I am about to renew british passports for my sons. Their first passports were issued when one was 2 years old and the other 3 months. They are 9 and 7 now.

Questions...

Should I provide additional non passport pictures to show their 'growth'. I read the passport thread for 'Children born abroad' and there was a request for this from the passport office. I did wonder even before reading the thread whether there would be a problem.

Also can I send documents for both applications in one packet? Save on DHL at least for the packet to the passport office.

Any thoughts or experiences?

Thanks!

Yes, they usually ask for pictures such as those as 'proofs' of identity. They even require them to be 'year by year' since the applicant's birth.

My advice is to just send everything that you think would able be needed for your children's passports. The worst thing that HMPO would do anyway is to just send it back to you after the passport application had been processed. Plus there's a big chance they'll ask for further documents anyway which includes the pictures you just said.

Regarding the packets, it would be best if you use two so that it will be easier for them to identify which documents is for which child. It might confused them if the documents are mixed up, which might lead to some complications.

Oh and I'm one of the posters in 'Children born abroad.'

Best of luck!

No idea about growth photos. You can send the applications together. No problem.

Thanks Knightstrike, it was your post I read I think, with all hustle of getting passports. I haven't read the update but I hope you are further along the process.

Thanks 37100!

That's more likely in a jurisdiction with a real or perceived high risk of fraud. Less likely in the United States. Also, less likely for a renewal compared to a first passport application.

Oh yeah, I thought it was for a first time passport application.

No, it's a renewal. My youngest's photo is of him sleeping, almost fresh from the hospital. With all the new regulations I couldn't help but wonder.

Well I still have time before we head home so as long as they don't mess us about too much I can send additional information if requested.

Just a quick update on passport processing times. I sent both passport renewal applications for my boys in the same package via FedEx (slow service) on February 4 and on Sunday February 16 I received a text from DHL that a package would be delivered Monday. Due to weather conditions I received the packages today.

A little disappointed that one package had my oldest son's new passport and the other package his supporting documents. Nothing for my youngest so now I am wondering if they will ask for photos showing his growth which won't be difficult I just hate the back and forth. Anyway no big deal ..... Yet.

Unlikely given your eldest had his passport renewed no problem. If you making a first time application from Iraq or Pakistan you might be asked but not a renewal from the US for a passport that expired two years ago.

I hope so BritinParis, I really hope so.

I was surprised how quick they were processing the first one though.

They send the passports back in different packages. Younger son is probably just further down the line for printing because they are processed separately.

I will wait patiently..

A quick update;

I am still waiting for my youngest son's passport. My sister who is in England did phone them for an update and they said that's how it goes sometimes. What a difference in processing time?? I am trying to be patient but this is crazy. One package...

QQ, did you have to get the pics countersigned?