2025 Guide to UK Passport Applications: First-Time, Renewals, Fast-Track & More

If you need a new passport in 2025-whether it’s your first ever passport, a renewal of an expiring one, a replacement for a lost document, or a change to your personal details – this guide will help. We’ve compared all the UK passport application services available, including standard applications and expedited options, so you can understand costs, processing times, and requirements at a glance. By knowing your options, you won’t end up paying a high price for leaving things until the last minute.

Passport Application Options at a Glance (2025)

Below is a comparison table of key attributes for different UK passport application types. It covers who can apply, fees, typical processing times, availability of Fast Track (1-week) or Premium (same-day) services, key paperwork, and any special stipulations. This overview will help you quickly identify the right service for your needs.

Adult First Passport (First-time Application)

• Who can apply:
  British nationals, age 16+ (or turning 16 within 3 weeks), have never had a UK passport.
• Fee: £94.50 online / £107 paper (+£13 for 54-page).
• Processing: Up to 10 weeks (no expedited service).
• Fast Track: Not available.
• Premium (same-day): Not available.
• Key paperwork:
  • Application form (online/paper)
  • Digital photo (or 2 printed)
  • Countersignature
  • Supporting documents (e.g. birth certificate)
• Notes: May require a short video interview. Apply early – no urgent service.

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Adult Renewal

• Who can apply:
  Adults (16+) with a current or expired British passport.
• Fee: £94.50 online / £107 paper (+£13 for 54-page).
• Processing: 3-10 weeks standard.
• Fast Track: £166.50 (34-page) / £178.50 (54-page).
• Premium (same-day): £222 (34-page; renewals only).
• Key paperwork:
  • Old passport
  • New digital/printed photos
  • Renewal form + payment
• Notes: Premium service only for passports issued after 2001. Appointment required.

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Adult Replacement (Lost/Stolen/Damaged)

• Who can apply:
  Adults (16+) replacing a lost, stolen or damaged UK passport.
• Fee: £94.50 online / £107 paper (+£13 for 54-page).
• Processing: Up to 10 weeks standard.
• Fast Track: £166.50 (34-page) / £178.50 (54-page).
• Premium (same-day): Not available.
• Key paperwork:
  • Replacement application
  • Photo(s) with countersignature if required
  • Any damaged passport pieces
  • Supporting ID
• Notes: Must report lost/stolen first. An interview may be required.

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Adult Change of Details (Name/Gender/Appearance)

• Who can apply:
  Adults (16+) updating details such as name, gender or major appearance change.
• Fee: £94.50 online / £107 paper (+£13 for 54-page).
• Processing: Up to 10 weeks.
• Fast Track: £166.50 / £178.50 (54-page).
• Premium (same-day): Not available.
• Key paperwork:
  • Application form
  • New photos
  • Old passport
  • Proof of change (marriage certificate, deed poll, Gender Recognition Certificate)
• Notes: Must always provide official evidence of name/gender change.

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Child First Passport

• Who can apply:
  Under 16, British national. Application by parent/guardian.
• Fee: £61.50 online / £74 paper (+£13 for 54-page).
• Processing: Up to 10 weeks standard.
• Fast Track: £135.50 (34-page) / £147.50 (54-page).
• Premium (same-day): Not available.
• Key paperwork:
  • Child’s birth/adoption certificate
  • Child photo(s)
  • Proof of nationality (if needed)
  • Parent/guardian consent
• Notes: Valid for 5 years. Both parents’ details are normally required.

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Child Renewal or Change

• Who can apply:
  Under 16 with a current/expired UK passport, or needing an update (e.g. name change).
• Fee: £61.50 online / £74 paper (+£13 for 54-page).
• Processing: Up to 10 weeks.
• Fast Track: £135.50 / £147.50 (54-page).
• Premium (same-day):  Not available.
• Key paperwork:
  • Old passport (if renewal)
  • New photos
  • Proof of name/other changes
  • Parent/guardian consent
• Notes: If name/details changed, apply for a new passport. Child (12–15) must sign.

Note: Fees above are for applications made within the UK. Different fees apply if you apply from abroad. “Standard” processing times are estimates; always check the latest guidance for current timelines. Adult passports are valid for 10 years; child passports for 5 years.

Need to renew quickly? Learn more about Fast Track passport services, and you could get your new passport in as little as one week.

Adult Passport Applications (Age 16+)

First-Time Adult Passport (UK Adult First Passport)

If you’re applying for your first adult passport, plan ahead and apply early. First-time applicants must be British nationals aged 16 or over (or within 3 weeks of turning 16). You should apply if you’ve never had a UK passport before. This includes young adults who had a child passport but are now applying for an adult document for the first time.

