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by Sarah Forster
-17 January 2023
Blogs
Europe
What are the new passport fees?
As of 2nd February 2023, the UK passport fees have increased for the first time in five years. These changes were implemented to help the Home Office meet its operational costs and improve services.
The new prices have been implemented on renewals and new passports for both adults and children from 2nd February 2023.
The new charges are:
From the 2nd of February, the following fees have applied for:
- Standard Online Application (Adult) – The fee has risen from £75.50 to £82.50.
- Standard Online Application (Child) – The fee has increased from £49 to £53.50.
- Postal Applications (Adult) – Fees have increased from £85 to £93.
- Postal Applications (Child) – Fees are now £64, up from £58.50.
- One-Week Fast Track Service (Adult) – £142
- One-Week Fast Track Service (Child) – £122
- Online Premium Service – £177
For those wondering how much is a passport renewal in the UK or how much to renew a passport in the UK, these new fees provide clarity. The cost of a new passport UK for adults and children, including those seeking a first-time British passport, aligns with these updated figures.
Whilst we’re on the subject of UK passports, let’s answer some of your most frequently asked questions.
Passport FAQs
How long does a UK passport take?
At the moment, it is advised by Gov. uk to leave up to 10 weeks to receive your passport. We advise that when you’re ready to renew or buy your passport, you check the Gov.uk site for the most up-to-date processing times.
Is it cheaper to get a new passport or renew?
The cost is exactly the same whether you are purchasing a new passport, renewing your current passport or purchasing your first adult passport. It is worthwhile noting that if your last passport was issued before 1st January 1994, you will need to follow the process for applying for your first adult passport.
How much does a new passport cost?
The current cost for a passport are:
– Standard Online Application (Adult) – £75.50
– Standard Online Application (Child) – £49
– Postal Applications (Adult) – £85
– Postal Applications (Child) – £58.50
– One-Week Fast Track Service (Adult) – £142
– One-Week Fast Track Service (Child) – £122
– Online Premium Service – £177 (or £187 for a 50-page frequent traveller passport)
From the 2nd February prices will increase as follows:
– Standard Online Application (Adult) – £82.50
– Standard Online Application (Child) – £53.50
– Postal Applications (Adult) – £93
– Postal Applications (Child) – £64
– One-Week Fast Track Service (Adult) – £142
– One-Week Fast Track Service (Child) – £122
– Online Premium Service – £177
What is the current wait time for a UK Passport?
The current wait time is up to 10 weeks. View the most up-to-date processing times here
Can I speed up my passport application?
You can only speed up your passport application if you haven’t already submitted it for processing. You can use the Online Premium Service, where you will be able to get an appointment at the earliest, two days from applying. At this appointment, you will be issued with your new passport, with the appointment lasting no longer than 30 minutes. This service can only be used for adult passports.
Alternatively, you can use the One-Week Fast Track Service. Your passport will be delivered to your home within one week of your appointment and will require a signature. You can use this service to:
– Renew an adult or child passport
– Change your name (for example with a marriage certificate or deed poll)
– Make changes to your personal details on your passport (for example your gender)
– Replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
– Apply for a child’s first passport
What is the quickest time to get a passport?
You can use the online premium service which offers you an appointment as soon as two days after you have submitted your application. This will see you walking away with your passport in hand, within 30 minutes. This service is only available for adult passports.
What documents do you need for a passport renewal?
Renew online
– Credit/debit card
– Current passport
One-Week Fast Track Service
– Two identical printed passport photos
– Completed paper application form
– Supporting documents which can be found within the booklet that comes with your paper form.
Online Premium Service
– Your old passport
If you wish to send someone on your behalf, they will require the following:
– Your old passport
– A signed and dated letter from you, naming them and giving them permission to collect the passport
– Their ID such as passport or driving licence.
First Adult Passport online
– Someone who can confirm your identity (email address)
– Credit/Debit card
If you’re using the Passport Check and Send Service, you can view the documentation required here
You can view all the documentation required for obtaining a passport for your child here
Is it better to renew my passport before it expires?
You must renew your passport before you travel if it has expired or you do not have enough time left – this will vary depending on the country you visit.
Current processing times for passport renewals are 10 weeks, so we would recommend that you renew your passport at least 10 weeks before you travel. It is also worth factoring in any delays. If you are travelling within 10 weeks, then you can use the fast-track services where you can receive your passport within 2-7 days. However, it is worth noting that you can not use these services if you have already submitted your passport for renewal through the standard application process, and there is an additional charge.
Can I renew my passport in one day?
No, the quickest way to renew your passport is using the Online Premium Service. You are required to book an appointment, which can only be booked after 2 days from submitting your application and will depend on availability.
How much does a UK fast-track passport cost?
There are two services available for fast tracking passports. The Online Premium Service can see you receiving your new passport in two days and costs £177, with the One-Week Fast Track Service costing £142 per adult and £122 per child. The One-Week Fast Track Service requires an appointment with your passport to be posted to your home address within a week and requires a signature. Children’s passports can not be renewed via the Online Premium Service. The cost of Fast Track Passport UK remains the same, with the Online Premium Service costing £177 and the One-Week Fast Track Service priced at £142 for adults and £122 for children.
What is the difference between a 5 and 10 year passport?
The only difference between a 5- and 10-year passport is that a child’s passport is valid for 5 years and an adult for 10. After the time period has elapsed, you would need to renew your passport. Once a child reaches 16 or within 3 weeks of being 16, they can apply for an adult’s passport, where they will then qualify for a 10-year passport. A child is able to continue to use their passport until it expires, even if they’re over 18.
At what age do you get a free UK passport?
You are currently eligible for a free passport, including renewal, if you were, born on or before 2nd September 1929. Find out more information here (bottom of page).
Is it quicker to renew passport online?
It is quicker to renew online when using the Online Premium Service or One-Week Fast Track. If you do not have access to a computer, smartphone or the internet, you can book an appointment and pay over the phone.
How far in advance should I renew my UK passport?
You should renew your passport with enough time before you travel factoring in current process times and any potential delays. At the time of writing, current processing times are 10 weeks.
If you’re renewing or replacing your passport, it is essential that you do not book travel until you have a valid passport as you will be provided with a new passport number. If you have any questions, you can contact Passport Advice and Complaints.
Don’t forget, your Travel Insurance policy will also cover you for lost or stolen passport whilst abroad. Find out more on Travel Insurance here.
You may also find our Travel Insurance checklist useful, it covers everything you need to know to make sure you find the most effective Travel Insurance policy for you.
Travel Insurance
At Just Travel Cover, we specialise in providing Travel Insurance for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions with no age limit.
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