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Original poster

Urgent!! Sons passport has run out, flying next weekend!

26 replies

tooearlytobeup · 02/06/2012 21:23

Please help, I'm in a total panic. My son is meant to be going on holiday with grandparents on Friday, and I've just realised his passport has expired.

It's totally my fault, I must have misread the date when I checked it.

Passport site says Premium service is not available for a child. Does anyone know if there is any chance of a 7 day renewal coming in time? Can the passport office do anything if I phone and beg?

We can go to the office and wait for it, but is there any chance of this being agreed?

Please can someone give me some hope? I'm afraid to tell my son and my mother is obviously furious. I'm currently sitting here in tears and panicing.

OP posts:
bonzo77 · 02/06/2012 21:28

i'm pretty sure that you can do it in person, you need an appointment, and to go with all the appropriate forms and photos signed. A friend did it for his baby the day before they travelled. You might have to travel for an appointment if your local office doesn't have anything.

BlingBubbles · 02/06/2012 21:29

Oh no, i am not sure where you are located but my DH needed a passport in a hurry and got one within 24hours but you have to go down to the passport office at Victoria. This was years ago so not sure id they still do it and no idea if they do this for kids sorry.

Hopefully it works out.

Original poster
tooearlytobeup · 02/06/2012 21:31

Thank you both, I know it is doable for an adult, but the official site seems to say not children

OP posts:
Shenanagins · 02/06/2012 21:31

Go down to your local passport office as you should be able to get it on the same day if its a renewal. The website should have all the details on things you need to take.

Rosa · 02/06/2012 21:32

www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/howlongittakesandurgentappplications/DG_174149
Guess you have read this there might be hope...good luck

ClaireAll · 02/06/2012 21:34

You can go in person to one of the passport offices, but need an appointment, which you can do online.

It takes four hours between handing in your documents and returning for the passport.

ComeIntoTheGardenMaud · 02/06/2012 21:34

DirectGov website suggests there is a one-day service for renewing a child's passport. The exclusion seems to be for the first application for the child's passport, and you're after a renewal - details here.

Original poster
tooearlytobeup · 02/06/2012 21:36

Thanks all. I have tried reading the website, but I've got myself in such a state I can't make sense of it. I'll have to ring first thing Wednesday for an appointment

OP posts:
ComeIntoTheGardenMaud · 02/06/2012 21:50

Good luck!

Original poster
tooearlytobeup · 02/06/2012 21:56

Thanks all for your help. I started 2 threads in a blind panic, and have had some good advice on both. I think I'm starting to calm down a touch now,

Fingers crossed that we can sort something

OP posts:
GeekLove · 02/06/2012 21:59

Chek details first but be prepared to take a trip to Peterborough with all your travel details -we had to do that when it transpired we were off to France with 4 days notice and no valid passports.

dearprudence · 02/06/2012 22:02

This happened to me a few years ago - we realised just before we were going away that DS's passport had run out. It was a terrific fuss but we managed to get new photos done and signed, and DH went to the passport office and was able to get a new one. This would have been the Liverpool passport office, but the rules must be the same everywhere.

Hope you get it sorted. Smile

MistyB · 02/06/2012 22:07

Yes, you can get an appointment and 4 hour service for renewal of a child's passport. We did it on New Years Eve. Good luck, I hope you get an appointment.

Original poster
tooearlytobeup · 02/06/2012 22:34

Thank you! The helpline should be open tomorrow, so we will beg for an appointment

OP posts:
Original poster
tooearlytobeup · 03/06/2012 09:36

OK, the only appointment for this week is in Belfast. I've booked it, but need to try to sort out a ferry. Is it too early for Wine ?

OP posts:
Xenia · 03/06/2012 09:53

If you need photographs for this renewal do make sure that you have those done in advance and do a few in case some of them are not up to scratch and have them properly signed by a solicitor, doctor etc.

Original poster
tooearlytobeup · 03/06/2012 10:22

Thanks, I have got someone ready to countersign, His friends Mum is a civil servant so on the approved list. Im thinking of completing two forms with different counter signatories in case they need to check and cant get hold of one.

OP posts:
AdventuresWithVoles · 03/06/2012 10:44

How about chocolate instead?
Sympathies, in the midst of mini-panic trying to get first passport for DS12 (due to travel in July).

Original poster
tooearlytobeup · 03/06/2012 10:54

Too stressed to eat lol, but will save it for later thanks x

OP posts:
ComeIntoTheGardenMaud · 03/06/2012 15:50

I'm glad you got an appointment and admire your determination to get to Belfast.

Original poster
tooearlytobeup · 03/06/2012 16:24

I've been calling all day, and have managed to change it to Liverpool Grin First for Saturday, but now I have an appointment for Friday. I'm still pestering them though in the hope of catching a cancellation for Newport.

At least now I know he can definately get one in time

OP posts:
dexterthecat · 03/06/2012 16:54

But I thought he was going on Friday?? Wouldn't Saturday have been too late and isn't Friday cutting it very fine??

mermaidbutmytailfelloff · 03/06/2012 17:01

Be careful! I did it for my ds2.....but messed up the application and had to go back the next day....only a few hundred miles! I was furious with myself. So..READ every bit, and get someone else to check and triple check it.

My problem was at his age he HAD to countersign, so MAKE SURE. hth.

GnomeDePlume · 03/06/2012 23:26

I agree with Mermaid. There was a small problem with DS' photo (ink had transferred), I practically wept having had to drive over to the passport office to do this in a day.

Actually, the staff were very helpful and I did get his passoprt done.

mermaidbutmytailfelloff · 04/06/2012 10:37

I agree the staff were lovely actually and really eased the way into getting it sorted the next day.