Travel topic · Money
UK passport: renewal, fees and timings
Renew online (or by post if needed); cost £82.50 for a standard adult passport; expect 3–6 weeks delivery (express 1 week for extra fee).
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Applies to
Clear steps to renew a UK passport, current fees, processing times and who must use the service. All information up to date for 2026.
Key facts
- Standard adult renewal fee
- £82.50
- Express service fee
- £104.00 (1‑week delivery)
- Typical processing time
- 3–6 weeks (standard), 1 week (express)
- Eligibility
- British citizens with a passport that will expire within 6 months or already expired
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Who needs to renew
All British citizens whose passport is due to expire within six months, has already expired, or is damaged beyond normal wear can apply for a renewal.
Children under 16 must apply for a new passport rather than a renewal; the process is similar but the fee differs.
How to renew
1. Gather required documents: current passport, a digital colour photo that meets UK standards, and a payment method.
2. Choose the method: online via the official GOV.UK service (fastest) or paper form if you cannot access the online system.
3. Complete the application, upload the photo, and pay the fee.
4. If applying online, you will receive a tracking number; the new passport is mailed to your address.
5. For paper applications, send the completed form and supporting documents to the address on the form; you will be contacted if anything is missing.
Do
- Apply at least 8 weeks before travel to allow for any unexpected delays.
- Use the official photo checker on the GOV.UK site to avoid rejections.
Watch out
- Do not travel on a passport that expires within six months; many airlines and countries require at least six months validity.
Show 5 sectionsHideFees and processing times, Special cases, UK vs other passports (quick glance), Questions people ask, Related
Fees and processing times
Standard adult passport (34 pages): £82.50. This includes free first‑class delivery to the UK address you provide.
Express 1‑week service: £104.00, plus the same delivery cost.
If you need a larger 50‑page passport, add £20 to the standard fee.
Processing time for standard applications is currently 3–6 weeks; express service guarantees delivery within 7 calendar days.
| Service | Fee | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (34‑page) | £82.50 | 3–6 weeks |
| Standard (50‑page) | £102.50 | 3–6 weeks |
| Express (34‑page) | £104.00 | 1 week |
Times are estimates for 2026; peak travel periods may add a week (check).
Special cases
Lost or stolen passports: you must report the loss, obtain a police report, and apply for a replacement; the fee is the same but processing may take longer.
Name change (marriage, divorce, gender change): you can renew with the same fee, but you must provide supporting legal documents.
Urgent travel (within 48 hours): the UK offers a 'fast track' service at a higher cost (£200+), available at designated passport offices only.
Do
- If you need a passport for a visa that requires a specific validity period, request a larger passport (50‑page).
Watch out
- Fast‑track service requires an appointment; book at least two weeks in advance.
UK vs other passports (quick glance)
Compared with Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the UK standard renewal fee is lower, but processing times are similar.
| Country | Standard fee | Standard time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £82.50 | 3–6 weeks |
| Canada | CAD 120 | 2–4 weeks (check) |
| Australia | AUD 150 | 3–4 weeks (check) |
| New Zealand | NZD 150 | 3–5 weeks (check) |
Fees are 2026 estimates; check official sites for exact amounts.
Questions people ask
What is the short answer?
Renew online for £82.50; expect 3–6 weeks delivery (1 week if you pay the £104 express fee).
Who does it apply to?
All British citizens whose passport will expire within six months, has already expired, or is damaged. Children under 16 need a new passport, not a renewal.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Standard adult passport: £82.50, 3–6 weeks. Express 1‑week service: £104.00, delivered in 7 days. Larger 50‑page passport adds £20.
Can I renew from abroad?
Yes, you can apply online from any country, but the passport will be sent to a UK address. If you need it delivered abroad, you must use a paper form and pay an additional overseas delivery fee.
What if my passport is lost or stolen?
Report the loss, get a police report, then apply for a replacement using the same fee. Processing may take longer than a standard renewal.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
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Sources
- officialGOV.UK – Renew your passport