Using child’s current unexpired passport while waiting for new one?

[Faveusernamewastaken]

Just that! My son’s passport doesn’t expire until November. We need to renew before a holiday in August to have the right amount of time left on it to travel to that country, but he has a school trip in six weeks. If the renewed one isn’t back in time for his school trip can he still use his current unexpired one? I can’t find the answer online. Thank you!

No, you’ll need to post it to the passport office as soon as you’ve done the online application.

No, they won't send the new one until they receive the old one back

Gagh. Thanks!