How to renew your passport in the UK: a step-by-step guide

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Emily

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If you’ve ever arrived at the airport without your passport, you’ll know how important that little burgundy or blue book is. It’s your ticket to the world, and quite literally your passport to new experiences – or that well-deserved week of rest and relaxation.

But there are a few key things you need to remember, so your passport admin doesn’t get in the way of your trip.

We’ll guide you through the best ways to renew your passport and where to go if you need it in a hurry. Ready to renew? Let’s get started.

When to renew your passport

UK passports are valid for 10 years (or 5 years for children), so if your passport is close to expiring, it’s likely you’ve not needed to think about renewing it for a while.

Many countries ask for your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after arriving. So, it’s always best to check and renew at least 3 months before your trip.

Passport processing times vary, but standard times for UK applications are:

Online and post applications – 3 weeks
Note, the 3 weeks are counted from the date your documents arrive at HM Passport Office for processing.
Fast track applications – up to 1 week
Premium applications – 1 day

Your passport may take longer to process if extra documents or information are needed.

We recommend checking your passport’s expiry date before you book your holiday, to avoid unexpected disruptions.

How to renew your passport online

The fastest and cheapest way to renew your passport is through GOV.UK’s online passport application page.

Visit GOV.UK’s ‘Apply online for a UK passport’ page to get started.
If you would like help to complete your online application, you can visit a post office branch to use their digital Check and Send service or call the official passport advice line on +44 (0) 300 330 0901.
Upload a digital passport photo
Check photo guidelines before submitting to avoid your picture being rejected.
Provide application details and documents to confirm your identity.
Pay the renewal fee
A standard adult passport when applied for online is £88.50 or £57.50 for a child – at the time of writing.
If needed, get someone to confirm your identity.
They can confirm this online. There are a few rules on who can confirm your identity, and which professions are allowed. For more details, visit GOV.UK’s ‘Confirm someone’s identity’ page.
Send your old passport to HM Passport Office. This is needed to verify your identity and will be returned to you after processing.
Track your application
You’ll get updates by email or text. You can also sign in to your account on GOV.UK to track progress and check if you need to send any extra documents to support your application or ask someone to confirm your identity.

Photo tip: if your photo doesn’t meet requirements, your application could be delayed. Use a photo booth or online passport photo service to make sure it meets UK passport standards.

How to renew your passport by post

If you prefer a paper application, you can pick up a paper passport application form from your local post office.

This takes a little longer than an online application, but the processing time should still be 3 weeks from the date your application arrives at HM Passport Office.

How to apply

Pick up a paper passport renewal form from your local post office.
You can search for your nearest branch on the post office website’s branch finder.
If you need help filling out your application form, the post office offer a paper application Check and Send service which costs £16 on top of your application fee, at the time of writing.
Complete your application form in capital letters, using a black biro pen and follow the instructions carefully.
Attach 2 passport photos (make sure they meet UK standards).
Include your payment
A standard adult passport applied for with a paper application form is £100 or £69 for a child – as of 2025.
You can pay by debit or credit card by adding your card details to your payment form in your application pack. You can also pay by cheque or postal order.
Using the envelope provided with your paper application form, post the application to HM Passport Office, using the address provided on the envelope. Make sure you attach the correct postage before you post your application.

Tip: using the post office Check and Send service can reduce errors and speed up your application.

Urgent and fast-track passport renewal services

If you need your passport in a hurry, the fast track and premium services are your best options.

One-week fast track service

Who can apply
Anyone renewing an adult or child passport.
How to apply
Visit GOV.UK’s urgent application page. Enter a few simple details about yourself and you’ll then be asked to book an appointment to visit your nearest passport office in person.
Attend your face-to-face appointment
Bring your documents, passport photos and payment details.
Cost
£166.50 for a standard adult passport or £135.50 for a standard child passport.
When will your passport be ready?
Your new passport will be delivered to your home by courier 1 week after your appointment.

Same-day premium service

Who can apply
Adult renewals only. The premium service isn’t currently available for children’s passport renewals.
How to apply
Visit GOV.UK’s urgent application page. Enter a few simple details about yourself and you’ll then be asked to book an appointment to visit your nearest passport office in person.
Attend your face-to-face appointment
Bring your documents, passport photos and payment details.
Cost
£207.50 for a standard passport.
When will your passport be ready
You can collect your passport 4 hours after your appointment.

Tip: fast track appointments fill up quickly, so check availability well in advance.

Renewing a child’s passport

The fastest and cheapest way to renew a child’s passport is using GOV.UK’s online application.

You can also apply by post, collecting a paper application form from your local post office.

The process for a child passport renewal is slightly different from an adult application.

The key differences are that:

a child passport is valid for 5 years, so remember to check the expiry date carefully
someone with parental responsibility must sign the application form – this includes a parent, step-parent or guardian.
the renewal fee is £57.50 (online) or £69 (by post) – accurate at the time of writing.

Tip: if your child has changed significantly in appearance, it’s worth checking photo guidelines to make sure the image is accepted.

What to do if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged

If you’ve lost your passport or had it stolen, don’t panic. You can easily cancel it and apply for a replacement using the simple online GOV.UK form.

Steps to replace a lost or stolen passport:

Cancel your lost passport quickly and easily online by visiting GOV.UK’s ‘Cancel a lost or stolen passport’ page.
Apply for a replacement passport online or by post.
This costs £88.50 online or £100 by post.
You’ll need your passport photos to hand and be ready to provide payment details.
If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document. This costs £100 at the time of writing.

Tip: if you’re abroad, you can contact the nearest British embassy or consulate for help.

Common mistakes and how to avoid delays

You can speed up the renewal process by remembering a few simple steps.

Check photo requirements carefully: using the wrong size photo, poor quality, face direction or hair covering your face, are all reasons your picture could be rejected. Use a passport photo service to avoid mistakes and unexpected delays.
Check spellings: double check names, dates, and addresses before submitting.
Apply with plenty of time: processing times can vary, so make sure you renew well before you travel.

Renewing your passport doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can avoid delays and have a smooth application. Whether you’re renewing online, by post, or using a fast-track service, make sure to check the latest processing times before applying, to avoid unexpected delays.