Here’s the kicker: children can’t renew their passports. No, seriously. They expire after five years. And when they expire, you have to start the whole process from scratch. Every. Single. Time. Why? Because kids’ faces change? The government doesn’t trust that your 6-year-old still looks like that chubby baby photo. You have to pay the full $170 and do the whole song and dance again. It’s their way of saying, “Your child is growing up. How dare you.”
How Much For A Replacement Child Passport at Christopher Bryant blog
The Quick Summary (For Your Wallet)
So, for one child passport book, expect to hand over roughly $190 to $250 after photos and expedited fees. For a family of four? You’re looking at nearly a grand. That’s a decent used car. Or a lot of airport snacks.
Pro tip: Start the process the day you book the flight. Maybe even before you tell the in-laws. Waiting is the real enemy here. And screaming toddlers in the post office line.
