In a concerning development, the UK Passport Office has issued a warning that many Britons may be carrying invalid passports without realising it. The agency emphasised that a valid passport is essential for international travel, typically lasting 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.
The cost of renewing a UK passport is £94.50 for an online application or £107 for a paper form, while a child’s passport is £61.50 online or £74 on paper. However, there is a crucial step that many may be overlooking – signing the passport.
“Don’t forget to sign your passport!” the Passport Office cautioned in a recent alert. “Most people over the age of 11 will need to sign their passport, and can’t use it until it’s signed.” Unless the passport states that the holder is not required to sign, individuals must use a black ballpoint pen to sign on the designated signature line.
Failure to sign the passport could render it invalid for travel, even if it has years of validity remaining. The government guidance on Gov.uk further explains: “A passport is not a valid travel document until the holder has signed it. HM Passport Office advises customers to sign their new passport as soon as they receive it.”
Mistakes in the signing process can also cause problems. Passport holders should never sign in pencil or coloured ink, use a signature that deviates from their usual one, or add any extra information not typically part of their signature, as these actions could invalidate the passport. Erasing a pencil signature or using correction fluid on the signature is also strictly prohibited, as it could damage the page.
The Passport Office emphasised the importance of following the proper signing procedures to ensure the validity of the document. With the potential for millions of Britons to be carrying invalid passports, it is crucial for everyone to double-check that their passport has been signed correctly and is ready for international travel.