A child’s passport doesn’t last as long as an adult’s, so renewing it is something most parents in the UK will need to do more than once. Because children’s passports are valid for only five years, they can expire sooner than you expect — and an out-of-date passport can quickly derail a family holiday. This guide walks you through child passport renewal: what it costs, how long it takes, what documents you need, and the steps to apply without stress.
How long is a child’s passport valid?
A child passport in the UK is valid for five years. This is shorter than the ten-year adult passport, because children’s appearances change so much as they grow. Once a child turns 16, they move on to an adult passport with the longer validity period. It’s worth noting the expiry date as soon as you receive a new passport, because many countries require at least six months’ validity remaining on the day you travel.
How much does child passport renewal cost?
The current fees for a child passport are:
- £66.50 to apply online
- £80 to apply using a paper form from the Post Office
Applying online is therefore both cheaper and usually quicker. These fees apply to a standard child passport application or renewal. If you need the passport urgently, HM Passport Office offers faster paid services, which cost more — so the best way to save money is simply to renew in good time.
How long does a child passport renewal take?
Standard applications should be allowed plenty of time. HM Passport Office advises checking current processing times before you apply, as they vary through the year and tend to be longer during busy periods such as spring and early summer when families are preparing for holidays.
If you’re short on time, premium and fast-track options are available for an additional fee, but these have their own eligibility rules and are not always available for children. The safest approach is to check your child’s passport expiry date well before booking a trip and renew as early as possible. A key piece of official advice bears repeating: do not book travel until your child has a valid passport.
What you need for a child passport renewal
Before you start, gather the essentials:
- A digital photo. For an online application you’ll usually need a recent digital passport photo that meets the official rules — plain background, neutral expression and no hats or toys. Babies and young children have slightly relaxed rules.
- The child’s existing passport (if renewing) or birth certificate details.
- Parental details. You’ll need information about the child’s parents, including where and when they were born, to confirm the child’s claim to British citizenship.
- A form of payment for the fee.
- A countersignatory in some cases — for first applications or certain renewals, someone who knows you may need to confirm the child’s identity.
How to apply for a child passport renewal online
Renewing online is the most straightforward route:
- Go to the official passport service on gov.uk and start a child application.
- Enter the child’s details and upload a compliant digital photo.
- Provide parental information to confirm citizenship.
- Pay the £66.50 fee.
- Post the child’s old passport (and any supporting documents requested) to HM Passport Office using the instructions provided.
You’ll be able to track the application’s progress, and the new passport will be delivered once it’s ready. Never book non-refundable travel until it arrives.
Common reasons child passport applications are delayed
Most delays come down to avoidable errors. The biggest culprits are photos that don’t meet the rules, missing or inconsistent information about the parents, and applying too close to a travel date during peak season. Double-checking the photo, entering names exactly as they appear on official documents, and applying early are the three simplest ways to keep things on track.
Plan ahead and travel with confidence
Child passport renewal is a routine task, but it rewards forward planning. Remember that children’s passports last only five years, renewing online costs £66.50 and is cheaper than paper, and processing times stretch during holiday season. Check the expiry date today, renew in good time, and you’ll avoid the last-minute panic that catches so many families out. For the latest fees and processing times, always check the official gov.uk passport pages before you apply.
Related guides
For more clear, fact-checked guidance made for British readers, explore more from iBradome.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renew a child’s passport?
It costs £66.50 to apply online and £80 to apply using a paper form from the Post Office. Applying online is cheaper and usually faster, making it the better choice for most families.
How early should I renew my child’s passport?
As early as possible, and certainly before booking travel. Processing times vary and are often longer in spring and early summer. Remember that many countries require at least six months’ validity remaining, so don’t wait until the passport has expired.
Can I use my child’s old passport while the renewal is processed?
No. You’ll usually need to send the old passport to HM Passport Office as part of the application, and you should never book non-refundable travel until the new passport has arrived.
