Infant Passport Question

[Daisy-J&D]

I'm wondering if this has been an issue for anyone?

DD2 got her passport at 3 months old. Her picture looks nothing like her because back then she was a little bobble head and now she's a toddler. While I wouldn't say we had an issue last September, we did have a comment from the US Customs agent at Pearson. He said she didn't look like the baby in the picture. He didn't press on after I joked that it was a good thing she looked EXACTLY like me (she's my mini-me).

So, we're going again in September and I know the best thing would probably be to go and get the free renewal passport with the new picture -however- I've read that you don't have to and the baby doesn't have to look like their pic. The thing is I really badly want to KEEP my DD's passport and if we renew this way we can't (because it hasn't expired). Secondly, I actually think getting my very active toddler to sit for a new pic may be really really painful for all involved!!

So, has anyone gotten grief for this?
If I renew does that mean the renewal date changes as well or will I still have to renew again on the original expiration?

Thanks!

 

[sjsjbrook]

If you redo the photo the passport will still expire at the end of the third year.

I know when I got my son's passport the clerk actually told me not to bother with the photo as it was a lot of extra effort for nothing.

My son's Passport picture was taken when he was 8 months, by the time we used it 7 months later he looked nothing like the photo. We will be using it in the fall again, it won't expire for another year, but I am not bothering with the new photo.

It all depends on your comfort level with the photo and crossing the boarder whether you choose to change it or not.

 

[Timon]

I wouldn't worry about it, they see this all the time.

Just remember to do the free renewal before the expiry date! I totally forgot and ended up paying for it

The next renewal is in 5 years. My daughter already looks very different again after only a year

 

[monkey30]

yes dont worry about it, my DS was 3 weeks old in his picture, and we had no issues when he was 2 going though!

Just re-new when needed. for my one they clipped his passport and we got to keep it. I love that one!

 

[Alderbrook]

My daughter had hers done 3 months ago & she's 6 months now & I plan to use it until it expires regardless of getting it redone for free. Trying to get my 2 year old to sit still for a picture was far worse than her at 3 months

 

[monkey30]

My daughter had hers done 3 months ago & she's 6 months now & I plan to use it until it expires regardless of getting it redone for free. Trying to get my 2 year old to sit still for a picture was far worse than her at 3 months

I am with you on that we learned some tricks this time around.... have a snack with you if they are chewing they tend to no smile and the mouth stays closed!

 

[minnie mum]

Yep, just like the PPs have said: don't worry about it. They see children's passports all the time, and are used to the fact that children grow and change. And when you renew the passport, if you ask them, they will clip the expired passport (so it can't be used) and you can keep it as a souvenir.

Heck even adults often don't look like their passport picture. My 4 year old passport photo barely looks like me now that my hair's a different colour, I'm not wearing glasses, and have gained weight!!