International travel necessitates quite a few official documents, among which one of the most important is a valid passport. We all have experienced the complex procedures of applying for or renewing our passports. In this process, a compliant passport signature is a crucial but often overlooked aspect. Many wonder whether it is mandatory to sign their passport and passport cards, and many are busy searching for the official requirements.
Don’t worry, this comprehensive guide will save you trouble by looking at passport signature specifications in four major countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and India. We will explore when and how to sign your passport and update the signature. This guide will surely give you a smooth experience before your overseas journey!
Do I Have to Sign My Passport? How?
To begin with, we need to figure out whether it is mandatory to sign your passport to the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and India. The answer is YES. Passports of the four countries are invalid without the holder’s signature. But signing a passport is not as simple as jotting down your name. You may now wonder whether you need to include your middle name, and what types of pens and ink colors to use. We will dig into these aspects one by one:
United States
In a US passport, you must sign a line under the “signature of bearer” on the page opposite your photo page. You can only do this with black or blue ink, and pencils or other ink colors are not allowed. You are advised to use non-ballpoint pens to avoid damaging the passport paper. As the passport verifies your identification, you must sign the name you use every day—signing you first and last name is a must, while the inclusion of your middle name is not mandatory. No matter what you sign, you must make it clear and readable and maintain the style in which you sign other official documents.
Once you receive your passport and make sure all your personal details are correct, you can immediately sign in the designated place. If you spot any mistakes, apply for a new passport. Ensure the ink has dried before you close the passport. After signing, you should fill out the rest information like your address and phone number on page 7. As this information may change from time to time, you should write them with a pencil.
United Kingdom
Open your UK passport, find the “holder’s signature” line on the page that shows your personal details including your name and date of birth, and that’s where you should sign. You should use a black ballpoint pen to do this. If your existing passport has a digital signature, it will remain valid and you don’t have to change it until the expiry date. As for the inclusion of the middle name, the key rule of signature is consistency across all your official documents, so if you normally include your middle name in your signature, do so in the passport; if not, leave it out. Maintain the style in which you sign other documents. You should complete the signing as soon as you receive your passport.
*You don’t need to sign if you cannot sign due to a disability.
Australia
Similar to the American and British cases, one should sign in the designated “Holder’s signature” space in the Australian passport and should at least include the first name and family name. Only black ink is permitted in the passport signature. Keep your signature style as you sign other official documents.
India
You will need to sign two times in an Indian passport. The first signature is in the box below your photograph on page 1, and the second in the box at the bottom of page 4. Keep your signature (including the style) consistent across all your official documents. If you cannot sign, you must affix your thumb impressions (right thumb for female applicants and left thumb for male applicants) in the boxes designated for signature.
Signing Children’s Passports
Signing children’s passports brings another set of challenges. To guarantee a smooth journey for your little ones, this section will delve into the nuances of the official requirements of the four countries.
United States
For a child’s US passport, if the child is able to sign the passport, he can do it by himself. If he is unable to do so and is under 16 years old, a parent should print the child’s full name on the signature line, and sign the parent’s name next to it. In addition, the parent should note the relationship with the child (e.g., mother, father, or guardian).
United Kingdom
Children under 11 years old have no need to sign their passports. Those aged between 11 and 17 years old should sign their passports if they are able to do so. Otherwise, they don’t need to sign either. Parents do not sign a child’s UK passport on his behalf.
Australia
When it comes to Australian passports, passport signature is optional for children under 10 years old. Children aged 10 and above have to sign section 16 of the application form (section 18 if overseas), unless they are not able to do this because of medical issues, and the signature will appear on their passports.
India
For Indian passports, parents are not allowed to sign on behalf of their children. They should instead affix the child’s thumb impression in the space designated for signature if the child cannot sign independently.
When to Update Passport Signature
The passport signature is such an important verification of your identification that you need to pay attention to when to update it to ensure your seamless travel. Rules in different countries are highly similar:
Signature Mismatch
You should update your passport signature if it has significantly changed since your last passport renewal. Otherwise, a signature mismatch may cause trouble in your international travel. If you do need to change your signature for this reason, legal proof of your new signature (e.g., copy of residence card, driver’s license, federal or state-issued ID, or another passport) is required.
Children’s Signature
When signing passports, some children do it by themselves, whose handwriting may change drastically as time passes, and some ask their parents or guardians to sign on their behalf. As children grow older, it is necessary to update the passport with their own latest signature.
Name Change
If you legally change your name, you must apply for a passport name change and update your signature.
