A passport is an essential identification document for traveling internationally despite the traveler’s age. The passport must satisfy the minimum validity requirements of your destination country, which means you have to renew it a few months before expiration. In Britain, an adult’s passport is valid for 10 years while minors under 16 are issued a child passport valid for 5 years. In this passage, we are going to talk about British child passport renewal, including required documents, cost, processing time, how to renew it, and other related issues,
What Documents Do I Need for A Child Passport
Supporting documents include proof of the identity and citizenship of the children and parents, which are listed below. All documents must be submitted in original form or certified replacement copies and photocopies are not acceptable. The passport office will send them back to you by normal post after processing your application. There is also an optional secure delivery service on your application form, which costs an extra £5.
- The child’s most recent UK passport.
- The child’s valid passport issued by another country (if applicable).
- Proof of custody, the child’s residency, or other court orders related to the child.
- Digital or printed passport photo.
How To Renew A Child’s British Passport
Currently, parents can renew child passport by submitting an electronic or paper application form. Please note that if your child has changed name or other personal information, you have to get a new passport for him/her instead of renewing the existing one. In this section, we will introduce how they work step by step.
Child Passport Renewal Online
This is the most convenient and efficient way. In this case, applicants don’t need to print out forms and photos or go to the bank to pay for the renewal fees. All these are done online through the following steps.
- Get a Digital Passport Photo
The photo must comply with the official guidelines, such as a plain light-coloured background, even lighting, position, fully visible face, and proper dressing. If you take a picture at the physical store or photo booth, they will provide a photo code for retrieving or a digital photo for uploading. If you shoot it at home with a digital camera, smartphone, or tablet, make sure it makes high-quality pictures. It is also recommended to use a professional online passport photo editor to help you make perfect digital shots.
- Submit Applications and Fulfill Payment Online.
Go to Gov.uk. Answer some questions and provide all necessary application information, such as details about the passport holder and the old passport. Parents renewing a child’s British passport must fill in the child’s particulars rather than their own. Finally, read the guidance carefully and learn about how to submit the supporting documents.
- Ask Someone to Confirm the Child’s Identity.
It is only required for children below 12 years old. He/she will receive an email from Her Majesty Passport Office (HMPO), so please let them know and follow the instructions in the email. The person must be a UK citizen living in the UK and aged at least 18 and have known the child for no less than 2 years. Family members, relatives, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) staff, or those who live together with the child cannot be the countersignatory.
- Track Application Status.
The HMPO will inform you of any updates by email or text. If you don’t receive it, just log in Gov.uk to track the progress.
Child Passport Renewal by Post
If you find it inconvenient to access online services, you can also mail the applications to HMPO.
- Complete Paper Application Form.
The form can be obtained by calling Passport Adviceline at 0300 222 0000 or visiting a Post Office with Passport Check and Send service. Parents need to finish sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9 of the form, and sign at the end. Children aged 12 and above must sign section 6.
- Find a Countersignatory.
When applying for children who are under 12 or who cannot be recognised from the photograph on the old passport, you should ask a “countersignatory” to confirm the child’s identity by writing “I certify that this is a true likeness of [title and full name of the child.”, signing and dating on the back of one photo. Moreover, he/she should fill out section 10 of the form.
- Send the Applications
If you get the application from the Passport Adviceline, it comes along with a pre-printed envelope. You can pack your form, 2 identical passport photos, and other supporting documents in it and mail it back to the HMPO. If you use the Post Office Passport Check and Send service, the employees will help you with the applications, thus reducing the risks of being rejected.
Do Both Parents Have to Sign A Child’s UK Passport
No. One parent or someone else with parental responsibility can sign the form, but both parents’ information is usually required at the time of application. Applicants aged 16 and above or reaching 16 in the next 3 weeks can sign the form on their own without their parent’s consent.
📢Read Also: Who Can Sign a UK Passport?
How Much to Renew a Child Passport
The total cost depends on whether you apply online or by post and the service you choose. Here is the price list.
| Service | Child passport renewal fees |
| Processing fees for online renewal | £53.50 |
| Processing fees for mail renewal | £64 |
| Security Delivery to send back supporting documents | £5 |
| Check and Send service at Post Office | £16 |
When renewing a child’s British passport online, it can be paid on the HMPO portal with a credit or debit card. When renewing a by mail, it can be paid with a credit card, debit card, cheque or postal order payable to “HM Passport Office”. When using the Post Office Passport Check and Send service, cash payment is also acceptable.
How Long Does It Take to Get Child Passport Renewal
The processing time usually takes 3 weeks. However, it is subject to the number of applications and where you apply from. Additionally, if you are asked for more information or to have an interview, it will take longer. It is suggested to spare 5-10 weeks to wait for the new passport and don’t book travel until you get it.
On the condition that you think it time-consuming to renew through standard service or are in an urgent need to travel, you can pay extra fees to get a passport quickly within one week.
Renew Child Passport Urgently in the UK
Through 1 week Fast Track service, you will receive the new passport 1 week after the appointment. A 34-page child passport costs £126, and a 50-page type costs £137.
To get a passport urgently, you must:
- choose where would you like your appointment and book an appointment.
- Complete a paper application form from a Post Office.
- Take the form, 2 printed photos and other required documents to attend the appointment.
📢Read Also: How to Book UK Passport Appointment Online
Can I Renew My Child’s British Passport Abroad?
Yes. Thanks to the online passport renewal service, UK nationals can renew their passports from anywhere in the world. To renew child passport outside the UK, you should go to GOV.UK. Check “No” for the question “Do you live in the UK?” and choose the country or territory you apply from. The following steps go the same as renewing a child’s British passport inside the UK. Remember to enter the details of the child who will get the passport.
Can I Get My Child’s British Passport Urgently Abroad?
No. The expedited renewal service is not available outside the UK. If your child’s passport has expired and you have to travel urgently, you can apply for an emergency travel document on behalf of them which is only used for one single or return journey. The application is done online.
- Go to GOV.UK and click on the “Start Now” button.
- Answer questions and provide information about you and your child. The traveling plan is required and your journey will be displayed on the emergency travel document, which means you can only travel through the listed countries to the destination whether you are taking a cruise, driving, or changing flights.
- Make an appointment for an interview for applicants under 16.
- The child must attend the interview at the local embassy or consulate with both parents or legal guardians. If either of you cannot show up, the absent parent/guardian must send a signed consent letter.
- Collect the document once it is approved. It is usually ready in 2 working days.
- If your travel plans are changed, a new emergency travel document is needed and you have to pay £100 again.
FAQ
Q: Can I get my child a passport renewal without the father?
A: Yes. If you have parental responsibility to the child, you can sign the application form and leave the field of father’s information blank.
Q: How long does a child’s passport last?
A: It is usually for 5 years.
Q: Who can sign a child’s passport?
A: Someone with parental responsibilities, countersignatory, and children aged above 12.
Q: At what age does a baby need a passport?
A: Babies of all ages must have a passport to travel abroad even if they are infants.
Q: Can I get a UK child passport renewal form online and print it out?
A: No, it can only be obtained through the Post Office or the Passport Adviceline.
Summary
International travelers holding an expired passport will be rejected to board, not to say entering a foreign country. It is important to bear in mind that your child’s passport validity period is shorter than yours. Therefore, it is necessary to check the expiry date and renew it as early as possible. The requirements for child passport renewal are less strict than for first-time applications. When renewing a child’s British passport in the UK, it can be done online or by post while it can only be renewed electronically outside the UK. The cost and processing time vary depending on the way of application. Remember to fill out the application form accurately and don’t mix up information about you or your children.
Erin Lo