UK Passport Application and Renewal
This guide covers applying for or renewing a UK passport, the fee tiers for online and paper routes, and the two urgent services. This page describes UK rules. Based on the official GOV.UK guidance, September 2026.
Ways to apply
- Online (usually the fastest), including via the Post Office Check and Send service, which can also take a digital photo for a fee.
- On paper, posted in — paper applications are slower than online.
- Payment is by cash, debit card or credit card depending on the route.
Fees
| Passport | Online | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Adult standard (34 pages) | £102 | £115.50 |
| Adult 54-page | £116 | £129.50 |
| Child standard (34 pages) | £66.50 | £80 |
| Child 54-page | £80.50 | £94 |
Passports are free for people born on or before 2 September 1929. Returning supporting documents is free by standard post; secure delivery costs +£5. Fees are not refunded if an application is cancelled or you are not entitled to a passport, and applying from overseas has separate fees.
Urgent services
| 1 day premium | £239.50 (54-page £253.50) — book as early as 2 days after applying; collect 4 hours after the interview; adult renewals only |
| 1 week fast track | £192 adult (54-page £206) / £156.50 child (54-page £170.50) — book from the next day; delivered one week after the interview; renewals, changes, replacements and child passports |
A first adult passport cannot use the urgent services. Paying again while an application is already in progress does not speed it up, and each additional application incurs a £34.50 handling fee. You can book an interview up to 3 weeks ahead, and it lasts up to 10 minutes. Changes and cancellations are free more than 48 hours ahead; within 48 hours a cancellation costs £34.50, and missing an appointment is not refunded.
Common pitfalls
- Using urgent service for a first adult passport, which is not allowed.
- Paying twice while an application is in progress.
- Missing an urgent interview (no refund).
- Expecting a refund when cancelling.
- Forgetting delivery time, as urgent timing runs only from the interview.
- Assuming paper is faster than online.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a UK passport cost?
An adult standard 34-page passport is £102 online or £115.50 on paper; a 54-page frequent traveller passport is £116 or £129.50. Children's passports are less.
What are the urgent options?
1 day premium is £239.50 (54-page £253.50) with collection 4 hours after interview, for adult renewals only. 1 week fast track is £192 for adults (£206 for 54 pages) and £156.50 for children, with delivery a week after interview.
Can I use urgent service for a first adult passport?
No. A first adult passport cannot use the urgent services and must go through the standard route.
Is a paper application faster?
No. Paper applications are slower than applying online.
Are there any free passports?
Yes. Passports are free for people born on or before 2 September 1929.
What happens if I pay twice?
Paying again while an application is already in progress does not speed it up, and each additional application incurs a £34.50 handling fee.
Related: the switching visa inside the UK guide, the UK immigration ID Check app, document translation and copies, and the UK visa documents checklist.
Source: GOV.UK, "Apply for or renew a passport", "Passport fees" and "Get a passport urgently" pages — retrieved 2026-09-29. Fees and rules change, so confirm the current position on the official pages at the time you apply.