Passport renewal is typically a long and time consuming process, but thanks to a new online service it will be made a lot easier.
The online passport renewal service allows passport holders to renew their documents online, via a form that takes an average of 10 minutes to complete.
Previously, this service had only been available for those over the age of 26, but now it will be allowed for people aged 16-25 too, it was announced today by Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO).
Over 300,000 16 to 25 year olds renew their passport each year, according to HMPO data, and now they will all be able to use this convenient service.
Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis said he was “delighted” of the move to a more modern service.
“This service makes it easier than ever before to renew your passport and I am delighted that we are now able to offer it to 16-25 year olds.
“We are harnessing technology to transform our services. As part of this service, customers are able to digitally upload pictures taken on their tablet or smartphone, and even those taken at photo shops or booths, to their passport application.
“We want to ensure we have a modern and easy-to-use service for our millions of passport holders and applicants.”
The service also allows passport applicants to take their photos digital, in a photo booth or shop, and then a special code is generated to be used in the online application.
This was found to be a necessary addition to the service, as HMPO research also found 84 per cent of women and 74 per cent of men were embarrassed by their current passport photo.
A further 30 per cent reported having to make multiple attempts to take a passport photo which complied with passport photo guidelines.
Previous to the online service, passport holders were left to struggle with printed photos from booths, which are expensive and don’t give the user many opportunities to retake.
It was recently revealed whether or not passport numbers change when you renew your travel documents.
Passport numbers are unique to the passport itself, rather than just you as an individual.
Therefore, once you renew your passport, you get an entirely different number.
“Your new passport won’t have the same number as your old one,” advises the UK government website.
