TAKING your child on their first trip abroad is certainly a milestone to remember.
But before you get to the exciting part of getting on a plane and exploring somewhere new, you've got to get through the often stressful process of securing your tot a passport.
Recently, there have been even more tales of frustrating applications, and even some people missing their holidays all together because their child's passport hasn't arrived.
However, if you follow some simple steps, and give yourself enough time, you shouldn't have any issues.
How to get a child passport
The easiest way to apply for a child's passport is through the Government website here.
Your child must be a British national to apply for a British passport, and both parents' details need to be included on the application.
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If you cannot provide both parents' details, you will be given the opportunity to explain why.
A child passport lasts for five years.
As part of the application process, you will have to ask someone to confirm your child's identity.
Once you have nominated someone, they will receive an email from HM Passport Office with further instructions.
The person must be someone who works in, or is retired from, a "recognised profession".
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For a list of the professions accepted, click here.
If you prefer, you can also apply for a child passport by post – simply ask for a paper form from the Post Office.
Or you can call the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 and ask them to send you out a form.
Applying by post does have the advantage of being able to use the Passport Check and Send service.
This is a service provided by some post offices that allows them to check your application.
It also means your application is less likely to be rejected.
You can check which of your local Post Offices offers the service here.
How long does it take
You must allow up to 10 weeks if you are completing a standard passport application for your child in the UK.
However, if you are in urgent need of a child passport, you can use the one week Fast Track Service.
You will need to get a paper form from the Post Office and then you can book your appointment online.
You must then take the filled in form, along with two passport photos and any relevant supporting documents (detailed in the booklet that comes with the form) to your Fast Track appointment.
As the name suggests, you will receive your child passport a week after your Fast Track appointment.
How much does it cost
It costs £49 to apply for a child's passport online, or £58.50 to apply with a paper form from the Post Office.
If you are using the Passport Check and Send service, this is an additional £16 to do online (which includes the cost of the passport photo), or £16 to do via post (which doesn't include the cost of the passport photo).
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It costs £49 to apply online and £58.50 to apply with a paper form from the Post Office.
If you need the passport urgently and are using the one week Fast Track service, this costs £122 for a child passport.
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