How to renew your passport – our step-by-step guide

The most important document you will need to go abroad is your passport.

Whether you are traveling into Europe or going further afield, you must ensure that your passport is valid and in date.

In this travel advice guide, we explain the process of renewing your passport, along with some common mistakes to avoid.

How to renew passport

Renewing a UK passport is a straightforward process, but it helps to understand each stage before you begin. The first step is deciding how you want to apply.

Most people choose the online service on the GOV.UK website, because it’s quicker and usually cheaper,

However, you can also use a paper form from the Post Office if you prefer.

Once you’ve chosen your method, you will need your current or expired passport, a digital photo that meets UK passport standards, and a debit or credit card for payment.

If you’re applying online, you start by creating or signing in to your Government Gateway account.

Following this you will then enter your personal details, upload your photo, and provide information from your existing passport. The system guides you through each section, making sure nothing is missed. After submitting the form, you pay the renewal fee and receive a confirmation email.

Next, you send off your old passport when instructed. This allows the Passport Office to verify your identity and cancel the old document.

After that, your application moves through processing, which can take several weeks depending on demand. Your new passport arrives by secure delivery.

This is the same process if you lose your passport and need a new one.

It is important to remember that if your current passport is burgundy in colour or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, you can still use it as long as it’s valid for travel. You will see this date on your photocard page in the passport.

All new passports are blue.

How to renew your passport online

Here is the step-by-step process of renewing your UK passport online at the GOV.UK website.

• Go to the official UK Government passport renewal service on GOV.UK
• Sign in with your Government Gateway account or create one if you don’t already have it
• You will need your current passport, a digital passport photo details, and a credit or debit card to hand
• Start the application and enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your existing passport
• Upload your digital photo, making sure it meets UK passport photo rules
• Provide the details from your current passport so it can be cancelled once the new one is issued
• Review all the information you have entered to make sure it’s accurate and complete
• Pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card (as of January 2026, this is £94.50)
• Follow the instructions on when and where to send your old passport (if applicable)
• Track your application online using the reference number provided
• Several weeks later, you will receive your new UK passport

If you are using this format to apply for a UK passport renewal, then these are the steps.

However, there are different rule around lost, damaged or stolen passports.

What is a digital photo?

The GOV.UK guidance explains the rules for getting a suitable digital passport photo for an online UK passport application.

A new photo is required each time you renew, and it must have been taken within the last month of the application on the official website.

You can get a digital photo from a photo booth or supermarket, often with a code to upload directly.

These photos must be clear, in colour, unedited, and meet minimum size and file requirements (all outlined during the application process).

The background must also be plain and light, with no shadows or other people.

It is important that you must face forward with a neutral expression, eyes visible, and with no face coverings.

How to renew your passport by post

Renewing your passport by paper form is an alternative to the online service and is useful if you prefer a physical application or need extra support – and must be carried out at a Post Office with a Check and Send service.

To begin, you’ll need to get hold of the official paper form at the Post Office.

Staff at the location can help you complete the form correctly.

Alternatively, you can request a form by contacting the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000, who will post one to you.

The paper renewal fee is £107, and payment can be made with a debit or credit card, using the payment section included in the application pack.

The other option is to write a cheque, written out to ‘HM Passport Office’.

You must also provide two identical, recently taken printed passport photos that meet UK photo standards. These photos should be clear, unedited, and taken against a plain background.

Once the form is completed, photos attached, and payment included, you send everything to the address provided in the pack.

The UK Passport Office will then process your application.

• Driving in Europe checklist – are you ready for your next holiday?
• EU Entry/Exit System (EES) – all you need to know
• Your complete guide to the ETIAS

How long does a passport renewal take?

Depending on the process of renewal, you can expect to wait from three to 10 weeks to receive your new passport.

Delays to your application can happen if the image doesn’t fit the specifications needed, or additional identity checks are needed.

Rarer delays include high demand during holiday seasons.

It is vital to remember that online applications are quicker than paper ones.

UK passport fast track

If you are desperate to get a UK passport renewal, then there are a few simple steps to take.

You will need to choose one of the two options available, but the first step is to book an appointment on the GOV.UK website – and appointments can be booked up to three weeks in advance.

One-day premium

The earliest available appointment for this service is typically two days after you submit your application on the official website.

When you attend your in-person appointment, you must bring your current passport, as it will be taken from you and officially cancelled.

Once the appointment is complete, the UK Passport Office prepares your new passport document.

This is usually ready for collection within about four hours on the same day as your appointment.

This fast‑track option is only available for renewing an adult passport, and the fee for this service is £222.

This option is only available for UK adult passport renewals.

One-week fast track

With this option, the earliest appointment you can book is usually the day after you submit your application.

Once you have attended your appointment, your new passport is normally sent out by courier and should reach you within about a week.

This service can be used for several types of applications, including renewing an existing passport, updating personal information such as your name, place of birth or gender, replacing a passport that has been lost, stolen or damaged, and applying for a child passport.

The fee for an adult passport through this service is £178, while a child passport costs £145.

How to renew a child's passport

If you are looking to renew your child’s passport, then you can do it online on the official GOV.UK website, or by post.

In order to renew, you will you need your child’s current passport and any court orders relating to parental responsibility and any residency arrangements.

Depending on the application process, you will also need either a digital or printed photo of your child that meets passport requirements.

Renewing online costs £61.50, and £74 by post.

To apply using the paper method, you’ll need to complete a physical application form. You can pick one up from any Post Office branch that offers the Passport Check and Send service, or you can request a form by phoning the Passport Adviceline.

When filling it in, complete sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9. If your child is aged 12 or older, they must sign section 6 themselves.

For children under 12, or if your child cannot be clearly identified from their previous passport photo, you’ll need a counter signatory.

This person must complete section 10, sign the form, and confirm the child’s photograph.

Once everything is ready, you can either post the form, photos and supporting documents using the pre-addressed envelope provided or take the whole application to a Post Office branch and use their Check and Send service for added reassurance.

Common passport renewal mistakes

For people who are currently looking to renew their UK passport, it is important to avoid these potential errors, commonly seen in the process.

• Incorrect or misleading information: You should always double check all your details match and everything is factually correct. Any errors or mistakes will lead to delays in your passport renewal.
• Image problems: Whether blurry, in the wrong format, or it doesn’t meet the specifications from the GOV.UK, any issues with your photo will lead to a delay.
• Using a third party: The official GOV.UK website is the only place to renew your passport. Do not use a third party.
• Not renewing in time: If you are putting off or leaving your renewal to the last minute, then there may be a different renewal process. Even fast track appointments can have delays so plan your passport renewal with plenty of time to spare.

In the rare case where you have renewed your passport after booking a holiday, then it is important to update your booking with your travel provider, as they will need your new passport number in order to let you on the flight.