Teenagers born in 2010 who are approaching their 16th birthday must apply for an adult passport, warns the Passport Office. Those within three weeks of turning 16 should skip the child passport option and apply for an adult one to avoid travel disruptions.
The rule applies to around 750,000 to 800,000 people turning 16 in 2026, based on Office for National Statistics data. Adult passports are valid for 10 years, compared to five years for child passports, and become mandatory at age 16.
Young people can continue using a child passport until it expires, even after turning 18, but must obtain an adult passport when renewing. The quickest and most cost-effective application method is online, with a processing time of about three weeks once all documents are received. A same-day service is available for urgent cases, but not when changing from a child to an adult passport.
Travelers are advised to apply early, as delays can occur, especially during summer. Failure to have the correct passport could result in being turned away at the airport.
