UK Passport — Apply, Renew & Fast-Track Guide

Everything you need to know about applying for, renewing, or fast-tracking a UK passport — with current prices, official links, and insider tips to avoid delays.

📘 Standard Online Application

Cost: £88.50 for a standard 34-page adult passport. Children under 16: £57.50.

Processing target: 3 weeks from the date your documents are received — though this can stretch to 6-10 weeks during peak summer demand (April–August).

How to apply: Go to gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. You’ll need your current passport (if you have one), a digital photo, and a credit/debit card. The online form takes about 15 minutes. HM Passport Office will ask you to send your old passport (if renewing) and any supporting documents by post.

Paper application: Available from the Post Office (£88.50 cheque/postal order). Slower processing than online — generally 4-6 weeks.

⚡ Fast Track (1 Week)

Cost: £155 for adults, £126 for children under 16.

Process:

Fill in a paper application form — available from any Post Office that offers the Passport Check & Send service.
Book an appointment online at gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently. Appointments are released daily at 6am and go quickly — book the moment they appear.
Attend your appointment at one of the HM Passport Office locations (Belfast, Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport, Peterborough).
Your passport is delivered to your home address within 1 week (usually quicker).

🚀 Premium Same-Day Service

Cost: £193.50 for adults. Children: £171.50.

Available at selected passport offices only. You attend an in-person appointment and receive your new passport on the same day. Ideal for genuine emergencies — but you must have a booked appointment. No walk-ins accepted.

Book via gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently.

📸 Passport Photo Rules

Digital photo must be taken within the last month — no re-using old photos.
Plain cream or light grey background (white is sometimes rejected).
No smiling — neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible.
No glasses unless medically essential, supported by a signed doctor’s letter.
Face must cover 29–34mm from chin to crown in the printed photo.
No head coverings (except religious reasons — face must be fully visible).
No shadows, no red-eye, no filters.

Many photo booths (Photo-Me) now offer digital passport photo codes that feed directly into the online application. Boots, Superdrug, and Snappy Snaps also provide the digital code service for around £10–15.

🔑 Key Tip: 6-Month Validity Rule

Many countries — including most of the EU (Schengen area), UAE, Thailand, China, and Turkey — require your passport to have at least 6 months’ validity beyond your intended return date. If your passport expires in 5 months, you could be denied boarding. Check your passport now before booking any international travel.

📞 Contacts & Official Links

Passport Adviceline: 0300 222 0000 (Monday–Friday 8am–8pm, Saturday 9am–5:30pm)
Apply/Renew Online: gov.uk/apply-renew-passport
Urgent Applications: gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently
Track Your Application: gov.uk/track-passport-application
Post Office Passport Check & Send: £16.50 additional fee — ensures your application is correctly completed before submission.

Last updated: June 2026. Prices and processing times are subject to change — always check gov.uk for the latest information.