Mistakes To Avoid When Making Or Renewing Passport For Children 18 Years Old and Below

It is the peak season for making or renewing passport now with the year-end school holidays just around the corner. This post is a reminder to parents on the mistakes to avoid when making or renewing passport for children 18 years old and below. If you avoid these mistakes, you can have a  renewed or new passport in your hands in a few hours. No stress of running around or extra waiting required.

Mistake No. 1

Not bringing your child's birth certificate. You will need to bring your child's birth certificate. This is required EVEN IF your child has an identification card. This is a common mistake many parents make.

Your child is over 12  years old and is an IC holder. You think that the IC is good enough as an identification document. However, you will also need their birth certificate IN ADDITION to the IC. Possible reason is as a parent, you need to sign their application forms and the only proof that you are the parent is the birth certificate. That makes sense right?

Note that the birth certificate is required EVEN IF you are making RENEWAL of your child's passport if they are 18 years and below. Again, this is a very common mistake. You may be thinking that after all this is a simple renewal so you may not need the birth certificate. Again, the birth certificate is the document of proof of your parent child relationship. You will need it.

This mistake will save you a lot of time going home to fetch your child's birth certificate or having to return another day to queue up to make or renew your child's passport.

Mistake No. 2 

Not making photocopies of the documents required ahead of time. When making or renewing passport for your children 18 years old and below, make sure you photocopy and bring along with you

1. Your child's birth certificate
2. Your child's IC (if any)
3. Your own IC 

Note: Check the link at the end of this article for documents required in special situations eg. divorced, deceased parent, children who are married, foreign spouse etc.

It is not really a big deal if you forget, you can still make photocopies on the spot at the photocopy station at 60 cents per copy. This is quite convenient for forgetful folks but if you would like to save a little bit of money, make sure you get your documents ready beforehand. (this is experienced at the time of writing this post at the Jabatan Imigresen Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kompleks Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN), No 69, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Off Jalan Duta, 50550, Kuala Lumpur)

Mistake No. 3

Not  bringing enough cash. You can always pay by credit card but it is always a good idea to bring enough cash just in case of system down time. This mistake can save you from having to run around looking for an ATM machine. The ATM machine of your bank may not be at the offices. Of course, it is okay if your card has MEPS, you just have to pay a little bit more but then ATM machines can also run out of cash. So be prepared, just in case.

Fee - RM200 if your child is 13-18 years old or RM100 for children 12 years old and below

Mistake No. 4

Arriving late. It is always good practice to arrive early for things like this. The earlier the better. You don't have to queue up at 4 am. Just arrive at opening hours is fine. Operational hours for Passport Office = Monday-Friday : 7.30 am - 5.30 pm / Friday Closed On : 12.15pm - 2.45pm (Visit the link at the end of this post for the full operational hours for all states in Malaysia. Some states open on weekends while states observing Friday and Saturday as weekend have different operating hours as well.)

Other Things You Should Know About

Clothing - You need to dress your child in dark coloured clothing for the photograph but this is not really an issue. A cute poncho to cover your kids clothing is available for young kids or jackets for older kids.

Hair - There is no need to tie  your child's hair. Just tuck long hair in behind the ears when taking photos. The officer will guide you on what to do.

Photo taking - Your child can smile while taking the photo, smile with mouth closed without teeth showing. According to the immigration website, children under 4 years old are encouraged to bring along two (2) pieces of photograph with white background measuring 35mm x 50mm

Forms - These days, you are not required to fill up any forms. All you need to do is affix your  thumb print and signature on pre prepared forms. Easy right?

Time - Making passport is a lot more painless and efficient these days. During a peak season, we managed to arrive at 7.30 am and leave with passport in hand by 11.30 am.

TIP - BRING A BOOK ALONG FOR BORED KIDS

Process 

1. Queue to get a number. You will be required to submit documents both photocopy AND original at this stage.
2. When your number is called, proceed to the counter to get your photo taken and affix thumb print and signature on pre prepared forms. No form filling required.
3. Your number will be called a second time to make payments
4. After paying, you may go for a meal and return to the immigration office an hour later to collect your passport. Proceed directly to collection counter to collect your passport.

Useful Links from the Malaysian Immigration Office Official Website

1. Applying for Malaysian International Passport - Fees and Documents Required
2. Operational Hours of Immigration Office at various states in Malaysia
3. List of Branches Address and Location

We hope this post helps parents apply for their child's passport in a painless and efficient manner with reduced waiting time. Enjoy your vacation!

Location Map for Jabatan Imigresen Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, No 69, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Off Jalan Duta, 50550, Kuala Lumpur