The last thing anyone wants while traveling (whether for work or pleasure) is to get stranded because of unorganized documentation. If you’re concerned about your passport expiring and want to find out exactly what the rules are, you’ve come to the right place.
In addition to ensuring that your passport has not expired before you set off on your trip, you need to check that it won’t expire during your trip.
To do this, simply look for the expiration date on your passport and do a little bit of arithmetic. A UK passport is valid for ten years, including child passports. This means that if you got a child passport when you were twelve, you can still use it at age twenty-two.
Of course, you need to be especially careful that you are aware of the expiry month, because this is essentially your deadline for renewal. In fact, due to the amount of time it can take for your passport to be processed, you’re better off applying well in advance.
How to Renew Your Passport
You can renew your passport online or via a hardcopy form. It will cost £75.50 to renew online and £85 with the paper form. To renew your passport online all you need is a digital photo, a debit or credit card and your current passport.
These days, applying for a passport online is incredibly easy, with applications like Smartphone iD designed to help you take your own digital photo right from the comfort of your own home.
In Summary:
- Child passports are valid for 10 years (and can be used as an adult if they have not expired)
- Adult passports (age 16 and above) are valid for 10 years
- There are different processes for children than for adults
- You can renew your passport online for £75.50 or via hardcopy for £85
Finally, remember to check how long it will take for your passport to arrive, which you can do here.