• Validity: A first adult passport will be valid for 10 years once issued.
• Standard processing time: Up to 10 weeks (most take a few weeks, but delays can happen, so don’t book travel until you have the passport in hand). There are no Fast Track or Premium 1-day services available for first-time passports, so this 10-week timeline is important.
• Cost: As of 2025, the fee is £94.50 if you apply online, or £107 using a paper form. (These prices are for the standard 34-page passport. If you need a 54-page “frequent traveller” passport, it costs about £13 more.)
• How to apply: You can apply online through the official government website or by using a paper application form (available at Post Offices). Online is cheaper and generally quicker. You’ll need to fill out the form with your personal details, get a digital passport photo taken, and provide the required documents.
• Required documents: For a first passport, you typically need to provide proof of citizenship (like your birth or naturalisation certificate) and identification. If applying online, you’ll upload digital copies; with a paper form, you’ll send originals or certified copies. You also need someone who knows you (a counter-signatory) to verify your identity and photo; they will fill in their details online or sign the back of one photo for paper applications.
• Special requirements: Passport interview, First-time adult applicants may be asked to attend a short interview (now often a video call) to confirm identity. If an interview is needed, you’ll be contacted by HM Passport Office after submitting your application to schedule it. This is a normal security step for new applicants.
• Receiving your passport: Once approved, your new passport will be printed and sent to you by mail. (Remember that if you applied by paper, you’ll have submitted your original documents, and they will be returned separately.)

Adult Passport Renewal

Renewing your passport is usually simpler than a first application. You should renew an adult passport if your current passport has expired or is about to expire (check the expiration date well before any planned travel). You can renew anytime; you don’t have to wait until it fully expires, especially since some destinations require at least 3-6 months’ validity on your passport.

• Who can renew: British citizens aged 16 or over with an existing passport. If your last passport was issued when you were a child (under 16) or before 1994, you might have to follow the first adult passport process (since it’s effectively your first adult passport). Otherwise, standard renewal applies.
• Validity: A renewed adult passport will be valid 10 years from issue (the remaining time on your old passport is not carried over, so many people renew in the final year before expiry).
• Standard processing: Renewals use the standard service, which currently takes around 3 weeks on average, but it can be up to 10 weeks in busy periods or if there are issues. It’s best to renew at least a few months before you need to travel, just in case.
• Cost: £94.50 online, or £107 via paper form for a standard 34-page passport (as of April 2025). The fees are the same for renewing or getting a new passport; renewal isn’t cheaper than a first-time. If you need a 54-page frequent traveller passport, the renewal fee is a bit higher (£107.50 online).
• How to renew: The easiest way is online through the official portal. You’ll fill out the renewal application and pay online. Important: You will have to send in your old passport as part of the renewal process. For online applications, after filling the form, you mail your old passport to HM Passport Office (they’ll provide the address and instructions). If you use a paper form, you’ll mail the form, your old passport, new photos, and any other required documents together.
• Required documents: Generally, fewer documents are needed than for a first passport. You need a recent digital passport photo (meeting the photo rules), your current passport (to surrender), and a debit or credit card for payment. You usually do not need a counter-signatory for a simple renewal unless your appearance has changed significantly or your old passport expired long ago. If your name has changed since the last passport, you’ll need to include the original documents (like a marriage certificate or deed poll) to show the change.
• Fast Track 1-week service: If you need your renewed passport urgently, you can use the 1-week Fast Track service. This involves booking an appointment at a Passport Office. You must fill out a paper application form (even if you pay online or by phone) and attend an in-person appointment. The Fast Track service for renewals costs £166.50 for a standard passport (or £178.50 for the 54-page version). After the appointment, the new passport is delivered to your home within one week (often by courier, and someone needs to sign for it).
• Online Premium same-day service: For the absolute fastest turnaround, adult renewals (for passports issued after 2001) can use the Online Premium service. This is a same-day passport option. You apply online and then book an appointment (usually available within 2 days of your application) at a regional Passport Office. At the appointment (which lasts around 30 minutes), your documents and photo are checked, and you receive your new passport on the spot. The Premium service costs £222 for a standard 34-page passport. Note that this service is only for adult renewals; it cannot be used for first-time applications, name changes, or children. Appointments can fill up quickly during peak times, so plan accordingly.
• Tips: If you’re renewing, do not travel on your old passport once you’ve sent it off. It will be cancelled when the new one is issued (and the old passport will be returned to you with a corner cut off). Also, consider using the Post Office’s Check and Send service for a small fee; they will review your application and photos to help prevent common mistakes.

Need your passport ASAP? The Online Premium service is the fastest way to renew (you could have a new passport in 2 days!), but it’s expensive. If you have a bit more time, the 1-week Fast Track is slightly cheaper and works for children and various cases. Always double-check eligibility for these services before booking.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Damaged Passport

Losing your passport or finding it badly damaged can be stressful, but the process for replacing a passport is straightforward. If your passport is lost or stolen, you must replace it; you can’t travel on a lost passport (and if found, that old passport will be cancelled). Similarly, passports that are significantly damaged (water damage, torn pages, etc.) should be replaced, as they may not be accepted at border control.

