If you are planning to head abroad for a family holiday this year making sure your child's passport is in-date is crucial.

A child will need a specific 'child's passport' until they are 16 years of age, and they last for five years.

Therefore, if it expires before you are set to fly out to a different country then you will need to apply for a new one.

Here's all the information you need on how to renew a child's passport in the UK.

How do I renew a child's passport in the UK?

A child's passport can be renewed online or by post, with each method having a different cost.

If you go to renew a child's passport online it will cost £53.50, whilst via post it will cost £64.

You can renew the passport online at the Government website here, and you will need a digital photo of your child plus supporting documents.

Meanwhile, if you are applying by post you can get a physical document from either:

  • going to a Post Office that has a Passport Check and Send service
  • calling the Passport Adviceline (0300 222 0000)

Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9 of the form. Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over.

The website adds: "If your child is 11 or under or cannot be recognised from their old passport photo you’ll need to get someone else, known as a ‘countersignatory’, to fill in section 10 and certify your child’s photo."

To send your application you can post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form.

Alongside that, you can take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service.

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What supporting documents are needed for a child's passport?

According to the Government website to renew your child’s passport you’ll need:

  • your child’s old passport
  • any valid passports from a different country your child might have
  • any court orders relating to the child (for example, that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements)

This is alongside a digital or printed photo of the child depending on what application you are doing.