Applying for a Passport

As the sun starts to sneak out from behind the clouds a little more frequently and the temperatures start to creep upwards, many people turn their mind to summer holidays and begin cruising the internet in search of the best deals.  But many people forget one crucial element of their trip until the last minute and then panic sets in – their passport.

Children’s passports

Children need a passport to travel just as adults so and as long as they are under 16 and you have parental responsibility for them, you call apply on their behalf.  These passports take around three weeks to issue and require supporting documents such as birth certificates and that of one of the parents as well as two photos of the child, countersigned. 

Getting a first adult passport

When a person turns 16, they are eligible for their first adult passport and many parents buy it for their kids as part of their birthday presents, particularly if they plan to travel in the coming year.  In fact, it can be made into something a bit more fun than a simple legal document with the range of personalised passport holders now available. 

It takes around 6 weeks to get a first adult passport, so ensure there is enough time before the trip.  The standard 32-page passport currently costs £72.50 when applied for online or £82.25 when applied for using the passport check service through the Post Office.  There are supporting documents needed such as birth certificate and, if born after January 1983, a copy of a parent’s birth certificate or their passport.

Two photos are still needed that are identical and have been counter signed by someone to prove your identify – there is exact details online about who can sign.  If you are applying online, these will all be sent with the forms you fill in then print off.

Renewing an adult passport

If you already have a passport but it is out of date, you can renew it and the charges are the same as for a new passport.  It normally takes around three weeks to issue a renewal passport and can be applied for online or using the Post Office service.   Two new photos will need to be provided, again countersigned by someone applicable.

If you have changed your name then you will also need to provide the documents to support this, such as marriage certificate.

Passport Check and Send service

If you aren’t very confident completing the online application form or want the documents to be checked, you can use a service through the Post Office called the Passport Check and Send service.  This is offered in many Post Offices around the country and involves taking all of the documentation and photos to the shop to be checked.  You pay the applicable fees to the Post Office and they send the application to the Passport Office.  It is normally faster than posting it yourself and should eliminate returns for incorrect filling in of the forms.  Currently the fees for using this service mean that a standard 32-page passport will cost £82.25 and a child’s passport will cost £55.75.