can i still apply for a childs passport

[lottie93]

im 16 in july next year but my passport runs out in march. is there any chance of applying for a childs passport so i can fast track it and get it in 4 weeks?

[dzug]

Yes you can still apply for a child's passport. Infact you must. They will only issue an adult passport to an under 16 if they are likely to turn 16 before it is issued.

But you WILL be able to fast track your adult passport if you want, at the appropriate time. The interview for adults is for those who have had no passport at all before. You don't get one if you are renewing a child passport as an adult one.

[Buenchico]

The postal service, for renewing a child's passport, is meant to take a maximum of 3 weeks but that's not guaranteed. (The cost is �46).

If you use the Post Office 'Check & Send' service, the maximum processing time is meant to be 2 weeks, but again it's not guaranteed. (The cost is �46 + a �7 fee to the Post Office).

If you attend a Passport Office in person, you've got a choice of two services. You can either pay �81 for the 'Fast Track' one week service (which is guaranteed) or you can pay �94 to get your new passport on the same day (with just a 4 hour wait).

A child passport issued in October 2008 continues to be valid until October 2013, even when the holder becomes an adult. Additionally, any unexpired period of an existing passport (up to a maximum of 9 months) is added to the validity of a new one. So your passport would actually expire in March 2014.

There's a 24-hour official Passport Adviceline which can provide you with further information (and book an appointment for you at your nearest passport office):
0300 222 0000

Chris

[lottie93]

thank you chris that helps xxx

[munchie63]

you need to apply for a child passport as you're under 16 at the moment.
it's also right that you can get up to 9months carried from your current passport to your new one.

using the post office check and send it should be back in 2 weeks

when you go for your first ADULT passport though it IS likely you'll be interviewed.
Even though you've had kids ones, as it's your 1st adult one, you run the risk of being called in.
dzug - they were calling in a random number of 1st time applicants, but that numbers increased, and the intention is to call in ALL applicants for 1st adult ppts, even if they've had a kids one.
I work in the PO and thats our info from the passport office - tell all those applying for a 1st adult one to allow 6 weeks, and be prepared for an interview.