If your passport is close to expiring, or you’ve only just noticed it’s out of date – don’t panic. Renewing a UK passport is straightforward when you know what to expect. And the earlier you apply, the better.
Planning a city break in Europe? Or perhaps you’re heading further afield? Either way, having a valid passport is essential. But many travellers don’t realise that “valid” doesn’t just mean “not expired.” In fact, depending on where you’re going, you may need up to six months left on your passport to be allowed in.
So if you’ve asked yourself, “How do I renew my UK passport?” – you’re in the right place. Here’s a simple guide that walks you through the process step-by-step, whether you’re renewing online, by post, or need it in a hurry.
When should you renew your UK passport?
The golden rule? Sooner than you think. UK adult passports are valid for 10 years, while children’s passports last five. But even if yours hasn’t expired yet, it might still cause issues.
Many countries, like the USA, Thailand, and Turkey, require that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Others, like the EU, need it to have at least three months remaining after your departure date. Some countries won’t let you in if your passport was issued more than 10 years ago – even if it hasn’t expired.
Avoid stress or disappointment by renewing your passport if it has less than 6 months left – particularly if you’re planning to travel soon.
Find out more about passport rules and whether your passport is still valid for travel.
How long does a UK passport renewal take?
Timing is everything when it comes to passport renewal. Planning ahead could save you a lot of stress.
Standard turnaround time – 3 weeks
For most people, renewing a passport online or by post takes about three weeks from the moment your application is received and your documents arrive at HM Passport Office.
But it’s worth knowing that the clock doesn’t start ticking when you click ‘submit’. It begins when your supporting documents (like your old passport) are physically received and checked. That’s an important detail if you’re posting them or using a photo code from a booth, which might take a few days to process.
When are delays more likely?
While three weeks is the official estimate, the reality can vary. Here are a few things that can slow things down:
- Busy periods – School holidays, Easter, summer and Christmas are peak times for passport renewals. Processing times can creep up when thousands of others are doing the same.
- Mistakes or missing documents – A blurry photo or an incorrectly filled-out form can significantly delay your renewal. Sometimes, a small mistake means your application is put on hold until you provide the correct info.
- Backlogs – Occasionally, the HM Passport Office experiences backlogs that cause renewals to take much longer than expected. Always check GOV.UK for the most up-to-date processing times.
So while three weeks is the standard, it’s safest to allow at least a month, particularly if you’re planning a trip.
Can I speed things up?
Yes, if your departure date is looming, there are fast-track options to help. These allow you to renew your passport more quickly (sometimes within a week or even the same day), but they come at a higher cost and require an in-person appointment at one of the UK’s passport offices.
How to renew your passport online
If you’re wondering how to renew your passport online, the good news is it’s the easiest and cheapest way to do it. The whole process can be completed in under 15 minutes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to renewing your UK passport online:
Step 1: Go to the official GOV.UK website
Start your application at GOV.UK’s passport renewal page. This is the only official site, so make sure you avoid third-party services.
Step 2: Fill in your details
You’ll need to provide your:
- Full name and date of birth
- Address and contact details
- Old passport number
- Nationality information
- Emergency contact details
This part is straightforward. Just make sure everything matches your current documents.
Step 3: Upload a digital passport photo
Your photo is crucial. It must meet strict government standards:
- Taken within the last month
- Clear, in colour, and against a plain, light background
- No filters or shadows
- You must face the camera directly, with a neutral expression
You can take a photo at home with your smartphone or use a passport photo booth that provides a digital code. The system will guide you through checking it.
Step 4: Pay the application fee
You’ll need a credit or debit card to complete your payment. As of 2025, passport renewal prices are:
- £94.50 for a standard adult passport
- £107.50 for the frequent traveller version (54 pages)
- £61.50 for a child passport
You’ll receive a confirmation email once payment is complete.
Step 5: Send your old passport
After applying, you’ll be asked to post your old passport to the HM Passport Office. You’ll receive the address and instructions by email. Just make sure to send it securely and keep proof of postage.
Step 6: Track your application
You’ll get regular updates by email or text, and you can also log in to track your progress at any time. If additional documents or checks are needed, you’ll be notified straight away.
How to renew your passport by post
If you prefer pen and paper or are unable to apply online, you can renew your passport the traditional way by post.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Pick up a paper application form
You can get a passport renewal form from most Post Office branches. If you’re not sure where to go, check their branch finder tool.
Step 2: Fill it out carefully
Use a black ballpoint pen and write in block capitals. The form comes with instructions, so follow them closely to avoid mistakes. It’s a good idea to review everything twice before you sign.
Step 3: Include two printed passport photos
Printed photos must meet official UK passport standards. Don’t forget:
- No shadows or glare
- Neutral expression
- Taken within the last month
It’s worth getting these done at a photo booth or a photo shop that offers passport-specific services.
Step 4: Pay the fee
Costs for renewing your passport are slightly higher when applying by post:
- £107 for an adult passport
- £120 for a frequent traveller passport (54 pages)
- £74 for a child passport
You can pay by cheque, debit or credit card. The form will tell you exactly what to include.
Step 5: Post your application
Use the pre-addressed envelope that comes with your application form. It’s best to send everything via tracked or recorded delivery for peace of mind. And don’t forget to include your old passport.
Use the Post Office Check & Send service
For around £16 extra, the Post Office will double-check your application and photos before it’s sent off. This helps avoid delays caused by small errors, giving you confidence that your application is ready to go.
What if your passport is lost, stolen or expired?
Losing your passport, especially while abroad, can be unsettling, but it’s a situation that can be sorted quickly if you know what to do. Acting fast is key to protecting your identity and getting back on track with your travel plans.
Lost or stolen passports
If your passport has gone missing, the first thing you should do is cancel it immediately via the GOV.UK cancellation page. This helps prevent identity theft. Then, apply for a replacement passport using the same process as a renewal, either online, by post, or via one of the urgent services.
If you’re abroad, contact the nearest British embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document so you can get home safely.
Expired passports
You can renew an expired passport, even if it expired some time ago. You’ll need to provide details of your last passport and send it in with your application. In most cases, your old passport will be returned with the corner cut off to show it’s no longer valid.
What about visas in your old passport?
If you have a valid visa in your old passport, you’ll need to request that your old passport be returned unclipped when you apply.
Most countries still honour unexpired visas as long as you carry both your new and old passports when travelling. But it’s always best to double-check with the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting.
Learn more about what to do if your passport is lost or stolen abroad.
Common passport renewal mistakes to avoid
When applying to renew your UK passport, it’s easy to make a few slip-ups along the way. Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make and how you can avoid them:
- Photo issues – Blurry, low-quality or incorrectly sized photos are one of the top reasons applications are delayed.
- Mistakes on forms – Double-check names, dates, and passport numbers. A small error could cause a big delay.
- Waiting too long – Don’t leave your renewal until the last minute. Even fast-track appointments can be fully booked during peak seasons.
- Using unofficial websites – Always apply through GOV.UK to avoid extra fees or scams.
Forgetting to update passport details on bookings: If you renew your passport after booking flights, remember to update your travel provider with the new passport number.
It’s an essential part of the planning
Renewing your passport might not be the most exciting part of travel planning, but it’s one of the most important. Whether you choose to renew online or by post, give yourself plenty of time and always double-check the details.
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