Claiming child benefit for a overseas born UK citizen

[tascott]

My child was born abroad but has a british passport. When applying for child benefit, HMRC are asking to send my child's passport, which I'm not too comfortable to do as (i) we're travelling overseas in about a month and (ii) because they seem to return documents by untracked 2nd class mail and im worried about them losing the passport.

So my Q is: Do I really need to send her UK passport? As it is obviously not stamped or anything upon entry, so can't be used to prove my child's entry date. Or is there another reason they need the passport? I will be sending the overseas birth certificate and nhs registration letter to confirm address and dates

[secret.simon]

As it is obviously not stamped or anything upon entry, so can't be used to prove my child's entry date. Or is there another reason they need the passport?

To prove the child's citizenship or other basis/right to apply for benefits?

HMRC are asking to send my child's passport

HMRC or DWP? What benefits are you applying for?

[tascott]

As it is obviously not stamped or anything upon entry, so can't be used to prove my child's entry date. Or is there another reason they need the passport?

To prove the child's citizenship or other basis/right to apply for benefits?

That's what I'm not clear about. My wife and I are both naturalised British citizens if that matters, but they didn't ask for our passports or naturalisation certificates so it probably isn't that

HMRC are asking to send my child's passport

HMRC or DWP? What benefits are you applying for?

Child benefit comes from HMRC