How do I renew a UK passport?

Key takeaways

• Check your passport is valid for your trip; some countries require at least 3 to 6 months' validity beyond your travel dates.

• Renewing online costs £94.50 and you will need a digital photo, card payment, and your old passport.

• Renewing by post costs £107 and you will need a paper application form, two photos, and payment by card or cheque.

• You can use the Premium service (£222) to get your passport within one working day, or the Fast Track service (£178 for adults, £145 for children) for delivery within one week.

When should I renew my passport?

You cannot travel out of the UK without a valid passport, so if yours has expired you will need to renew it before your trip.

You also need to make sure there is enough time left on your passport before it expires. How much time you need depends on the country you are visiting. You can check the entry requirements for your destination on the GOV.UK website.

If you are visiting France, for example, your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you leave the country. If you are going to Bali, you will need at least six months left on your passport.

You will also need to renew your passport if it is damaged, as you will not be allowed to travel with a damaged passport.

Will any unused time be added to my new passport?

If you still have time left on your current passport when you apply for a new one, this time is not added to the new passport.

A new adult UK passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. 

Some passports issued before September 2018 may show a validity of up to 10 years and 9 months. This was due to an old rule that allowed up to nine months of unused time to be carried over. That rule no longer applies.

A child's passport is valid for up to 5 years, and the same rules on remaining time apply.

What do I need to renew my passport?

To renew your passport, you will need your old passport and any valid passports you have from other countries. For foreign passports, you can send a colour photocopy of every page or the physical book.

You will also need a new photo, even if you think your appearance has not changed. Your photo must have been taken in the last month, and your application may be delayed if your photos do not meet the GOV.UK requirements.

How do I renew my passport?

You can renew your passport online, by post, or through an appointment at the passport office. Each option has a different cost and processing time.

How do I renew my passport online?

Renewing your passport online is the cheapest option, costing £94.50.

You will need to provide a digital photo and pay with a debit or credit card. If you need to send supporting evidence, such as a birth certificate, you will need to post this along with your previous passport to the passport office.

How do I renew my passport by post?

Renewing your passport by post costs £107.

You will need to get a paper application form from a post office, or you can order one by calling the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000. You can pay by debit or credit card, or by cheque made out to 'HM Passport Office'. You will also need two new, identical photos to include with your application.

How much does it cost to renew my passport?

The cost of renewing your passport depends on how you apply and how quickly you need it.

The standard online application costs £94.50 for adults and £61.50 for children.

If you apply by post, it costs £107 for adults and £74 for children.

If you need your passport urgently, you can use the Fast Track service (£178 for adults, £145 for children) for delivery within one week, or the Premium service (£222, adults only) to collect your passport one working day after your appointment.

Can someone check my passport application first?

Yes. The Post Office offers a Check and Send service, which costs £16 (not including the cost of photos).

This service is available as both a paper and a digital option. You can search for a nearby post office that offers the paper service on the Post Office website.

How long does it take to renew my passport?

You should receive your new passport within about three weeks of applying.

In some cases it can take longer, and if the passport office needs to interview you before issuing your passport, it will let you know within around three weeks of your application.

It is a good idea to apply at least 10 weeks before you plan to travel, especially during busy periods such as spring and summer.

What if I need my passport sooner?

If the standard three-week processing time is too long, you can pay for a faster service.

Online Premium service

This is the fastest way to renew your passport. You apply online, book an appointment at your local passport office, and collect your new passport one working day after the appointment. The earliest you can book is two days after you apply. The service costs £222 and is only available for adult passport renewals.

Fast Track service

You book an appointment at your local passport office and apply online. Your new passport will be sent to you by courier within one week of the appointment. It costs £178 for an adult passport and £145 for a child's passport.

Emergency travel documents

If you need to travel abroad urgently and your passport is not valid, you may be able to apply for an emergency travel document. This is usually available if you are a British national outside the UK, you need to travel in the next six weeks, and you cannot renew or replace your passport in time.

What happens to my old passport?

When you renew your passport, you will need to send back your old one. You can include it with a postal application or send it separately to the passport office.

Your old passport will be returned to you, usually with the corner cut to show it has expired.

What if I have an unexpired visa in my old passport?

You do not need to apply for a new visa when you renew your passport. If your old passport has expired but the visa is still valid, you can travel with both your new passport and your old one as proof of the visa.

What should I do if I lose my passport?

If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the passport office immediately. You can do this online and apply for a new passport at the same time.

Reporting your lost passport promptly helps to make sure nobody else can use it fraudulently.

What has changed about my passport since Brexit?

Since the UK left the EU in 2020, there have been several changes to British passports.

UK passports are now blue rather than the previous maroon colour, but you can still use an older passport if it is in date.

If you are travelling to an EU country, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you arrive, and it must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave.

You can also only stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You can check the GOV.UK website for full details on travelling to EU and Schengen countries.

How do I renew my child's passport?

Renewing a child's passport works in a similar way to renewing an adult's. You can apply online or with a paper application form.

It costs £61.50 to renew a child's passport online, or £74 by post.

You will need the child's old passport, a new digital or printed photo, any valid passports from other countries, and any court orders relating to the child if they are in place.

If your child is under 12, you will also need someone to confirm their identity. This person cannot be a family member, must have known the child for at least two years, and must meet the eligibility criteria listed on the GOV.UK website.