Renew your UK passport – allow 3 weeks before you travel

It costs £102 to renew an adult passport online or £115.50 with a paper form. Check the current waiting time on GOV.UK and apply well before you travel. Do not book travel until you have a valid passport.

Deadline

Depends on a date you enter in the app

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 21 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? You cannot travel on an expired passport. Some countries also need your passport to be valid for longer than your trip, so check the entry requirements before you book.

HM Passport Office says you'll usually get your passport within 3 weeks. It can take longer if they need more information or an interview. How much time you need left on your passport depends on the country you are visiting.

How to do it

1. Enter your passport expiry date in the app.
2. Check the entry requirements of the country you want to visit.
3. Renew online on GOV.UK for £102. You'll need a digital photo, a debit or credit card and your passport.
4. Or get a paper form from a Post Office with Check and Send, or from the Passport Adviceline. It costs £115.50.
5. Track your application with your reference number. Wait for your new passport before booking travel.

Common questions

How long does a passport renewal take?

GOV.UK publishes the current waiting time. It may take longer if HM Passport Office needs more information, so apply well before you travel.

Why should I not book travel before my new passport arrives?

Your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.

Official source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.