How to apply for a child’s passport in Argentina: requirements for foreign parents

If you are a foreign parent settling in Argentina, there are specific requirements and processes to consider when applying for a passport for your child.

This guide provides comprehensive information on how to get a passport for a minor in Argentina, as well as tips on taking the perfect passport photo to simplify the process.

Table of contents

• Passport eligibility and requirements for children born in Argentina
• Who can apply for a child’s passport in Argentina
• Where to apply?
• Child passport application process step by step
• Documents required for an Argentine child passport application
• Argentine passport photo requirements
• Argentine Passport Photo Online Editor
• Argentine Passport Photo App
• Argentine passport fees for minors
• Argentine passport validity for minors
• Argentine passport processing time
• FAQ

Passport eligibility and requirements for children born in Argentina

Children born in Argentina typically qualify for an Argentine passport because they are considered citizens by birth under the jus soli principle, meaning "right of the soil". This citizenship is granted regardless of the nationality of their parents. To apply for a passport, an applicant needs to provide proof of birth within Argentina, appropriate identification, and parental consent for minors.

Argentina allows dual nationality, so children can hold passports from both Argentina and their parents' country of origin if applicable.

Who can apply for a child’s passport in Argentina

In Argentina, either parent with legal custody or an appointed legal guardian can apply for a child's passport. Usually, both parents should be present during the application. If one parent cannot attend, they must supply a notarized consent letter. Legal guardians can apply if they have been designated by a court or other legal authority.

Regardless of age, the child must be present at the appointment. In cases where custody is disputed, a court order may be required to determine who can apply for the passport.

Where to apply?

Child passport applications in Argentina can be submitted at official passport offices, known as Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAPER), which have branches in provincial and city civil registries and specialized governmental facilities nationwide. Additionally, applications can be submitted at "Centros de Documentación Rápida" (CDR) found in major cities. Scheduling an appointment online is necessary for these locations.

For Argentines residing abroad, passports can be applied for through the nearest Argentine consulate.

Child passport application process step by step

Here’s how to obtain an Argentine passport for a child of foreign parents:

1. Collect all necessary documents.
2. Book an appointment online at an official RENAPER center, Registro Civil, or a Centro de Documentación Rápida (CDR).
3. Attend the RENAPER child passport appointment and provide the required documents to the authorized representative. Both parents or guardians, as well as the child, need to be present on the appointment day.
4. Pay the official fee for the passport application.
5. The finished passport will be sent to your specified address or it can be picked up in person, as directed by the office during submission.

Documents required for an Argentine child passport application

To apply for a child's passport in Argentina for foreign parents, you will need the following:

• An Argentine birth certificate for the child.
• The child’s DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) or proof of an ongoing application for it.
• Valid identification for both parents or legal guardians.
• Two recent passport photos of the child, following official guidelines.
• If one parent is unavailable, a notarized consent and a copy of their ID are needed.
• If a guardian is applying, court-issued documents proving legal guardianship must be presented.
• Additional documents might be required for travel permits or special exit permissions, including a notarized authorization from the parents.
• For applications made at Argentine consulates abroad, you might need to legalize (apostille) documents not issued in Argentina, like birth certificates.

Argentine passport photo requirements

Here are the requirements for passport photos in Argentina:

• The photo must measure 4 cm x 4 cm (around 1.57 inches x 1.57 inches).
• It should be in color and have a plain white background.
• It must be a recent photo, taken in the last 6 months.
• The photo should show the applicant facing forward, with a neutral expression, mouth closed, and eyes open (except for children, where closed eyes are permissible).
• The face should take up 70-80% of the image, including the head and top of the shoulders, and be in sharp focus.
• Glasses and headgear are not allowed unless they are for religious or medical reasons, provided the face is clearly visible.
• Digital submissions should be in JPEG format, while physical photos must meet the specified size and quality standards, ensuring there are no shadows or reflections.
• For children included in a parent's passport, a separate photo should be affixed to the parent’s application form.

Here is a photo example:

Argentine Passport Photo Online Editor

For an easy way to get an Argentine passport photo that meets all official standards, try online tools like Visafoto.com. This service quickly converts your photo to fit all the necessary requirements. Visafoto has been specializing in creating photos for passports, visas, driver's licenses, and other documents globally since 2013.

