How to Fast-Track Your UK Passport Application in 2025
Need a new or renewed passport in a hurry? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered. This 2025 guide explains all the urgent UK passport application methods (including 1-week Fast Track and 1-day Premium services) for both adults and children. We’ll compare costs, processing times, eligibility, and how to book each option. You’ll also find a quick comparison table, travel tips to plan, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s get your passport sorted, fast!
Ensure your passport doesn’t leave you stranded at border control: image credit
Urgent Passport Services vs. Standard Processing
Under normal circumstances, a standard passport application can take several weeks to process. In fact, HM Passport Office advises that standard applications can take up to 10 weeks during busy periods (though many straightforward renewals are completed in around 3 weeks during normal demand). If you have the luxury of time, the standard service (applied for online or via the Post Office) is the most cost-effective route.
However, if you’re facing a tight travel deadline, the Passport Office offers two premium urgent services to speed things up:
- 1-Week Fast Track Service: Get a new passport delivered about one week after your passport office appointment.
- 1-Day Premium Service: Get your passport issued on the same day (ready roughly 4 hours after your appointment), the fastest option available.
Both urgent services require an in-person appointment at a Passport Office and charge significantly higher fees than the standard process. They’re a lifeline if you need a passport urgently, but be prepared to pay more and follow specific eligibility rules. Below, we break down each service for adults and children.
1-Week Fast Track Passport Service
What it is: The 1-week Fast Track is an expedited passport service that delivers your new passport to your home by courier one week after your appointment. This service is a popular Plan B for those who can’t wait for the standard processing time.
Who can use it: Fast Track can be used for renewals (adult or child), replacements of lost or stolen passports, name or detail changes, and even first-time child passports. Important: You cannot use Fast Track for a first adult passport; first-time adult applicants must use the standard service.
How it works: You must apply online through the government’s urgent passport service and book an in-person appointment at a Regional Passport Office. Appointments are often available as soon as the next day after you apply, but during peak times, slots may book up days (or even weeks) in advance, so factor this in. At the appointment (which lasts about 10 minutes), you’ll submit your application documents and old passport (if you have one), and you may need to hand in printed photos and sign for the delivery of the new passport when it arrives. After the appointment, your new passport will be delivered in roughly 1 week (and will require a signature upon delivery).
Cost: Fast Track convenience comes at a price. As of 2025, the 1-week service costs £166.50 for an adult passport and £135.50 for a child passport. (If you need the 54-page “jumbo” passport for frequent travel, it’s a bit more.) These fees are about double the standard application cost. For the latest on passport fees, see our guide on the cost of UK passports. It breaks down standard vs expedited prices.
How to book: Start by using the online urgent passport service on GOV.UK to fill out your application and pay the fee. During that process, you’ll book an appointment at your nearest available Passport Office. Appointments can typically be booked up to 3 weeks in advance and as soon as the next day, subject to availability. Tip: Be ready to travel to the appointment. There are fewer Passport Offices than post offices, so you might have to go to another city. After your appointment, just wait for the courier; your passport should arrive in about a week.
How your passport is checked and printed
Want to see what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to making your little red book
Premium 1-Day Passport Service (Online Premium)
What it is: The Premium service is the fastest way to get a UK passport, perfect for last-minute emergencies. Often called the “Online Premium” or same-day service, it allows you to apply online, attend a passport office appointment, and receive your new passport the same day. In fact, your passport is typically ready 4 hours after your appointment, so you could apply on Monday and be holding a new passport by that afternoon!
Who can use it: The 1-day Premium service is only available for adult passport renewals (10-year passports), and only if you are in the UK. Children’s passports cannot be fast-tracked with the 1-day service, and neither can first-time adult passports. If you need a child’s passport urgently, you’ll have to use the 1-week Fast Track. Likewise, if you’re applying for your first adult passport, Premium is not an option (you’ll need to use the standard route and allow extra time for the required interview and identity checks).
How it works: Similar to Fast Track, you’ll apply online and book an appointment at a Passport Office. The earliest appointment is usually 2 days from when you complete the online application (to allow time for processing your details). Appointment slots fill up fast, but if you secure one, the process is quick: in a roughly 30-minute appointment, you’ll hand over your old passport and application documents, and then just a few hours later (around 4 hours) you can collect your brand new passport from the same office. This is a collect-in-person service, your new passport isn’t mailed to you; you (or someone you’ve authorised) must pick it up that day.
Cost: The speediest service comes with the steeper price. The Premium same-day passport service costs £222 for a standard adult 34-page passport (and £235 if you need the 54-page version). This is the price after the April 2025 fee update, reflecting roughly a 7% increase from earlier fees. It’s a significant expense, nearly double or more the cost of a normal renewal, but if you absolutely need a passport immediately, it can be worth every penny to save your trip. (For reference, children are not eligible for this service, but the projected equivalent fee would be around £189 if it were offered.)
