Renew Child Passport | First Time Child Passport
Applying for a British passport for a child under the age of 16 is a straight-forward process that can be done through the HM Passport Office. However there are a few different ways which require slightly different information and/or documentation to complete the application successfully.
Here are the different ways and important guidance you need to follow to both apply for a first time and renew a child's passport in 2023.
Renewing a child passport
Renew child passport online
In order renew a childs passport online you will need to create an online account with HM Passport Office. This will allow you to access the online application form and track the progress of your application.
Once you have created your online account, you will need to complete the online application form. This will require you to provide the childs personal information, date of birth, address, and other relevant information.
(!) You do not need to provide parents details if the child is just renewing a passport as HM Passport Office already has this information linked to the childs previous passport, the old time this information is required on the form is if this is a lost or stolen passport.
Once you complete the information you will be required to pay the application fee online with the credit or debit card, this is £49 for a child under 16.
Renew child passport by post
1) You can obtain a child passport application form from your nearest Post Office
2) You can order a passport renewal form to be posted to you by calling the passport office
Unfortunately you cannot download a passport form and print it off, for various reasons.
As part of the application:
You will also need to provide two passport-sized photographs of the child.
You will also need someone to countersign passport form and photos.
(!) When you obtain the form make sure to fill out all the necessary information accurately and completely, and watch out for mistakes on passport forms
Renew child passport via fast-track
HM Passport Office offers a Fast Track 1 Week Service to help make the process easier. This service allows you to apply for a child passport renewal in just one week. Here are the steps you need to take to book an urgent child passport.
Book an Appointment Online
The first step in applying for a child passport via the Fast Track 1 Week Service is to book an appointment online. You can do this by visiting the HM Passport Booking Service and selecting the "Book an Appointment" option. You will then be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and the child you are applying for. Once you have completed the form, you will be given a confirmation number and a date and time for your appointment.
Book an Appointment by Phone
If you prefer, you can also book an appointment by phone. To do this, you will need to call HM Passport Office. You will then be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and the child you are applying for. Once you have provided the necessary information, you will be given a confirmation number and a date and time for your appointment
(!) Important: you must still then follow the steps above under "Renew child passport by post" for the documents and forms you need to take with you.
First time child passport
First time child passport online
In order apply for a childs first passport online you will need to create an online account with HM Passport Office. This will allow you to access the online application form and track the progress of your application.
Once you have created your online account, you will need to complete the online application form. This will require you to provide the childs personal information, date of birth, address, and other relevant information.
As this is a first time application you will need to provide parents details on the form, this can include personal information, passport details and in some cases grandparents details are also needed, see for more information in regards to first time baby passports.
Once you complete the information you will be required to pay the application fee online with the credit or debit card, this is £49 for a child under 16.
First time child passport by post
You can obtain a child passport application form from your nearest Post Office, or you can order one to be sent to your by phone by calling the passport office, unfortunately you cannot download a passport form and print it off, for various reasons.
As this is a first time child passport you will also need to send off proof of the child's identity, such as a birth certificate, you will also need to provide two passport-sized photographs of the child
You will also need someone to countersign passport form and photos.
(!) Born abroad: If the child was not born in the UK proof of the child's British citizenship, such as a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode or a Naturalisation Certificate is also required., see for more information in regards to first time baby passports.
When you obtain the form make sure to fill out all the necessary information accurately and completely, and watch out for mistakes on passport forms.
First time child passport via fast-track
HM Passport Office also offers the one week Fast Track 1 Week Service for first time child passports, you can book this appointment in the following ways.
(!) Note: they do not offer this service for first time adults over the age of 15, so if your child has recently turned 16 and has never had a British passport, then they cannot use the fast-track services and must apply using the standard 6-8 week service.
Book an Appointment Online
The first step in applying for a child passport via the Fast Track 1 Week Service is to book an appointment online. You can do this by visiting the HM Passport Booking Service and selecting the "Book an Appointment" option. You will then be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and the child you are applying for. Once you have completed the form, you will be given a confirmation number and a date and time for your appointment.
Book an Appointment by Phone
If you prefer, you can also book an appointment by phone. To do this, you will need to call HM Passport Office. You will then be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and the child you are applying for. Once you have provided the necessary information, you will be given a confirmation number and a date and time for your appointment
(!) Important: you must still then follow the steps above under "First time child passport by post" for the documents and forms you need to take with you.
Important counter-signatory information in regards to child passport applications
1) It is always required for someone to counter-sign both the passport form and photos for a child application, regardless of if it is a new application or a renewal due to the age of the applicant and child protection regulations.
2) When choosing a counter-signatory for the childs passport, it is important to note that the individual must know of the child but they must have known the parent (who is applying on behalf of the child and who has signed the passport form) for 2 years and not the child. This point is often questioned by parent applying for children/infants under the age of 24 months.
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