How to renew a UK passport
Renew an adult British passport online through GOV.UK – the cheapest and quickest way – and avoid the common mistakes that cause delays.
- Time
- 30 minutes to apply; usually up to 3 weeks to arrive
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your current passport (you'll post it back)
- A digital passport photo (you can take one on a phone with help, or get a code from a photo booth or shop)
- Debit or credit card
- Email address
Safety first
- You can't get a refund if you cancel or aren't entitled to a passport.
- Beware of unofficial websites offering 'help' to apply – they add fees. The official service is only on GOV.UK.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check you can renew
You can use the adult renewal service if you're 16 or over (or turning 16 within 3 weeks) and you have a previous British passport. Different rules apply if you're applying from outside the UK or for a child.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Don't book travel yet
HM Passport Office says not to book travel until you have a valid passport. Your new passport will have a different number, so you may need to update any bookings, ESTA or airline details later.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Get a digital photo
The online service needs a digital photo that meets the rules (plain light background, neutral expression, no glasses glare, recent). Many photo booths and shops give you a photo code to enter instead of uploading.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Apply on GOV.UK
Go to GOV.UK > Renew or replace your adult passport and apply online. It costs £102 online for a standard adult passport (£116 for the 54-page frequent traveller version). A paper form from a Post Office costs £115.50. Only use GOV.UK – other sites may charge extra.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Send your old passport
After you apply, you'll be told how to send your old passport. Post it promptly – your application won't progress until it arrives. Processing time starts when they receive your documents.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Track and receive it
You can track your application online. You'll usually get your passport within 3 weeks. It arrives by courier or Royal Mail, and your old one is returned separately (cancelled).
Tips
- Check your expiry date well before you travel and leave plenty of time, especially before summer.
- Need it urgently? GOV.UK offers paid 1-week Fast Track and Online Premium services – book an appointment through GOV.UK.
- Passports for people born on or before 2 September 1929 are free.
Questions people ask
How long does a passport renewal take?
HM Passport Office usually aims for up to 3 weeks from when it receives your documents, but it can take longer if more information is needed.
Do I need a countersignatory to renew?
Usually not for a straightforward adult renewal. The form will tell you if you need one – for example if you can't be recognised from your old passport photo.
Can I travel on my old passport while I wait?
No – you send it off as part of the application, and it's cancelled.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- GOV.UK: Renew or replace your adult passport (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: Passport fees (gov.uk)
- HM Passport Office: About our services (gov.uk)
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