Belgian Parents Warned: Apply for Kids-ID Now to Avoid Costly Summer Rush
With the summer holidays just weeks away, the Belgian Federal Public Service for Interior Affairs (FPS Interior) has issued an urgent reminder for parents: apply for your children’s Kids-ID documents now, or risk paying a hefty premium for last-minute processing. The warning, published on June 5, 2026, comes as authorities brace for the annual surge in applications that historically doubles in July compared to winter months.
What Is the Kids-ID and Who Needs It?
The Kids-ID is an electronic identity document for Belgian children under 12 years old. While it is not mandatory within Belgium itself, it becomes essential for any child under 12 traveling within the European Union. According to the FPS Interior’s official documentation, the card is valid for three years and serves as both an identity document and a travel document, featuring a contactless chip, two-dimensional barcode, and perforated photo for enhanced security.
The Cost of Waiting
Under normal circumstances, a Kids-ID costs approximately €10.80 and is delivered within two to three weeks. Applications must be made in person at the municipal office with the child present, and many municipalities require an appointment.
However, parents who delay face a stark financial penalty. In 2025, no fewer than 8,574 Kids-IDs were applied for via urgent procedures, of which 856 used the “super urgent” option—where the card is available the same day in Brussels. As Het Laatste Nieuws reported, a super urgent Kids-ID costs €149.40, excluding municipal taxes—roughly 15 times the standard fee.
The FPS Interior’s urgent procedure page outlines two tiers of emergency processing:
- Urgent (Day+1): If applied before 3 p.m., the card can be collected at the municipality by 2 p.m. the next working day.
- Super Urgent (Same Day): If applied before 3 p.m., the card is delivered to the central office in Brussels within 4.5 hours.
For families with multiple children, the costs multiply quickly. A family of three children needing super urgent processing could face fees exceeding €450 before municipal surcharges.
A System Gap: No Automatic Reminders
Unlike the electronic identity card (eID) for those aged 12 and older—where citizens automatically receive a renewal notice weeks before expiry—the Kids-ID system places the full responsibility on parents to remember. Since the card is not mandatory for domestic use, no automatic reminder is triggered.
Local governments across Belgium have stepped in to help bridge this gap. The municipality of Mol published its own reminder on April 30, urging residents to apply early. The city of Hamont-Achel followed suit on June 5, advising residents to check their travel documents and make timely appointments at the Burgerzaken (Civil Affairs) office.
What Parents Should Do Now
With Belgian schools closing for summer holidays around June 27–30, the window for standard processing is narrowing. Here is a practical checklist:
- Check your child’s Kids-ID — If your child already has one, verify the expiry date. The card is valid for three years.
- Apply now — Normal processing takes approximately two weeks, so applications submitted in early June should arrive in time.
- Book an appointment — Most municipalities require appointments for Kids-ID applications. The child must be present with at least one parent.
- Bring a passport photo — Some municipalities offer free digital photo services during the appointment.
The Bottom Line
The FPS Interior’s message is straightforward: those who check the validity of their travel documents in time avoid stress and extra costs. With over 8,500 families resorting to urgent procedures last year alone, the warning serves as a timely reminder that a little advance planning can save both money and hassle. As the summer exodus approaches, parents would do well to add “check the Kids-ID” to their holiday preparation list.