How to book: Use the GOV.UK Online Premium booking system to apply and schedule your appointment. You’ll need to provide a digital passport photo, pay the fee, and choose an appointment slot at one of the designated Passport Offices that offer the Premium service. Keep in mind you might not get an appointment the next day; plan for possibly 2-3 days out for the earliest slot, and in peak times it could be a bit longer. On the day of your appointment, arrive with your old passport (it will be retained) and any required documents. After the appointment, you’ll typically wait a few hours and then return to collect your new passport. (If you can’t collect it yourself, you can send someone in your place with a letter of permission and their ID.)
Quick Comparison of Passport Application Options
To help you scan the differences, here’s a quick comparison of the standard service versus the two urgent options:
| Service | Eligibility | Speed | Cost (Adult/Child) | How to Apply |
| Standard Service | All applicants (new or renewal) (First adult passport must use this) | Up to 10 weeks (usually ~3-6 weeks in non-peak times) | £94.50 adult £61.50 child (online) £107 adult £74 child (postal) | Online application or Post Office Check & Send; delivered by post |
| 1-Week Fast Track | Renewals, replacements, name changes, and children’s first passports (Not for first adult passport) | 1 week after the in-person appointment | £166.50 adult £135.50 child | Apply online + attend passport office appointment; passport delivered by courier. |
| 1-Day Premium | Adult renewals only (UK residents) (Not available for children or first adult passport) | Same day: ready 4 hours after appointment | £222 adult n/a for child | Apply online + attend passport office appointment; passport collected in person. |
Note: All fees above are current as of 2025, check the official HM Passport Office fee page for the most up-to-date costs. Fast Track and Premium appointments are subject to availability; during peak seasons, you might have to wait days or weeks for an open slot, so book as early as possible. Standard service times can vary, so always verify the latest processing estimates on GOV.UK.
Planning Ahead: Top Tips to Avoid Passport Panic
Needing an urgent passport service can be stressful (and expensive). Here are some travel tips, in true APH style, to help you plan and keep your cool:
- Renew early to save money: If you know your passport is expiring in the next year, don’t wait until the last minute. You can renew a passport at any time; unused validity (up to 9 months) can sometimes be carried over to the new passport. By renewing early via the standard service, you’ll avoid hefty Fast Track/Premium fees. (For a full breakdown of fees and how they’ve changed, see our post on the cost of UK passports.)
- Check validity and destination rules: Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 3-6 months beyond your trip. Don’t get caught out at the airport, check the requirements for your destination and make sure your passport won’t be expiring soon. If it will, renew well in advance. Also, ensure you have enough blank pages for visa stamps if required (some countries demand 2-4 blank pages). This simple check can save you from an emergency renewal right before travel.
- Mind the photo and appearance guidelines: Passport photos have strict rules. If you’ve recently changed your appearance significantly (for example, grown a big beard, dyed your hair a new colour, gained or lost a lot of weight, or added a facial tattoo), you might wonder if you need a new photo or even a new passport. Generally, as long as you’re still recognisable, you’re fine, but if in doubt, it’s safer to update it. We’ve answered these concerns in detail (like whether you need to report a new beard or glasses) in our guide on passport photos and changes in appearance. Give it a read to know when a new photo is needed.
- Know who can sign your documents: If you’re applying for a first adult passport or a child’s first passport, you’ll need a countersignatory to sign your application form and photos (someone who meets the official criteria to confirm your identity). Even some renewals require a countersignature if your appearance has drastically changed since your last passport photo. Plan to identify a suitable person (like a doctor, teacher, or professional who has known you for 2+ years) and ask them in advance. Not sure who qualifies? Check out our handy explainer on who can sign passport photos and application forms so you’re prepared.
- Use Check & Send for peace of mind: When time is short but you’re still using the standard or Fast Track service, consider the Post Office’s Check & Send service. For a small fee, they’ll review your application for errors and send it off with tracked delivery. This can help avoid mistakes that lead to rejection or delays. It’s not an expedited service by itself, but it can shave off time lost to corrections. As APH travel experts, we always say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially before a holiday!
- Keep copies and stay informed: Always make a photocopy or take a photo of your passport before you send off or surrender your old one. It’s good practice for travel in general (in case you lose it abroad) and will help if you need to reference details. After applying, use the online tracking services to monitor your passport application progress (you’ll get a tracking reference or can use your application login). Staying informed will ease your nerves while you wait. And if your travel date is very close and you haven’t received your passport, contact the Passport Adviceline for guidance.
