Do Both Parents Need to Be Present for a Child’s Urgent Passport Renewal?

If your child’s passport is running out or has been lost and you need to replace it quickly, you may be wondering whether both parents must attend the appointment. The rules can be confusing, especially in urgent cases. This guide explains exactly what’s required and how NextDay Passport can help make the process smoother.

Who Can Apply for a Child’s Passport?

For a child under 16, the application must be made by an adult with parental responsibility. This is usually:

• A parent named on the birth certificate
• A legal guardian with proof of responsibility
• A person with a court order granting parental rights

Only one adult with parental responsibility needs to submit the application.

Do Both Parents Need to Attend the Appointment?

No — only one parent or guardian with parental responsibility needs to attend (or authorise someone else, such as our concierge service, to attend on their behalf).

HM Passport Office will not require both parents to be physically present at an appointment. However, they may ask for additional information or evidence if there are disputes or if one parent is not available.

What If Parents Are Separated or Divorced?

If parents are separated, the parent making the application must still show evidence of parental responsibility. Normally, this will be the birth certificate naming them as a parent, or legal documents such as a parental responsibility agreement or court order.

The other parent does not need to attend the appointment, though HM Passport Office may carry out checks if there are concerns over consent or custody.

Documents You’ll Need for an Urgent Renewal

• The child’s existing passport (if it hasn’t been lost or stolen)
• Birth certificate or adoption certificate
• Proof of parental responsibility (if not obvious from the birth certificate)
• 1 compliant passport photo of the child
• Countersignature if required
• Any supporting documents (e.g. change of name evidence, court orders)

How Urgent Applications Work

For a child, the 1-Week Fast Track service is the quickest available option. Same-day Premium renewals are not available for child passports. With Fast Track:

• You book an appointment (up to 2 days in advance)
• You attend with the child’s documents (or we attend with your written consent)
• The passport is delivered by secure courier within about a week of the appointment

How NextDay Passport Helps

• We book the appointment at the nearest Passport Office
• We can attend on your behalf with a signed consent letter
• We check all documents in advance to avoid delays
• We track delivery until the new passport arrives

Contact us today via WhatsApp: 07443 165140 or visit nextdaypassport.co.uk to start your application.

Quick Checklist

• Only one parent/guardian with parental responsibility needs to attend
• Both parents are not required at the appointment
• Bring documents proving parental responsibility
• Book a Fast Track appointment for urgent processing
• Prepare a consent letter if using a concierge service

FAQs

Can grandparents apply?
Only if they have legal parental responsibility (via a court order or guardianship).

Do both parents have to sign?
No — just one parent or guardian with parental responsibility.

What if there’s a custody dispute?
HM Passport Office may request further checks or documentation if there’s a conflict. It’s best to provide clear evidence of parental responsibility in these cases.

Need urgent help with a child’s passport? Chat to us on WhatsApp: 07443 165140 or visit nextdaypassport.co.uk. We’ll make sure everything is handled quickly and correctly.