Lost Your Child’s Passport? How to Replace It Urgently in the UK
Lost Your Child’s Passport? How to Replace It Urgently in the UK
Panic mode? If your child’s passport has gone missing, there is a fast, legal route to get a replacement in time for travel. This guide explains exactly what to do, the quickest service available in the UK, and how NextDay Passport can handle the process for you.
The Fastest Legal Option for Children
- 1-Week Fast Track (Child): Book an appointment at a Passport Office, submit the documents at the appointment, and the replacement passport is normally delivered by secure courier within about a week of that appointment.
- Same-day Premium: This service is not available for child passports. (It’s an adult renewal-only service.)
Key timing note: Appointments are opened in rolling slots and can usually be booked up to two days ahead. Delivery times are counted from the appointment day, not the day you first get in touch.
Step-by-Step: What To Do First
- Report the passport lost or stolen online. Use the official GOV.UK service to cancel the old passport and get a reference. This helps prevent identity misuse and is required for replacement.
- Choose “Fast Track” for a child replacement. You’ll complete the form and book an appointment at a convenient Passport Office.
- Prepare your documents (see checklist below). Getting these right avoids delays.
- Attend the appointment (or use our concierge service with your written consent), then wait for secure delivery.
Documents You’ll Typically Need
- Application details completed for a child replacement passport.
- Lost/Stolen reference from when you reported the passport missing.
- Parental responsibility proof (e.g., full birth certificate naming parents, or legal documents confirming guardianship if applicable).
- One compliant passport photo of the child (check current photo rules).
- Countersignature (often needed for children—must meet the profession and acquaintance rules).
- Any name-change evidence if the child’s name is different from the previous passport/birth certificate.
Tip: Bring originals where required and ensure names, spellings and dates match across documents.
Do I Need a Police Report?
No—a police report isn’t required to replace a lost child passport. You must report it lost/stolen online and proceed with a replacement. If there’s suspected theft, you can still report to police for your records, but it isn’t mandatory for HM Passport Office.
How Our Concierge Helps (Save Time & Stress)
- We book the Fast Track appointment at the nearest office.
- We can attend the appointment on your behalf with your signed paperwork consent letter and the correct paperwork, then manage submission and updates for you.
- Checklist + pre-appointment review: We check your documents to minimise delays.
- Delivery tracking & updates until the passport arrives by secure courier.
Message us on WhatsApp: 07443 165140 or use our contact page: nextdaypassport.co.uk.
Typical Timelines (What’s Realistic?)
- Appointment lead time: Often within 2 days, depending on availability.
- Production & delivery: Usually within about a week of the appointment for Fast Track.
Important: HMPO timing is from the appointment date. We’ll aim to secure the earliest slot and prepare your documents to avoid rework.
Costs
You’ll pay the official HM Passport Office fee for a child Fast Track replacement (set by HMPO and subject to change), plus any optional concierge fee if you choose our service. Ask us for today’s pricing and the earliest appointment options.
Quick Checklist (Copy & Save)
- Report the child’s passport lost/stolen online (keep the reference).
- Book a Fast Track appointment (we can do this for you).
- Gather documents: parental responsibility, photo, countersignature, name-change proof (if relevant).
- Prepare a simple consent letter if you want us to attend the appointment on your behalf.
- Keep your phone available for HMPO delivery updates.
FAQs
Can I still travel if my child’s passport is lost?
No—your child needs a valid passport. Start the Fast Track process immediately if travel is soon.
Is Fast Track guaranteed within 1 week?
HMPO aims to deliver within about a week of the appointment, but exact timing can vary. We’ll secure the earliest appointment and ensure your documents are in order.
Do both parents need to be involved?
HMPO needs assurance about parental responsibility. If there are specific circumstances (shared custody, one parent unavailable), contact us and we’ll advise what evidence HMPO typically accepts.
What if the lost passport turns up?
Once reported lost/stolen, it’s cancelled. Don’t use it. Proceed with the replacement.
Need help today? Chat to us on WhatsApp: 07443 165140 or visit nextdaypassport.co.uk. We’ll guide you step-by-step and, with your consent, can even attend the appointment for you.