stay the same: who is writing, who the child is, what is being consented to, and how the writer can be contacted.
This guide gives eight complete sample letters for different circumstances, plus practical advice on tone, supporting documents and when to seek professional help. Treat every sample as a starting point. Edit the bracketed fields, keep the facts accurate, and make sure the letter matches the evidence you send with the application. If a case involves court orders, disputed custody or unusual guardianship, speak to a qualified adviser before relying on a template.
What a consent letter needs to do
A consent letter is a short, signed statement from a person with parental responsibility confirming they agree to a child's passport application. It is not a legal document in itself, but it helps the passport office confirm that the application has the support of the people who matter. The letter should identify the child clearly, name the person applying, state the consent plainly and give contact details so the office can verify the letter if needed.
Keep the letter factual and calm. Avoid long stories about family conflict. A sentence or two of context is enough. Include the child's full name, date of birth and address, the writer's relationship to the child, and a clear statement such as 'I consent to the application for a British passport for my daughter'. Sign and date the letter, and add a phone number and email address.
Where possible, attach a copy of the writer's photo ID and proof of their relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate. If the writer lives abroad, a copy of their passport page can help. The passport office may still ask for further evidence, so keep copies of everything you send.
Sample 1: Parent living apart consenting to a child's first passport
This letter suits a common situation: parents are separated, the child lives mainly with one parent, and the other parent agrees to the passport application. The tone is cooperative and brief.
Use it when there is no court order restricting the child's travel and both parents are on good enough terms to sign paperwork.
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Date]
To: HM Passport Office
Re: Consent for passport application – [Child's full name]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am the father of [Child's full name], born on [date of birth]. I understand that [applying parent's full name] is applying for a British passport for our child.
I confirm that I consent to this passport application. I have no objection to the child travelling on the passport once it is issued. I am happy to be contacted if you need to verify this letter.
My contact details are:
Phone: [phone number]
Email: [email address]
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed full name]
Enclosed: copy of my passport photo page and a copy of [Child's full name]'s birth certificate.
Sample 2: Mother abroad consenting by letter
When a parent lives overseas, a letter is often the simplest way to record consent. Include the overseas address and, if possible, a copy of the parent's passport or residence document.
This sample assumes the parent can sign and date the letter but cannot attend an appointment in the UK.
[Your address abroad]
[Your phone number, including country code]
[Your email address]
[Date]
To: HM Passport Office
Re: Consent for passport application – [Child's full name], date of birth [date of birth]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am the mother of [Child's full name] and I live in [country]. I am writing to confirm that I consent to the application for a British passport for my child, which is being made by [applying parent's full name].
I have reviewed the application details and I support it fully. I can be contacted using the details below if you need to confirm my consent.
Phone: [phone number with country code]
Email: [email address]
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed full name]
Enclosed: copy of my passport photo page and a copy of my child's birth certificate.
Sample 3: Guardian or grandparent supporting an application
Sometimes a child lives with a grandparent or guardian rather than a parent. The letter should explain the writer's role and, where relevant, refer to any court order or formal arrangement without overloading the page.
Keep the explanation short and attach the supporting document that proves the arrangement.
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Date]
To: HM Passport Office
Re: Consent for passport application – [Child's full name]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am the grandmother of [Child's full name], born on [date of birth], and I have cared for the child since [year]. I understand that [applying adult's full name] is applying for a British passport for the child.
I confirm that I consent to this application and I support it. I am aware that the child will travel with [travelling adult's name] and I have no objection.
If you need to discuss this, please contact me on [phone number] or at [email address].
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed full name]
Enclosed: copy of the residence order or guardianship document, a copy of my photo ID and a copy of the child's birth certificate.
Sample 4: Consent from a parent with a different surname
Names change, and a parent's surname may differ from the child's. A short clarifying sentence prevents confusion and helps the passport office match the letter to the birth certificate.
This sample includes a line explaining the name difference and confirms the parent's identity.
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Date]
To: HM Passport Office
Re: Consent for passport application – [Child's full name]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am the mother of [Child's full name], born on [date of birth]. My surname is different from my child's surname because [brief reason, for example: I use my maiden name professionally]. I am the person named as the mother on the child's birth certificate.
I confirm that I consent to the application for a British passport for my child, which is being made by [applying parent's full name]. I have no objection to the application or to the child travelling on the passport.
Please contact me on [phone number] or [email address] if you need to verify this letter.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed full name]
Enclosed: copy of my passport photo page, a copy of the child's birth certificate and a copy of the document showing my name change, if applicable.
