Poland’s mObywatel digital application now allows parents to apply for passports for children under 12 and obtain second-parent consent online.
New Service Launched in mObywatel
As of today, a new service is available in the mObywatel app for parents. Users can now submit a passport application for a child or ward under the age of 12.
The application also facilitates obtaining consent from the second parent or guardian, all directly from a smartphone, eliminating the need for printed documents or in-person visits to an office.
Streamlined Process for Child Passports
“We are simplifying processes that were previously complicated,” stated Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Dariusz Standerski. “Today, a child’s passport can be obtained through mObywatel – without printing applications or waiting in lines.”
The application pre-populates much of the required information automatically, and obtaining consent from the second parent takes just a few clicks, exemplifying how modern public services should function.
Passport Details and Requirements
Passports for children under 12 are typically valid for five years. Obtaining a passport usually takes around 30 days and requires the consent of both parents or legal guardians.
The mObywatel app now offers new solutions for those seeking a quick and convenient process.
Application Flexibility
The child passport application within mObywatel is designed to accommodate various legal situations. Users can select between a standard or temporary passport and specify the desired pick-up location – either domestically or abroad.
Who Can Apply
Parents, guardians, or curators can submit the application. For parents, the app automatically retrieves data from the PESEL registry and displays a list of their children. For guardians or curators, the service provides a space to upload documentation verifying their guardianship.
Photo Submission
Users can upload a pre-existing passport photo or take a new one directly within the application.
Second Parent Consent via mObywatel
Obtaining consent from the second parent or guardian is essential for a child’s passport. This process is now simplified within mObywatel.
During the application process, users can select consent via mObywatel, allowing the other parent to confirm it through their own application.
Consent Procedure
The second parent selects “Complete a task,” then “Passport,” and “Passport Consent” within the mObywatel app. They indicate the type of passport and the child for whom consent is given.
Data for both parents and the child is retrieved from the PESEL registry. After verifying the information and agreeing to a declaration, the consent is signed with a trusted profile and submitted.
Managing Consents
mObywatel allows users to review their expressed consents and withdraw consent for a child’s passport if necessary.
Additional Attachments
The passport application includes a section for adding any required attachments, such as a notarized written consent or a court order regarding parental rights.
Fees, Signature, and Submission
Applicants must also include proof of passport fee payment, such as a bank transfer confirmation. Account numbers for transfers are available on the websites of relevant offices and consulates.
The final steps involve reviewing the data and signing the application with a trusted profile. Upon submission, users receive confirmation within the app.
Eligibility and Accessing the Service
These new services are available to users who have verified their identity with a valid document, such as mDowód, Temporary Protection Document, or Student ID card.
An active trusted profile and e-Delivery mailbox are also required.
Checking Passport Status
mObywatel also allows users to check the status of their passport application by entering the application number in the “Passport Pickup” service: https://info.mobywatel.gov.pl/uslugi/odbior-paszportu.
More information about the new services in mObywatel can be found here: https://info.mobywatel.gov.pl/aktualnosci/wniosek-o-paszport-dla-dziecka-do-12-roku-zycia-zgoda-drugiego-rodzica-na-ten-dokument-i-zarzadzanie-zgodami-az-3-nowosci-w-mobywatelu.