Signature Page Damage
If the signature page of your passport gets damaged and your signature thus becomes illegible, you need to apply for a new passport with your current signature.
Signature Mistakes
If you only make a minor mistake when signing the passport, you can just leave it as it is. If there is a major mistake that makes your signature hard to identify or damages the signature page, you will need to replace the passport and update your signature.
How to Update Passport Signature
No matter whether you need to update your passport signature in what country, you will need to reapply or renew your passport. This section will give an overview of the renewal procedures in the four countries.
United States
As the online renewal services have been suspended by the US authorities, you can now renew a US passport by mail or in person.
Required Documents
- Renewal application form: Form DS-82 (renewal by mail) or Form DS-11 (renewal in person);
- Name change documents (if necessary);
- Your current passport (in good condition);
- A passport photo (check the official guidelines);
- Your current ID (renewal in person).
Renewal by Mail
Step 1: Select a sufficiently sized envelope to fit the application without folding it. Both USPS Priority Mail Express® and Priority Mail® services provide free envelopes large enough to hold your application.
Step 2: Ensure you enclose your renewal application form, all required documents, your current passport, a passport photo, and the correct payment (you can determine this via the official fee calculator).
Step 3: Direct the envelope to the correct address for your state, which you can find on the second page of your application form, and mail it.
Renewal in Person
Step 1: Visit the appropriate passport acceptance facility with all the required documents. As most facilities have set hours, it is advisable that you schedule an appointment.
Step 2: Pay passport acceptance and processing charges.
After the application, you can request a status update by calling 1-877-487-2778 or visiting the Department’s website 7 to 10 business days later.
United Kingdom
You can renew a UK passport online or by using a paper application form.
Supporting Documents
- Your current passport;
- Any valid passports you have from a different country. You should send the physical passport or a color photocopy of every page (including blank ones).
- A digital passport photo (online renewal) or 2 identical printed passport photos (renewal using a paper form)
Online Renewal
You can apply for passport renewal on the UK Government’s official website. The service charges £82.50 and requires:
- A credit or debit card;
- Your passport.
Renewal Using a Paper Form
The paper application form is available at:
- A Post Office that has a Check and Send service;
- The Passport Adviceline.
You can pay the £93 renewal fee by:
- Debit or credit card—fill in the form in the application pack;
- Cheque—made payable to HM Passport Office.
Australia
Criteria
You are able to renew your Australian passport online if you meet all the following criteria:
- Your passport was issued when you were aged 16 or above;
- Your passport was issued after 1 January 2006;
- Your passport had at least 2 years of validity when it was issued;
- Your passport bears your current name, date of birth, place of birth, and gender;
- Your passport has not been reported lost, stolen, or canceled.
Or, you can call 131 232 to get a pre-filled form sent to you, which is not available at Australia Post.
Required Materials
- Evidence of your Australian citizenship;
- A document confirming your birthplace and gender;
- Identity documents that show your photo, signature, and current residential address;
- Proof of your name change or gender change (if necessary);
- Two passport-sized photos.
If you don’t meet the criteria, you have to apply for a new passport following the official guidelines.
India
You can renew your Indian passport in 4 steps, involving both online and offline procedures.
Step 1: Register yourself at Passport Seva Website. You should choose the passport office near your current residential address, and fill out information including your name, date of birth, email, etc.
Step 2: You should fill out the online application form. You can either download and print out the form to fill it in offline, or directly complete it at the website. The two options work out the same.
Step 3: You will have to make an appointment to get your documents checked out at a passport office.
Step 4: Pay for the renewal application. You can either pay online or pay with a challan. Then print out and keep the payment receipt for the offline appointment.
Required Documents
The application form printed out with the Application Reference Number (ARN);
Your current passport;
Proof of address as a utility bill: water, telephone, electricity bills, etc. The bill should show statements for at least 2 months, one from the current year and one from the previous year;
Two proofs of gas connections from the previous months (if you submit a utility gas bill);
Ration Card with address;
Bank Statement for 1 year, and the passbook of a bank account with the address on it;
Aadhar card, Voter ID, or another national identity card;
Name change proofs such as an extra photocopy of your marriage certificate (if necessary).
Wrap up
The signature is a pivotal part of your passport. As this guide gathers necessary information on procedures of signing passports of adults and children, and when and how to update a passport signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and India, you must have found the solution to your specific situation. Now, go make a compliant signature and start your wonderful journey across the globe!
Dolores Xiao