How much does a UK passport cost?

ByThiago SF

Knowing the exact cost of a British passport helps you plan your travel documents properly and avoid surprises when applying or renewing.

Whether you’re applying for your first passport, renewing an expired one, or getting a child passport, the UK government has set clear and transparent fees.
All applications are handled by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) through the official GOV UK portal.

Here’s a complete breakdown of what you’ll pay in 2025 — and how to ensure your application runs smoothly.

💷 Current Standard Passport Fees

The amount you pay depends on how you apply and which type of passport you need. Online applications are cheaper and faster than paper ones.

Here are the current official fees (as of April 2025):

  • Adult standard passport (34 pages, online): £94.50
  • Adult frequent traveller passport (54 pages, online): £107.50
  • Child passport (under 16, online): £61.50
  • Adult standard passport (paper form): £107
  • Child passport (paper form): £75

These prices reflect the increases introduced in April 2025, following a government adjustment to cover processing and security costs.

Applying online saves both time and money, since the digital process costs less and allows faster verification of your photo and documents.

🏤 Additional Services and Optional Costs

In some cases, you might choose to use optional services to simplify your application or speed up delivery. The UK government provides several paid extras.

  • Post Office Check & Send: For an additional £16, staff will review your application and digital photo before it’s sent to HMPO. This service reduces the risk of rejection and ensures accuracy.
  • Urgent passport services: Fast-Track and Premium options cost more but offer quicker turnaround times (details in the next section).
  • Delivery costs: Standard delivery is included, but you can upgrade to tracked or signed-for courier services at your own expense.

These add-ons aren’t mandatory but can help you save time or avoid errors that delay your travel plans.

⚡ Fast-Track and Premium Passport Options

If you need your passport urgently, HM Passport Office offers faster services for both adults and children. They cost more but are ideal for emergencies or last-minute travel.

  • 1-Week Fast Track: Costs £178 for adults and £151 for children. You must attend an appointment at a regional passport office (London, Peterborough, Glasgow, Belfast, etc.). Your passport arrives by Royal Mail Tracked within seven days.
  • Online Premium (Same-Day): Costs £222 for adults. You book an appointment online and collect your new passport within four hours. Only available for adult renewals.

Both services require appointments, and slots fill up quickly — especially during holiday periods. If you can plan ahead, applying online through GOV.UK remains the best-value option.

📈 Recent Changes and Fee Increases

Passport fees in the UK increased in April 2025, marking the second rise in 14 months. The government cited higher operational costs, security checks, and global inflation as reasons for the adjustment.

The main changes were:

  • Adult online passport: increased from £88.50 → £94.50
  • Child online passport: increased from £57.50 → £61.50
  • Paper applications: up roughly 7–8 % across all categories

Despite the increase, the UK’s digital process remains among Europe’s most efficient, with full online tracking and communication by text or email.

💳 Where and How to Pay

Most applicants now apply and pay through the official GOV.UK website:
👉 www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport

Payments are accepted by debit or credit card and processed securely. If you prefer, you can still submit a paper application form available at some Post Offices, but it costs slightly more and takes longer.

After payment, you’ll receive a reference number (starting with PEX or POD) for tracking your passport’s progress online.

☎️ Support and Contact Information

If you have questions about fees, payment, or delivery, HM Passport Office provides direct support channels:

  • Passport Adviceline: 0300 222 0000 (UK)
  • From abroad: +44 (0)300 222 0000
  • Email and online chat: available on passport.service.gov.uk
  • Postal address: HM Passport Office, PO Box 767, Southport PR8 9PW

Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8 am – 8 pm and weekends 9 am – 5:30 pm. Staff can confirm the current fees or guide you to the appropriate service.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are passport fees increasing?
Fees are reviewed regularly to cover production, biometric security, and administrative costs, ensuring HM Passport Office remains self-funding.

2. Is it cheaper to apply online or by post?
Online applications are always cheaper. The digital process saves on postage and administrative handling.

3. How often do passport prices change?
Usually every 1–2 years, depending on government budget reviews or operational adjustments.

4. Do urgent passport services include postage costs?
Yes, delivery is included in Fast-Track and Premium fees, with Royal Mail Tracked used for dispatch.

5. Are there any discounts or concessions?
No. Passport fees are the same for all eligible applicants; there are no student, senior, or income-based reductions.

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