How to start? Just take a photo in natural light and upload it to our tool below. You don’t need to worry about the format, background, size, or dimensions - our tool will handle all of that for you.

Here is an example of the type of photo you can upload:

You’ll receive a digital version suitable for online applications and a print-ready file. If you're unhappy with the outcome, we offer free replacements. Additionally, if the photo is rejected by authorities, you can get a full refund.

Argentine Passport Photo App

For those who like using their phone, consider the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app makes creating ID, passport, and visa photos simple with just your smartphone. It works on both iPhone and Android platforms.

You just need to upload your photo to the 7ID app, select the country and the document type. The app will automatically adjust your photo to comply with official guidelines, managing size, format, and background color, while ensuring your face and eye line are centered perfectly. You’ll get a digital file along with a print layout that fits common paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

Our technical support is available 24/7 if you have any questions.

Argentine passport fees for minors

The standard cost for a baby passport in Argentina is as follows:

• ARS 70,000 (approx. USD 49) for regular service;
• ARS 150,000 (about USD 105) for expedited processing;
• ARS 250,000 (approx. USD 175) for immediate service.

Argentine passport validity for minors

Passports issued to minors in Argentina are valid for five years from issuance. This limited validity ensures that the photos and personal information remain current for border and immigration checks.

Argentine passport processing time

In 2025, the standard time to process an Argentine passport is approximately 15 calendar days once the complete baby born in Argentina passport application is submitted at an official RENAPER or Registro Civil office.

For those needing faster service, express options are available:

• Express processing has a turnaround of 96 hours (four days) for an extra fee.
• Some airports offer an instant passport service, with delivery in as little as 15 minutes to six hours. This service is more expensive and is only available to travellers within Argentina.

FAQ

Can I apply for my child’s passport immediately after birth?

Yes, you can start the process to get your newborn's passport in Argentina soon after birth. The first step involves obtaining the child’s birth certificate, which is typically issued within 24 to 72 hours post-birth, depending on the hospital. With the birth certificate in hand, parents can then apply for the child's DNI (National Identity Document), which is necessary before applying for the passport.

Do both parents need to be present?

Generally, both parents should be present when applying for their child's passport in Argentina. If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized consent letter along with a copy of their ID. This consent must be officially certified to be valid. In cases where legal guardians are applying, they must provide proof of guardianship or judicial authorization.

What happens if the parents are divorced or separated?

In situations where the parents are divorced or separated, both parents' consent is typically still required for the child's passport application. The parent applying must have a written, notarized consent from the other parent, unless a court order has granted sole custody or exclusive rights to one parent. This court order, if applicable, must be presented to prove that only one parent is authorized to handle the passport application.

Does the process differ for foreign parents?

Yes, the process can differ. You must ensure your child, born in Argentina to foreign parents, has an Argentine DNI in order to apply for a passport. Foreign parents must provide the child's birth certificate and proof of their own identity and legal status. Additionally, any documents from outside Argentina might need to be apostilled and translated into Spanish. While the passport application follows similar procedures, additional documentation may be required to establish the child's nationality and parental authority for foreign nationals.

Can the passport be sent abroad if the family is not in Argentina?

Yes, it is possible to apply for and process Argentine passports abroad through Argentine consulates. Once processed, the passport is printed in Argentina and then sent to the relevant consulate. The entire process typically takes between 30 to 90 days. Once the passport arrives at the consulate, it can be picked up in person, collected by a person authorized with written consent, or mailed if the applicant provides a prepaid envelope and authorization.

Is it possible to renew the child’s passport before it expires?

Yes, you can renew a child's passport up to one month before its expiry date, or if there have been changes to their appearance, if the passport is damaged, or if it has run out of blank pages.

Can my child travel abroad using only the DNI?

No, a child cannot use just their DNI for international travel. The DNI is a national identity card and is valid for travel only within Mercosur member countries and some associated states, like Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. A valid passport is necessary for travel beyond these countries.

How long is a child’s passport valid?

A child's passport issued in Argentina is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.