Verify all fees at GOV.UK before applying
Passport fees are updated periodically by His Majesty's Passport Office. The fee structure on this page reflects the categories and service types available, but the specific amounts should be confirmed at GOV.UK when you apply. Using an outdated fee can result in a failed payment or having to restart your application.
Passport fees by application type (verify all amounts at GOV.UK)
| Application type | Online fee | Postal fee |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport (standard 34-page) | Verify at GOV.UK | Verify at GOV.UK |
| Child passport (under 16, 5-year validity) | Verify at GOV.UK | Verify at GOV.UK |
| Digital renewal (online only) | Verify at GOV.UK | N/A — online only |
| Fast Track (approximately 1 week) | Standard fee + premium — verify at GOV.UK | N/A |
| Premium appointment (same day) | Standard fee + premium — verify at GOV.UK | N/A |
Apply online — it costs less
His Majesty's Passport Office charges less for online applications than for postal applications. The discount is meaningful. If you can apply online, you should.
Postal applications are necessary in a limited set of circumstances: if you have never held a UK passport and cannot use the online route, or if your situation does not meet the criteria for online renewal. Most adult renewals can be done online.
The digital renewal service costs the same as standard online renewal but does not require you to post your old passport or submit a printed photo. If you qualify, it is the simplest option.
Fast Track and Premium — what the upgrade actually gets you
Fast Track targets a passport returned within approximately one week. You book an appointment online, attend a passport office at the appointed time, and submit your application in person. The premium over the standard fee varies — verify the current amount at GOV.UK.
Premium appointments give you a same-day service at a passport office. You receive your passport before you leave. This is the most expensive service and is intended for urgent cases where Fast Track is not quick enough.
One thing to know about Premium: appointments book out weeks ahead during busy periods. Summer and school holiday periods are particularly congested. If you need a same-day passport, book the appointment as early as possible — waiting until a week before your trip and expecting to find a slot is not realistic between May and September.
Child passport costs
Child passports are valid for 5 years, which is why they cost less than adult passports. The renewal cycle is shorter.
In practice, five years goes quickly. Children's faces change significantly. Photo requirements are the same as for adults — a proper 35mm x 45mm photo with neutral expression, plain background, no glasses. Do not attempt to use a photo taken more than a year ago for a child.
The shorter validity means children who travel regularly will need more frequent renewals than adults. Budget accordingly, and check expiry dates before every trip — particularly if the child has not travelled for a year or two.
What happens if your application is refused?
The standard application fee is not refunded if your passport is refused.
This matters if you have applied on the standard service and been refused for identity or entitlement reasons. The fee is gone. You would need to submit a new application with the correct documentation and pay again.
If you paid for Fast Track or Premium and the application is refused, whether the premium element (the upgrade cost) is refunded depends on the specific circumstances. Verify the current refund policy at GOV.UK for the service you booked.
Refusals are relatively rare for straightforward renewals. They are more common in first applications where identity documentation is incomplete.
Extra costs to factor in
Beyond the application fee, there are a few costs worth knowing about:
Passport photos: if you are applying by post, you need printed photos. A photo booth typically costs £5–£8. Some chemists offer printed photos more cheaply. If you are using the digital renewal service, photos are taken digitally during the application and there is no separate photo cost.
Post Office Check and Send: an optional service where Post Office staff check your application and photos before posting them. This adds cost — verify the current fee at any Post Office — but reduces the risk of rejection for a photo error or missing document. Worth considering if you are not confident in your photos or paperwork.
Recorded or tracked postage: if you are submitting a postal application, use tracked post. Losing an application with your original identity documents in transit is expensive and stressful to resolve.
Fee waivers and exceptions
British nationals in serious distress overseas — particularly those who have been victims of crime or are in an emergency situation — may be eligible for consular assistance with travel documents through the British Embassy or High Commission in that country. This is not a standard discount scheme. It is a limited provision for genuine emergency situations. Contact the nearest British Embassy or contact the FCDO from overseas.
There are no general fee discounts for low income or Universal Credit claimants.
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