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The application form

You need a specific application form for collective passports. See ‘The application form for collective passports’ for full details.

• The application form for collective passports

Nationality Questionnaire and Parental Consent Form

This form allows the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) to confirm the nationality of each child and to check that they are allowed to travel. You must include a fully completed form for every child.

There are two versions of the form:

• form CPNQ1 - for children born in the United Kingdom
• form CPNQ2 - for children born outside the United Kingdom

You should give each child a copy of the relevant form for their parents or carer to fill in and sign.

You can print copies of forms CPNQ1 and CPNQ2.

• Download 'CPNQ1 - for children born in the UK' (PDF, 36K) Opens new window

• Download 'CPNQ2 - for children born outside the UK' (PDF, 51K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Who can give parental consent?

If a child's parents are married

Either parent can sign the form.

If a child's parents are now divorced

Either parent can sign the form as long as they were married either:

• at the time of the child's birth (or, for those living in Scotland, when the mother became pregnant)
• at any time after the child's birth

However, if a court has made an order about parental responsibility or about the child having a passport, this affects who can sign the form. Any order like this must be sent with the application.

Note that a custody order or maintenance agreement for one parent does not mean the other parent loses parental responsibility.

If a child's parents are not and have never been married to each other

The mother can sign the form.

The father can only sign the form if he:

• has a parental responsibility order or agreement - this document must be sent with the application
• is named on the birth certificate (which must be sent with the application) and the birth was jointly registered after 15 April 2023 in Northern Ireland, 1 December 2023 in England and Wales, or 4 May 2023 in Scotland

IPS does not accept photocopied documents.

If the child lives with a legal guardian

The legal guardian can sign the form.

If the child lives with a foster carer

The foster carer can sign the form but IPS will also need a letter from the Social Services Unit Manager explaining the child’s circumstances. The letter should state under which section of the Children’s Act the child is in care.

If the child is cared for by social services

The social worker or care home manager can sign the form. However, IPS will also need a letter from the Social Services Unit Manager explaining the child’s circumstances. The letter should state under which section of the Children’s Act the child is in care.

Collective passport photo card

You need a collective passport photo card for each child or young person who plans to travel on the collective passport.

You can order these cards from the Durham Passport Office by email

or by calling the IPS Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000.

Each card must be filled in with the child’s details exactly as they appear on the application form. A recent passport-sized photograph should also be attached to each card.

The photographs:

• should be of a similar quality to standard passport photographs
• should not have been previously used on another document
• must not be laminated
• must not be photocopies

You can use individual school photos or digital photos for a collective passport as long as they meet IPS guidelines. You cannot use a school photo if it has ‘PROOF’ written across it.

The Group Leader should complete their own details and certify the cards by signing them before submitting the application form.

Each child must sign their card before travel.

Supporting letter

For each collective passport application (not for each person travelling), IPS needs a letter on official headed paper, confirming authorisation and consent to the trip. The letter must have an original signature (digital or photocopied signatures are not accepted).

If the group includes children from more than one organisation, IPS needs a supporting letter from each organisation. The link below shows an example of what should be in a supporting letter.

The Leader or Deputy Leader of the party cannot support the application.

• Download 'Example of a supporting letter' (PDF, 56K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Table showing who should sign/supply the supporting letter

If a group of children is going abroad to perform for any purpose (including taking part in sports or competitions), the supporting letter must say:

• all members of the party are amateurs
• they will not receive any payment

Next steps

If you are ready to apply, IPS recommends you read ‘Checklist including fees for collective passports’.

• Checklist including fees for collective passports

Useful contacts

• Foreign Office Travel Advice

• Identity and Passport Service (IPS)