- Have a backup plan: If it’s truly down to the wire (for example, your passport was lost days before travel and no urgent appointment is available), know your alternatives. In extreme circumstances, such as a family emergency abroad or a lost passport while overseas, you can seek an Emergency Travel Document through the British embassy/consulate. This isn’t a full passport and only gets you home or to specific countries, but it can be a last resort. Also, travel insurance might help cover costs if you have to rearrange your trip due to passport issues; it’s worth checking your policy.
Related guides from APH
- UK passport costs: latest 2025 fees explained
- Who can sign passport photos & application forms?
- Passport photos & appearance changes: do I need to report?
Wondering if a new beard, weight change or a fresh tattoo means a new photo (or even a new passport)? Our guide explains when you do and don’t need to update: Passport photos & appearance changes
Finally, the best tip is don’t panic! The UK passport process has options to help, and thousands of travellers successfully use them each year. By understanding the system and planning, you can avoid the last-minute rush altogether. Book holidays with passport validity in mind, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress (and money).
FAQs: Fast-Track Passport Applications
Still have questions? We’ve got the answers. Here are 5 frequently asked questions about urgent passport applications, answered in plain English:
The fastest option is the Premium 1-Day Service. This allows you to renew an adult passport and receive the new one on the same day as your passport office appointment. Essentially, you could apply online, go to your appointment, and have your passport in hand a few hours later. Remember, though, this is only for adult renewals, not for first-time passports or kids. If you need a child’s passport or aren’t eligible for Premium, the next fastest is the 1-Week Fast Track service, which delivers the passport about one week after your appointment.
Yes, but only with the 1-week Fast Track service. Children (under 16) can have their new or renewed passports processed with Fast Track, which will get it to you in about a week. Children cannot use the 1-day Premium service, as that service is restricted to adult renewals. If you’re a parent needing a child’s passport quickly, book a Fast Track appointment as soon as possible. (Keep in mind that a first child passport application will require additional documents and an identity confirmation by a counter-signatory, so have those ready.)
Unfortunately, no. If you are over 16 and getting your very first British passport, you must use the standard application process. Premium and Fast Track services are not available for first-time adult applicants. This is because first adult passports involve extra steps (like an identity interview) that can’t be rushed. You should apply as early as possible (at least 6-8 weeks before travel, if not more). If you already have a trip planned and no passport, you might have to consider postponing the trip, as there’s no official same-day or one-week process for first-timers. Plan ahead to avoid this situation. Apply for your first passport well in advance of any travel.
All urgent passport appointments must be booked via the official GOV.UK online service. You’ll fill out an online application, and the system will show you available appointment dates and locations. You choose a Passport Office (there are 7 main Passport Offices across the UK) and a time slot. For Fast Track, appointments can often be the next day after applying; for Premium, the earliest is usually two days after applying. You’ll pay the fee online to confirm the booking. Once booked, you’ll receive a reference number and confirmation email. On the day, arrive with the required documents, typically your old passport (for renewals) and any supporting documents (like name change documents or a filled application form and photos if instructed). After your appointment, Fast Track will send your passport by courier (no extra fee for delivery), while Premium will have you pick it up in person a few hours later. Tip: Appointment slots can be limited, especially around peak travel seasons, so if you don’t see availability at your nearest office, be prepared to check other locations or refresh for cancellations. And never book an “urgent passport” service through any third-party sites; always use the official government system.
If you have a genuine urgent situation, for example, a family emergency abroad or urgent medical treatment, and the standard urgent services (1-week or 1-day) aren’t available in time, there are a couple of avenues. First, if you’re in the UK and it’s a compassionate or medical emergency, you can call the Passport Advice line and explain the situation; in some cases, they might expedite or assist on compassionate grounds. Second, if you’re already abroad and your passport is lost/expired, you can contact the nearest British embassy or consulate to apply for an Emergency Travel Document. That document can often be issued quickly (sometimes within 1-2 days) and will allow you to travel back to the UK or to certain other countries in an emergency. It’s not a full passport; you’ll still need to apply for a new passport when you can, but it can be a lifesaver in urgent situations. Always carry copies of your passport and important info when you travel, and consider registering your travel details with embassy services if you’re going abroad for a while. And of course, travel insurance that covers trip interruptions can be a big help if last-minute passport problems disrupt your plans.
Disclaimer: Passport rules, fees and processing times are subject to change. The information in this post is accurate as of 2025, but always double-check the official GOV.UK website and HM Passport Office guidance for the latest updates before you apply. We recommend using official sources to confirm details on requirements and services, as policies can be updated by the government. Safe travels, and good luck with your passport application!