Passport Renewal - Should I Let it Expire?

Cadder · 23 May 2021 at 22:53

Hi all,

I had hoped to lose some COVID weight before taking a photo for my passport renewal, but that didn't work out. Passport expires this month.

If I let it expire, is it more hassle to renew than it would be while it is still active? For example, if it expires do I have to have photos signed and prove I am who I am?

Tbf I'm not as bothered anymore about taking a fat pic but thought I'd ask.

03/08/2021 - Update on this:

My passport did end up expiring in May.
A couple of weeks ago I decided to get my photo taken in a booth in our local Tesco. I had the code sent to me via email and used it in my renewal application.

Renewing the passport was so easy. It was quickly done online. All I had to do was send them my old passport. Sent on 28th July, received new, dark blue passport yesterday, 2nd August. To me that is an impressive turnaround, considering there was a weekend in there.

New passports look good. I had to sign mine, I don't remember doing that for the EU passport.

dlockers · 23 May 2021 at 22:57

Post your pic and then we can confirm accurately.

Cooler running · 23 May 2021 at 23:09

Cadder said:
Hi all,

I had hope to lose some COVID weight before taking a photo for my passport renewal, but that didn't work out. Passport expires this month.

What you need is a crash diet; lets go with intermittent fasting. Next exercise, so give me 20 jumping jacks, 50 20KG biceps curls and a 10k run.

Cadder said:
If I let it expire, is it more hassle to renew than it would be while it is still active? For example, if it expires do I have to have photos signed and prove I am who I am?

From what I understand the main advantage of renewing is you can do so far enough in advance as to not have any issue with the queue of them being processed. The "fast track" service is significantly more expensive. Presumably there won't be any more or less need to do any background checks if you're a citizen.

Cadder said:
Tbf I'm not as bothered anymore about taking a fat pic but thought I'd ask.

Why would you even ask if it doesn't bother you.... Don't lie to yourself.

Cadder · 23 May 2021 at 23:18

@Cooler running strange thing is I am IF and have been for a while. My meds don't seem to help as weight gain is a side effect. Really my IF is more like OMAD at 20+ hours of fasting. But yeah I see your point. I was bothered a lot when I thought of renewing my passport. I kinda still am, but I am also starting to settle for the idea that my passport photo will be chunky me but hopefully by the time we go away somewhere I will have shed some weight.

But the burning question is this: is it any more difficult to renew a passport that expired a few months ago, compared to renewing a passport that is still active and valid?

Reality|Bites · 23 May 2021 at 23:23

I've never understood why it costs more to buy an extended date passport over the shorter option. it takes the same amount of admin duties just a different date on it.

Surveyor · 23 May 2021 at 23:30

Reality|Bites said:
I've never understood why it costs more to buy an extended date passport over the shorter option. it takes the same amount of admin duties just a different date on it.

Extended date passport?

Raymond Lin · 23 May 2021 at 23:33

Surveyor said:
Extended date passport?

5 vs 10 years I guess.

dlockers · 23 May 2021 at 23:40

Raymond Lin said:
5 vs 10 years I guess.

Not sure that even exists (anymore?).

The only option is whether it has extra pages.

Surveyor · 23 May 2021 at 23:40

Raymond Lin said:
5 vs 10 years I guess.

I assume we're talking about the UK. Is there anything other than a 5 year child passport and a 10 year adult passport (and their frequent traveller versions with more pages)?

mjt · 24 May 2021 at 08:53

It’s much easier to renew a passport than apply for a new one isn’t it?

Just renew it and get it over with.

Rroff · 24 May 2021 at 08:56

You might occasionally need it for identity purposes, etc. much easier to have it even if you don't need it IMO.

pepp77 · 24 May 2021 at 08:58

My passport ran out in November, have no plans to go away until at least next year so I let mine expire. Will look to renew at the start of the new year ready for April(ish) time.

jpaul · 24 May 2021 at 10:34

yes I didn't think there were any ramifications if you let it run out, as I did last year,
hadn't they changed/reduced pricing a few years back following review of profits ? if they were about to put price up soon, I might get it done.

Pawnless Endgame · 24 May 2021 at 10:49

I've done it both ways.

Current passport - just complete the online form.

Expired passport - requires a counter signature from a professional e.g. doctor or teacher, so a bit more faff.

Cadder · 24 May 2021 at 12:18

Pawnless Endgame said:
I've done it both ways.

Current passport - just complete the online form.

Expired passport - requires a counter signature from a professional e.g. doctor or teacher, so a bit more faff.

Thanks for that. I think I'll wait and get a new one post-expiry.

jsmoke · 24 May 2021 at 12:20

Doesn't make a difference now, renew or replace you need a new signed photo regardless. I've just been through this.

BowdonUK · 24 May 2021 at 12:25

It doesn't make a difference these days whether you let it expire or not. It's the same procedure.

It seems a bit of a con in my opinion. A photo money maker. Same with the photo card driving license.

Rroff · 24 May 2021 at 12:26

Pawnless Endgame said:
I've done it both ways.

Current passport - just complete the online form.

Expired passport - requires a counter signature from a professional e.g. doctor or teacher, so a bit more faff.

Hate that whole countersignature thing - very few people who qualify have known me that long, quite a few places won't do it these days, etc.

Especially the last year I've kept myself to myself mostly as well so fallen out of contact with some people who would have done it in the past.

dlockers · 24 May 2021 at 12:38

BowdonUK said:
It doesn't make a difference these days whether you let it expire or not. It's the same procedure.

It seems a bit of a con in my opinion. A photo money maker. Same with the photo card driving license.

Ayye the classic 10 year long play for Max Spielman/Snappy Snaps to make 6 quid.

jsmoke · 24 May 2021 at 12:41

Rroff said:
Hate that whole countersignature thing - very few people who qualify have known me that long, quite a few places won't do it these days, etc.

Especially the last year I've kept myself to myself mostly as well so fallen out of contact with some people who would have done it in the past.

So how you going to get it signed?