HM Passport Office has raised concerns that individuals in the UK may unknowingly possess an invalid document. It is essential for Brits to have a valid passport for international travel, typically lasting 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.
Currently, the cost of a UK passport is £94.50 for online applications and £107 for paper forms. The price for a child’s passport is £61.50 online and £74 for paper applications. After receiving the passport, it is crucial to take a specific action to ensure its validity; otherwise, it cannot be used.
In a recent alert on Twitter, the Passport Office emphasized the importance of signing the passport. Individuals over the age of 11 must sign their passports before use. Failure to sign the passport will render it unusable unless it explicitly states “The holder is not required to sign.”
Additional guidance on Gov.uk stresses the necessity of signing the passport upon receipt. Failure to do so makes the passport invalid for travel. It is advised to sign the new passport immediately upon receiving it. Passports with digitally printed signatures remain valid until their expiration date.
It is crucial to sign the passport using a black ballpoint pen on the designated signature line. Any deviation from the usual signature, the use of pencil or colored ink, or adding extra information can invalidate the passport. Erasing a pencil signature should be avoided as it may damage the document. Altering the signature in any way, including using correction fluid, is also prohibited.
Signing the passport correctly is vital to ensure its validity for travel.