Question for Americans living in UK, passport renewal for children

[marykat2004]

I have to renew DD's US passport before we travel to the US for xmas. Unfortunately I missed the opportunity to do this over the holidays and now I will have to take her out of school to go to the embassy to get the passport.

We are in London, where most primary schools issue £100 per day fines for unauthorised absences.

Unlike UK passports, for the US passport, the child HAS to be present for the passport to be issued. The embassy is only open during the day, weekdays, school times.

Has anyone had to deal with this? Did you pay the fine for taking your child out of school for the day? Did you lie and say that child was sick? I am a totally rubbish liar and her school is really strict.

Thanks for any advice

Mary

[bigTillyMint]

I have never heard of people being fined anything for taking a child out of school for a day

Just lie and say she is ill - it's a valid reason even if you could have done it in the hols. Some people keep their DC's off when they just have a sniffle, or say they don't feel well (but could soldier on)

[LouIsAWeetbixKid]

I did the same as Leonie. No questions asked.

[marykat2004]

Thanks!

I really should have done it in the summer holidays.

M

[EldonAve]

I am in London and have never heard of fines
Just tell them you have an appt at the embassy

[wicked]

I have had to take DD out of school for a passport renewal. I just told the school that she had to attend the US Embassy. They didn't quibble with that.

[Tambajam]

I live in London, have a child at school in London and have taught in London for 9 years and have never heard of fines. I don't think that's even legal.
Going to the embassy for a passport is hardly getting a manicure!