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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To renew passport when I won't be using it?

22 replies

WrendaleCountryDogs · 31/01/2023 13:05

My passport runs out this year. Due to health issues, I won't be going abroad for the next 5 years at least.
Should I renew my passport anyway?
Other than my driving license, my passport is only form of ID. Does it need to be in date to be able to use as ID?

YANBU - renew it
YABU - don't renew it

OP posts:
Youcangoyourownwayyyy · 31/01/2023 13:07

It’s still valid as a right to work in the uk even if it’s expired so I wouldn’t bother renewing it

if suddenly you need it, renew it then

TeapotCollection · 31/01/2023 13:08

Can’t answer your question but seeing as you have a driving licence I wouldn’t pay to renew a passport in your situation

Cherry8809 · 31/01/2023 13:08

I’d renew it.
I know you said you won’t be using it for 5 years, but you never know when something might come up that warrants you having it.

Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it IMHO

StuckWhereIAm · 31/01/2023 13:14

I would renew it. Had a similar situation last year, when I thought I had no travel plans, but renewed it anyway. Then I got invited on a short break to a European city and would not have been able to go had I not renewed when I thought there was no point.

Also - before I renewed, I was asked to sign a passport application for a neighbour's son. As mine was out of date at the time, I wasn't accepted as valid ID, so regarding your question about using it for ID - you might want to make sure it's valid in the event you do need it for something.

SinnerBoy · 31/01/2023 13:15

Cherry8809 · Today 13:08

I know you said you won’t be using it for 5 years, but you never know when something might come up that warrants you having it. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it IMHO

Yes, I agree entirely. It's also useful identification in other circumstances.

CanofCant · 31/01/2023 13:16

If I could afford to renew mine I would. It's definitely something worth having just in case.

MsRinky · 31/01/2023 13:18

Price goes up on Feb 2nd, so do it now if you're going to...

megletthesecond · 31/01/2023 13:20

Yanbu. Me and the DC's have valid passports even though we're never likely to use them.

pishkashante · 31/01/2023 13:20

Mine expires in June but I have plans to go away until the summer.

I want to wait and get it then, as I'm on a weight loss trajectory and want to have a passport picture where I'm slimmer Grin

Also remember passport prices are going up from 2 Feb, so get in there quick if you are renewing.

pishkashante · 31/01/2023 13:21

*NO plans to go away

SleepyRich · 31/01/2023 13:22

^ Was just going to say they're about to bump the price so if you're going to get one now's the time! Although I suppose if you're certain you wouldn't use it over the next year or two then it could be better value to wait and renew in a year or so if you change your mind about travel.

SongforWhoever · 31/01/2023 13:22

I don't think a passport is necessary as ID if you have a driving licence.

crosspusscrossstitcher · 31/01/2023 13:23

@WrendaleCountryDogs do it ASAP as the price is going up on 2nd Feb.
I did mine last week - I only have it for ID.

Ponderingwindow · 31/01/2023 13:24

I like to keep a valid passport just in case. Unless the fee is just too expensive, the reassurance that it is there on a whim is or if the world goes to chaos.

SleeplessInEngland · 31/01/2023 13:25

What a strange AIBU. Why would renewing it be unreasonable?

JacquotteDelahaye · 31/01/2023 13:30

If you have a driving licence I wouldn't bother myself, you normally only need one form of photo id.
I will tell you though I did once try to open a bank account with a passport as my photo ID that was 6 months out of date, with a number of banks (no driving licence at the time) but they wouldn't let me.

Oblomov22 · 31/01/2023 13:31

I would. Always. I think it's good to have it as a form of ID in date, aswell as your driving licence.

pishkashante · 31/01/2023 13:31

SleeplessInEngland · 31/01/2023 13:25

What a strange AIBU. Why would renewing it be unreasonable?

It's not a strange AIBU at all, as she doesn't need it to travel.

Honeyroar · 31/01/2023 13:34

I’ve had to provide both my driving license and my passport for identification for a few things this year (CRB check for example). If you can afford to, I’d keep it.

Lobelia123 · 31/01/2023 13:34

I have zero travel plans for work or for pleasure at the moment, or even for the foreseeable future (next two to three years or longer). Nonetheless, I recently renewed mine, partly because it feels like life admin - just like you should have a valid will, current drivers licence etc I feel you should have an open passport, ready to use at any time. And also as a gesture of faith to theuniverse - you never know what delightful and wonderful things may crop up and you may suddenly need it....whether for a treatment overseas, or if you unexpectedly and happily recover your health a bit sooner than anticipated.

jcyclops · 31/01/2023 13:37

A passport can be renewed up to 5 years after expiry. After 5 years you must follow the procedure for a new passport which is more involved.

Assuming you are British, as you have a driving licence I would not renew on expiry as I don't see the need. Renewals don't take long, especially online, and you could get one quickly if you need one. I would renew before the 5-year limit if you think you will ever need one again.

Aphrathestorm · 31/01/2023 13:42

Mine lapsed for a few years.

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