At a glance
Traveling abroad with children under 12? Don't forget their identity card, the "Kids-ID".
Planning a family vacation abroad? Before booking your excursions or packing your bags, make sure your children have the right identity documents. For Belgian children under 12, the Kids-ID is often the simplest solution for traveling in Europe beyond our borders.
But what exactly is a Kids-ID? Is it mandatory? How do you get one? Here's everything you need to know before your next trip.
What Is the Kids-ID?
The Kids-ID is the electronic identity card for Belgian children under 12. It contains the child's official data and can be used to prove their identity.
This card was specially designed for minors and also serves as a travel document in countries that accept the Belgian identity card as a valid travel document.
The Kids-ID is valid for three years. It's therefore important to check its expiry date before each trip.
Is the Kids-ID Mandatory?
In Belgium, the Kids-ID is not mandatory for children under 12. Parents must apply for it themselves at their local municipality (commune).
However, it becomes practically essential as soon as a child needs to travel abroad. Children under 12 must indeed have an official identity document to cross borders: either a Kids-ID or a passport, depending on the destination.
Why Apply for a Kids-ID?
- Travel more easily in Europe
The Kids-ID allows children to travel within the European Union and in several other countries that recognize this document.
For many European destinations, it avoids the need to apply for a passport, which simplifies administrative procedures.
- Prove your child's identity
Even outside of travel, the Kids-ID serves as official proof of your child's identity. It can be useful for certain administrative procedures or in situations where the child needs to be identified.
- Benefit from the "Allo Parents" service
The Kids-ID can be linked to the Allo Parents service. An emergency number appears on the card, allowing anyone who finds a lost child to quickly contact their parents or a relative.
It's a reassuring feature during vacations, excursions, or crowded events.
How Do You Get a Kids-ID?
The application must be made at the Population Department of your municipality.
To submit the application, you must:
- hold parental authority over the child;
- go to the municipal office with the child;
- provide a recent passport-style photo of the child.
The exact procedure may vary slightly from one municipality to another. It's therefore advisable to check your local municipal administration's website before making an appointment.
How Much Does a Kids-ID Cost?
The base price set at the federal level is €6.60, to which a municipal fee may be added depending on where you apply. For urgent requests, significant additional fees may apply.
When Should You Apply?
Don't leave it until the last minute. The standard issuing time is about three weeks.
If you realize just a few days before departure that your child doesn't have a valid travel document, you'll have to use a much more expensive emergency procedure.
Our advice: check the whole family's documents several months before your vacation.
Is the Kids-ID Enough for All Destinations?
No. Not all countries accept the Kids-ID as a travel document. Some destinations require a passport, or even a visa.
Furthermore, when a child travels alone, with only one parent, or with a third party, some countries may require parental authorization. To do this, draw up a document stating the parent(s)' consent, then go in person with your identity card and the unsigned document to the Population Department of your municipal administration. The municipality will authenticate your signature. If in doubt, contact your municipal administration beforehand.
Before every trip, it's therefore essential to check the entry requirements of the destination country on the website of the Belgian Federal Foreign Affairs Department (SPF/FOD Buitenlandse Zaken).
Before You Leave: Your Checklist
Before your next vacation, make sure that:
- your child has a valid Kids-ID or passport;
- the photo still looks like your child;
- the document hasn't expired;
- you have parental authorization if needed;
- you've checked the specific requirements for your destination at https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en
FAQ About the Kids-ID
The Kids-ID can be issued to Belgian children under 12. From age 12, each child gets their own identity card.
