One Minute Guide to Passports
Children’s passport applications
Foster carer’s role:
- Please leave at least 6 months prior to requiring a passport to allow for application process and delays.
- Provide 1 photo per child using one of the following options: Download a passport photo app through your app store on your phone, you will need to check what they charge, for example, £4.99 for a photo and code which will be sent to you digitally within 48 hours or they send photo and code via post within a few days for an additional cost of £2.00. Alternatively, if you go to an approved photobooth/shop, they take the photo which normally meets the criteria and provides the code for your application. (Check online for your nearest photobooth) This is a website you could use to find a photo booth
- Contact supervising social worker with the photo who will complete an online passport application.
Who pays for the passport?
The Fostering Support service will fund the application.
Supervising social worker role:
- Online passport applications are made through the government website
- Documents you will need to apply for a passport
- There is also the Passport Adviceline Telephone: 0300 222 0000 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
- If a child is accommodated under Section 20, parental consent is needed to apply for a passport.
- Once you have the photo and the required documents you will need to work with someone in PSS to use their purchase card to make the payment. Cost of passports: £53.50 under 16, £82.50 over 16.
- Once you have all original documents, digital photo and payment card, complete the online application process
- Keep the foster carers up to date as you progress the applications and when the passport office send notifications
Documents required (Must be originals and not copies)
- Birth/Adoption certificate or registration certificate
- Parent’s passport details (if applicable)
- Date of Parent’s marriage (if applicable)
- Grandparent’s documents (if applicable)
- A counter signatory to sign your child’s application form and photos
Children’s social worker’s role:
- Obtain and provide passports or birth certificates for birth parents and any other relevant documents and give to supervising social worker.
- Apply for replacement birth certificate if needed.
How long will it take?
- You should allow up to 10 weeks from when the passport office receives old passport, any supporting documents, or confirmation of identity details if needed. (Information taken from GOV.UK website March 2023)
Common barriers:
If the name on the passport does not match what’s on the birth certificate
You must send:
- a signed and dated letter from everyone with parental responsibility confirming the name change and that they agree to the child getting a new passport
- a deed poll
- at least one piece of evidence that shows the new name being used, for example NHS records, child benefits or school records