Thinking of booking a trip abroad? It's exciting, but it's always worth checking first if you need to renew your passport. It's easy to overlook, but you'll only be able to travel with a valid passport.
Certain countries may only grant you entry if you have at least six months left on your passport upon your return date back to the UK. So it's definitely worth checking when planning a trip abroad.
When should I renew my passport?
So, ideally you should check the expiration of your passport before booking any form of travel abroad. Certain countries state that to enter you must have at least six months remaining on your passport after the date you’re returning to the UK.
Quite simply, if you're planning on travelling and don't have six months remaining on your passport returning to the UK - you should renew.
It's worth noting here that renewing a passport in the spring ahead of a summer holiday is pretty common! You won't be the only one jetting off for a sun tan, so waiting times can be longer.
How long will my passport renewal take?
The general turnaround to renew your passport is around three weeks if you opt for the standard service.
There are occasions where the passport office require you to submit more information to support your application. If this happens, waiting times can be longer.
How much does it cost to renew a UK passport?
That depends, the UK government has published a table to outline what you can expect to pay based on your age.
It costs less to buy a passport for children compared to an adult, and it's free for anyone born on or before 2 September 1929.
Opting to renew online is cheaper compared to paper form, and frequent traveller passports are more expensive than a standard version.
| Type of Passport | Online Application | Paper Application |
|---|---|---|
|
Adult (16 and over) standard 34-page passport
|
£88.50
|
£100 |
|
Adult (16 and over) 54-page frequent traveller passport
|
£100.50
|
£112 |
|
Child (under 16) standard 34-page passport
|
£57.50
|
£69 |
|
Child (under 16) 54-page frequent traveller passport
|
£69.50
|
£81 |
|
People born on or before 2 September 1929
|
Free
|
Free |
What's the quickest way to renew my passport?
The good news is that you can speed up the process if time isn't on your side. There are two ways you can do this:
1 day premium: You'll need to book an appointment where you'll receive your new passport. The earliest you can book an appointment is two days after you apply. This service costs £207.50, or £219.50 for a frequent traveller passport. This is the quickest option available.
1 week fast track: Again, you'll need an appointment - the earliest you can book is the day after you apply. Generally, you'll have your new passport delivered by courier 1 week after your appointment. The cost for adults is £166.50 (£178.50 for a frequent traveller passport), or £135.50 for a child passport (£147.50 for a frequent traveller passport).
Both options are available if you need to renew your passport, but only adults can use 1 day premium. As you would expect, these options cost more than the standard service but will guarantee your passport a lot faster.
You can send someone in your place at the appointment, but they must have your old passport, a signed letter of permission and their ID.
There are exclusions, you won't be able to use the urgent services if you're living outside of the UK or applying for a first adult passport.
Can I renew my passport online?
Absolutely, you can do this on the UK government website. You'll need to provide information and documents to support your application, including:
- A digital portrait headshot photo
- A credit or debit card
- Your current passport
You can renew your passport by post if you prefer, but this method can take longer and is more expensive. The Post Office also offer a check and send service that uses your old passport to complete an application on your behalf.
What happens if I've lost my passport?
You must cancel your passport if it's been lost or stolen. If your passport has been damaged, you should replace it as you won't be able to travel.
The good news is that if you have a travel insurance policy, you can claim for a replacement passport. In the event your passport is lost or stolen, you should:
- Report your passport as lost or stolen online so it can be cancelled as soon as possible
- Apply for a replacement passport
- Organise emergency travel documents if you need to travel before your new passport arrives
Do I have to send my old passport back after I've renewed?
The short answer is yes. As part of the application process you are required to send your old passport back. For security purposes the passport office must check all of the information is correct to avoid any incomplete documentation.
If you apply without your old passport, you may have to re-apply for a passport as if it were lost or stolen.
Will a replacement passport affect any visas I have?
No, they'll still be valid. Your old passport will be sent back to you and you'll have to carry both your old and new passport when travelling on that visa. It might be annoying, but it's required.
Certain countries may have different rules surrounding existing visas and new passports, so it's best to check before you travel.
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