How can I renew my passport from home?
A valid passport is the most crucial document that enables entry to foreign countries and should be valid for at least 6 months. You need to renew your passport if your document has expired or you don't have enough time left on it. Some countries, such as the United Kingdom, enable renewing passports online. It means you don't need to waste your time waiting in line and making an appointment, which is very convenient.
Besides a passport, remember about a visa, as it may be needed to cross the foreign border. The most convenient is the electronic visa or ETA, as it can be obtained online.
What is needed to renew a passport?
If you want to renew your passport online as a citizen of the United Kingdom, you need to prepare the following:
- an electronic device with a stable internet connection
- a valid means of payment to cover the fee
- a digital photo that meets the requirements
- a debit or credit card
- your old passport
How to renew a passport online in the UK?
It is pretty simple to apply for a passport online in the UK. Note that if you apply for your children, you need to complete the required form on their behalf. Basically, the renewal process consists of:
- Providing the required information in the form, such as personal details. Check the answers twice to ensure that the form is free from mistakes.
- Attaching the needed documents, like a digital photo.
- Covering the fee by one of the available payment options.
- Confirming the identity (if needed).
- Waiting for confirmation and approval.
It is possible to track the application via email or text. You will be able to check the progress of the application, documents, and ask somebody to confirm the identity (if it is necessary).
What information do I need to provide in the passport form?
The following information should be shared in the passport form:
- Names and surname
- Address
- Gender
- Contact details (email and phone number)
- Date of birth
- Details of the lost or stolen passport (if any)
- Previous passport information
- Parent's details
- Details about registration/naturalization/children
- Signature for declaration
- Data of countersignatory (if needed)
How to renew a passport using a paper application form?
A paper application form can be obtained at the Post Office or by calling the Passport Adviceline. In order to apply via this method, applicants need to cover the fee and provide 2 new, identical printed photos of the face.
If your visa hasn't expired yet, you can send the previous passport and a visa attached to the application form. Then, you are able to use the visa when the previous passport is returned and the new one is granted.
Digital photo requirements
A digital photo is a must-have when you apply for a passport. The photo needs to be recent and meet the requirements. You can take a photo in the booth, shop, or using the device during passport application (note that booth/shop photos are better, as they will be easily approved).
The digital photo must meet the following conditions and needs to be:
- focus and clear
- colorful
- not changed in computer software
- at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
- no more than 10MB
- at least 50KB
The photo should contain only a person without any objects, be taken on a white background, be clear in contrast, and have no 'red eye.'
You need to include the head, shoulders, and upper body (don't crop it), face forwards, look straight at the camera, have plain expression, and opened, visible eyes. You shouldn't cover your head (unless it is necessary for medical or religious reasons) and wear glasses.
How to get a passport for a child?
When your child is under 16, you need to apply for a passport online or at the post office on their behalf. A child's passport is valid for 5 years and must be renewed after this time. Note that the rules for applying are different if you are outside the UK.
Those who have parental responsibility for a child need to apply for a passport. The form must cover both parents' information (unless only one parent is on the birth certificate or you adopted the child or your own).
