Renewing childs passport

[auntiebertie]

Step son is 17, he is 18 in July, his passport (child version) expires in June.
If he renews it in June will they give him an adult one, or should he wait until he is officially 18 to renew it please?

Eagerly awaiting for your answer Chris Buenchico (sp) !

[Buenchico]

Hi, Auntiebertie!

As far as the Identity & Passport Service is concerned, your stepson has been an 'adult' since his 16th birthday.

Although the passport application will be treated as a 'first application' (for an adult passport), rather than as a 'renewal', your stepson will not have to attend an interview:

See here:
http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/apply-first.asp
and here:
http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/interviews-who. asp

Chris

[Andyvon]

Hi auntiebertie,

I recently renewed my step-daughter's passport. She's now 22 but she got her last passport when she was 11 and it ran out in 2003. I was worried about how difficult it was all going to be as her appearance has changed significantly and the PO clerk said she doesn't look the same person as the photos. I rang the Passport Office and explained the situation and they were very helpful. The man said we just needed to fill out the form as a renewal - not as a new passport - as they know people change from the age of 11 and they use common sense. We just ticked 'Renewal' and paid the extra �5 for the PO's checking service. The new passport arrived in the post just six days later - it was as simple as that.

If you have any concerns then have a chat with the Passport Office. However, I would suggest that you just apply for a renewal and send the old passport off. If it's refused you get your money back so you have nothing to lose. It's also a good idea to pay for the Post Office's checking service. Good luck.

[Andyvon]

Sorry, me again!

The Post Office Checking Service fee was �7 - not �5. It's well worth the money as the PO clerk checks the form and photos are OK and that everything is in order. They then give you a receipt and bear responsibility for the form so it's better than just posting it in your local post box.