Guidance

How to deal with customers of different ages: caseworker guidance

Tells HM Passport Office staff how guidance changes for customers when they move across an age boundary while we are processing their application.

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Details

This guidance tells HM Passport Office staff how guidance changes for customers when they move across an age boundary while we are processing their application (for example, turn 12 or 16).

Updates to this page

Published 21 March 2024
Last updated 23 July 2025 show all updates
  1. This guidance has been updated to: tell examiners the process they must follow if a child turns 12 during the application process, tell examiners they must phone the customer to see if a child who turns 12 can sign their passport, show that if the customer crosses an age threshold (child – adult) the application now remains in DAP (Digital Application Processing), confirm when an examiner must request a new referee if the customer turns 16, remove references to Application Management System (AMS).

  2. Guidance updated to tell examiners the process they must follow if a child turns 12 during the application process.

  3. First published.

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