How do I renew a British 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 £102 and you will need a digital photo, card payment, and your old passport.
Renewing by post costs £115.50 and you will need a paper application form, two photos, and payment by card or cheque.
You can use the Premium service (£239.50) to get your passport within one working day, or the Fast Track service (£192 for adults, £156.50 for children) for delivery within one week.
How do I renew a British passport?
You can renew your passport online or by post:
Renewing your passport online
Online renewal is usually the simplest option. You can complete your application using this GOV.UK form.
You’ll need:
Your current passport
A recent digital passport photo
A debit or credit card for payment
If you’re asked to provide supporting documents, you’ll need to send these along with your old passport.
Renewing your passport by post
To apply by post, you’ll need:
A paper passport application form, which you can pick up at your local Post Office
Two identical passport photos
Your old passport
Payment details
You can use the Post Office Check & Send service if you’d like someone to check your application before it’s submitted.
How do I renew a child’s British passport?
Children need their own passport to travel abroad. Renewing a child’s passport is similar to renewing an adult passport, but there are some differences.
You’ll usually need:
A recent passport photo
The child’s current passport
Details of the person applying on their behalf
Children’s passport photos have specific requirements, so check the latest guidance before applying.
How long does passport renewal take?
A standard passport renewal usually takes around three weeks, but it can take longer if extra checks are needed or during busy periods.
If you have travel planned, it’s a good idea to apply well in advance rather than relying on urgent services.
More than 99% of standard passport applications are completed within HM Passport Office's three-week service standard, provided no additional information is needed.
Can I renew my passport urgently?
If you need your passport sooner, you may be able to use an urgent passport 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 £239.50 (34 page) or £253.50 (54 page) and is only available for adult passport renewals.
1 week 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 £192 for an adult passport and £156.50 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.
How much does it cost to renew a British passport?
The cost of renewing your passport depends on how you apply and how quickly you need it:
Application Type | Standard online | Standard paper | 1 week fast track | 1 day premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adult (34-page) | £102 | £115.50 | £192 | £239.50 |
Adult frequent (54-page) | £116.00 | £129.50 | £206 | £253.50 |
Child (under 16) | £66.50 | £80 | £156.50 | N/A (Adults only) |
Child frequent (54-page) | £80.50 | £94 | £171.50 | N/A (Adults only) |
When should I renew my British passport?
You can renew your passport at any time before it expires, but it’s best not to leave it until the last minute.
Many countries have entry requirements that mean your passport needs to be valid for a certain period after you arrive or leave. For example, some destinations require at least three or six months’ validity remaining.
It’s worth checking your passport before booking flights, especially if you’re travelling during busy periods such as school holidays when processing times may take longer.
Can I travel if my passport is about to expire?
It depends on where you’re travelling. Some countries will only allow entry if your passport has enough time left before it expires.
For trips to Europeand other popular destinations, you should check the latest passport validity rules before travelling.
Having a passport that is technically still valid doesn’t always mean you’ll be allowed to enter your destination.
What happens to my old passport after renewal?
When you receive your new passport, your old passport will normally be cancelled and returned to you. Keep it safe if it contains valid visas, as you may still need these when travelling.
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 has changed about British passports since Brexit?
Since Brexit, UK travellers visiting the EU need to be aware of updated passport rules.
Your passport must meet the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting, which may include rules around how old your passport is and how much validity remains.
Always check the latest requirements before travelling.
What should I do if I lose my passport?
If your passport is lost or stolen, report it as soon as possible so it can be cancelled. You’ll then need to apply for a replacement passport.
If you lose your passport while abroad, contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate for advice.
Does travel insurance cover passport problems?
Some travel insurance policies may include cover for lost or stolen passports, depending on the policy you choose.
Travel insurance can also help protect you against other unexpected issues while travelling, such as medical emergencies, cancellations or lost baggage.
It’s important to check your policy documents to understand exactly what is covered before you travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my British passport from outside the UK?
Yes, you can renew your British passport from outside the UK using the GOV.UK online renewal service for overseas applicants.
What should I do if my passport is stolen while I’m travelling?
Report the theft to a local police station and ask for a written report. Then report your stolen passport to the Home Office online and apply for an emergency travel document, which is usually valid for a single or return journey.
Can I track my UK passport application?
Yes. If you applied online, you can track your application using the reference number you were given. If you used the Post Office Check and Send service, you can also track it with the reference number provided. If you applied by post, call the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 (or +44 (0)300 222 0000 from outside the UK).
Am I eligible for a concessionary passport?
If you were born on or before 2 September 1929 and hold British nationality, you are eligible for a free concessionary passport.
How long is a UK passport valid for?
An adult passport is valid for up to 10 years. A child's passport is valid for up to 5 years. You can check the expiry date on the inside page of your passport.
Can I travel to Europe with less than 6 months on my passport?
It depends on the country. For most EU and Schengen countries, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date and must have been issued within the last 10 years. Some non-European destinations require 6 months' validity. Check the entry requirements for your destination on the GOV.UK website before you book.
How early can I renew my passport before it expires?
You can renew your passport at any time before it expires. If you renew with more than 9 months' remaining validity, that extra time may not be added to your new passport. It is usually best to renew when you have around 9 months or less remaining.
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Rebecca Goodman
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Rebecca is an award-winning financial journalist with over a decade of experience writing for print and online media. Her mission is to take the jargon out of personal finance and to help everyone...
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