Sample 5: Short consent letter for a renewal
A renewal can feel simpler, but consent may still be requested where parental responsibility is shared. A short letter is often enough when the previous passport was issued with both parents' knowledge.
This sample is deliberately brief and works well when the family situation is straightforward.
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Date]
To: HM Passport Office
Re: Consent for renewal – [Child's full name]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am the father of [Child's full name], born on [date of birth]. I consent to the renewal of my child's British passport. The application is being made by [applying parent's full name].
I confirm that I have no objection to the renewal or to the child travelling on the new passport. I can be reached on [phone number] or [email address].
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed full name]
Enclosed: copy of my passport photo page and a copy of the child's birth certificate.
Sample 6: Consent where a parent has died
When one parent has died, the surviving parent may need to explain why the other parent cannot consent. A death certificate is usually the key document, and the letter should be factual and respectful.
This sample keeps the explanation brief and focuses on what the passport office needs to know.
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Date]
To: HM Passport Office
Re: Passport application – [Child's full name]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am the mother of [Child's full name], born on [date of birth]. I am applying for a British passport for my child. The child's father, [father's full name], died on [date of death]. A copy of the death certificate is enclosed.
As the surviving parent with parental responsibility, I confirm that I support this application. There is no other person whose consent is required. If you need any further information, please contact me on [phone number] or [email address].
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed full name]
Enclosed: copy of the death certificate, a copy of the child's birth certificate and a copy of my passport photo page.
Sample 7: Consent from a parent who cannot sign in person
Occasionally a parent is travelling, unwell or otherwise unable to sign in front of an official. A letter with a clear signature, date and contact details can still be useful, especially when accompanied by a copy of photo ID.
This sample includes a sentence explaining the circumstances without going into personal medical detail.
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Date]
To: HM Passport Office
Re: Consent for passport application – [Child's full name]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am the father of [Child's full name], born on [date of birth]. I understand that [applying parent's full name] is applying for a British passport for our child.
I confirm that I consent to the application. I am currently [brief reason, for example: working away from home] and cannot attend an appointment in person, but I am happy to verify this letter by phone or email.
Please contact me on [phone number] or [email address].
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed full name]
Enclosed: copy of my passport photo page and a copy of the child's birth certificate.
Sample 8: Consent letter from both parents on one page
Where both parents want to record consent together, a single letter with two signatures can be practical. It avoids sending two separate documents and makes the position clear at a glance.
Use this sample when both parents share parental responsibility and are cooperating on the application.
[Parent 1 address]
[Parent 1 phone number]
[Parent 1 email address]
[Parent 2 full name]
[Parent 2 address]
[Parent 2 phone number]
[Parent 2 email address]
[Date]
To: HM Passport Office
Re: Consent for passport application – [Child's full name], date of birth [date of birth]
Dear Sir or Madam,
We are the parents of [Child's full name] and we share parental responsibility. We confirm that we both consent to the application for a British passport for our child, which is being made by [applying parent's full name].
We have no objection to the application or to the child travelling on the passport once it is issued. We can be contacted using the details above if you need to verify this letter.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature of Parent 1]
[Printed name of Parent 1]
[Signature of Parent 2]
[Printed name of Parent 2]
Enclosed: copies of both parents' passport photo pages and a copy of the child's birth certificate.
Practical tips before you send
Match the letter to the application. Use the child's full name exactly as it appears on the birth certificate and the application form. If the applying parent's name differs from the birth certificate, explain the difference in one short sentence.
Sign and date the letter by hand where possible. A scanned copy is usually acceptable, but keep the original. Include a phone number and email address that someone actually checks. If the writer lives abroad, add the country code.
Send copies, not originals, of supporting documents unless you are asked otherwise. Keep a complete copy of the pack for your records. If the passport office asks for more information, respond promptly and keep the tone factual.
If there is a court order, a dispute about parental responsibility or any concern about a child being taken abroad without proper agreement, seek advice from a qualified family solicitor. A template letter cannot resolve legal conflict, and it should never be used to mislead.
Write the letter in plain English, keep it to one page where possible, and make sure every fact matches the documents you send. A calm, accurate letter is far more useful than a long explanation.
Before posting, check the child's name, date of birth, the writer's contact details and the signature. Keep a copy of the letter and all enclosures. If your circumstances are unusual, ask a qualified adviser before you rely on a sample.