Getting a passport for your baby is super easy with this lazy 3-step method!

Since we planned to take Feibao to Okinawa at the end of the year, we definitely had to go through the passport application process. After some online research and preparation, I’ve summarized my experience into this lazy version. The reason for this approach is that both Afei and I are working professionals, and we live in Taoyuan. Taking time off to go all the way to Taipei for these errands just isn’t worth it.

1. Take Feibao for a photo shoot.
2. Go to the household registration office to confirm identity.
3. Hand over the documents to a travel agency—done!

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what documents you need to prepare?

I also did some online research, and many moms are super skilled—they can take the photos themselves and edit them with apps. But for me, that’s as hard as climbing Mount Everest. First, I’m all thumbs, and second, facing a 1-year-and-6-month-old Feibao who’s basically in little-monster mode, asking her to stand nicely against a wall and take a clear, well-lit, properly proportioned passport photo? That’s just torture.

Even though I’m really lazy, I did try taking the photos myself. Here are a few shots of my little monster’s passport photo attempts—you’ll see why Afei and I gave up on DIY.

In the end, Afei and I took Feibao to a photo studio and happily told the owner, “We need a passport photo, please.” (Recommended read:)

This part shouldn’t be too hard, but there are a few things to note:

If you’re using a household register, make sure it includes detailed records—the simplified version won’t work. It has to be the version that lists every family member in excruciating detail, like a history textbook.

If you don’t have a household register, you’ll need to reapply if it’s been more than three months.

These days, household registration offices are very user-friendly. As soon as you walk in, you’ll need to fill out an application form. You can print it yourself in advance (just remember to print double-sided on one sheet), or you can pick one up on-site (it’s free) and fill it out there.

Then, the staff at the household registration office are really nice—they helped me attach the photo and checked for any issues. The signature part on the back of the application form is...
(Recommended read:)

They also helped photocopy the ID card copy, so the household register and ID card copies I prepared weren’t even used. After the identity confirmation is done, they’ll stamp the application form with the household registration office’s seal—that’s it, identity confirmation complete!

Now for the final step: go to a travel agency to apply on your behalf. All you need to do is hand over the application form with identity confirmation completed, either the original household register or a household registration transcript (choose one), and the original ID card of Mom (or Dad). That’s it.

You might think 1,200 NT is expensive, but going to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Affairs Bureau will cost you 900 NT, and you can only apply during their business hours. Afei and I calculated that if we took time off to drive Feibao to Taipei, the time and other costs wouldn’t save us those 300 NT, so it’s more cost-effective to just go with the travel agency.

1. If you’re using a household registration transcript as your baby’s proof of identity, make sure it’s still valid within three months.
2. If you do the identity confirmation early at the household registration office, you need to complete the passport application within six months.
3. If you’re applying for yourself, make sure you have the necessary copies of your proof documents ready.
4. Some district household registration offices (not all) are still open on Saturday mornings—check with your local office for details.