• Who can apply for a replacement: British citizens age 16 or over whose passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged. (For children, a parent/guardian will apply on the child’s behalf; the process is similar, covered in the child section below.) If you still have your damaged passport, you will send it in; if it’s lost or stolen, you’ll need to report that.
• Reporting first: Important: If your passport was lost or stolen, report it to HM Passport Office as soon as possible (you can do this online on Gov.uk). This helps cancel the passport to prevent misuse. You can report it before you even apply for the new one. If it was stolen, also inform the police.
• Standard process & timing: A standard replacement passport application can take up to 10 weeks, similar to a first or renewal application. There is no separate “replacement” form; you’ll use the general passport application form (online or paper) and indicate that your passport was lost/stolen/damaged.
• Cost: The fee for a replacement is the same as a new passport: £94.50 online or £107 by post for adults (and £61.50/£74 for children). The 54-page passport option is available for an extra fee (around £107.50 online for adults). These fees cover issuing an entirely new passport with a new number.
• How to apply: You can apply online or via paper form. Online is typically easier, you’ll fill in your personal details and what happened to your previous passport. If the passport was damaged and you still have it, you’ll have to mail it in. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to send anything (since you no longer have the old passport), but you will provide details of what happened and when you reported the loss.
• Required documents: Aside from the application form and fees, you’ll need a new passport photo (digital upload or printed photos). If your appearance has changed a lot from the last passport, a counter-signatory might be needed to confirm your identity/photo. Supporting identity documents might be required, especially if the passport was lost and it’s been a long time since your last one; essentially, they need to be sure of your identity, just as with a first application. This could include a birth certificate or other ID, similar to the first passport process, if the records are not sufficient.
• Fast Track option: You can use the 1-week Fast Track service to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport. This is useful if you have imminent travel and can’t wait. The Fast Track for a replacement costs the same as for renewals (£166.50 for an adult standard passport). You’ll need to book an appointment and attend in person with a completed paper application form and new photos. The new passport will be delivered to your address within one week of your appointment (it’s not handed over on the same day).
• Same-day Premium: The Online Premium (same-day) service is not available for lost or stolen passport replacements. This is because extra checks (and sometimes an interview) are often required in loss/theft cases. So if you need a replacement urgently, the fastest is the 1-week service.
• Possible interview: In some cases, for security, HM Passport Office might require an identity interview when replacing a lost or stolen passport (especially if it’s also your first application in a while). This interview is similar to the first-time passport interview, typically done by video call. It’s to ensure that the person applying is indeed you. Don’t be alarmed if you’re asked for an interview; you’ll be given instructions to schedule it.
• Stipulations: Once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it’s invalidated. If you find it again later, you cannot use it; you should return it to the Passport Office. Your new replacement passport will have a new number. Also, note that if your passport was damaged (for example, washed in a washing machine), even if it still looks okay, it may not be accepted by border officials. “More than reasonable wear and tear” is the guideline; when in doubt, it’s safer to replace it.

Changing Your Name or Personal Details (Adult Passport Amendments)

If you change your name, gender, or other personal details, or even if you’ve dramatically changed your appearance, you will need to get a new passport issued with those updated details. You cannot simply amend an existing passport; a new document must be printed. Common reasons include marriage or civil partnership (changing your surname), divorce (changing back to a previous name), gender transition, or a significant appearance change (e.g. surgery that makes you unrecognisable from your photo).

• Who needs this: Any adult passport holder (16+) who has legally changed their name or gender, or whose appearance now differs greatly from their current passport photo. Also, if your passport has an error in personal details, you would apply for a correction/replacement.
• Timing: You should apply for a new passport before you travel under the new details. For example, if you’ve changed your name through marriage, you can travel in your maiden name as long as your bookings match that name, but once you’re ready to use your new name everywhere, update the passport. It’s advisable to do it well in advance of any trips. Standard processing is up to 10 weeks, similar to a renewal. Fast Track 1-week service is available for changing details, which can be helpful if you need the new passport sooner (for instance, immediately after a wedding for your honeymoon).
• Cost: Changing details requires buying a new passport, so the cost is the same as a renewal/new application (£94.50 online, £107 paper) for an adult. Again, the larger 54-page passport costs extra. There’s no discount just because you already had a passport; essentially, you’re replacing it with an updated one.
• How to apply: If changing your name due to marriage or divorce, you have the option to apply before the event (using a special form for newlyweds) or after you’ve officially changed your name. Either way, you will fill out the standard application. An online application is possible for name changes and is straightforward. For gender changes or other significant changes, online is also possible, but ensure you have digital copies of any supporting letters or certificates. You will send in your current passport (it will be cancelled and returned to you later).
• Required documents: This is the important part for changes. You must provide official evidence of the change:
  • For a name change due to marriage or civil partnership: if applying after the ceremony, include your marriage or civil partnership certificate (original). If applying before the ceremony (to have a passport in your new name for your honeymoon, for example), you need a special form (Passports for Newlyweds and Civil Partners) signed by the officiant and proof of the upcoming ceremony.
  • For a name change after divorce (reverting to a maiden name): include your divorce decree absolute and a statement signed by you that you’ve reverted to your previous name for all purposes, plus evidence of using that name (e.g. bank statement in the old/new name). Also, include your birth certificate and marriage certificate to link the names if needed.
  • For changing gender: include either a Gender Recognition Certificate, an updated birth/adoption certificate, or a medical letter confirming your gender transition is intended to be permanent. If you’re also changing your name as part of this, provide the name change documents as well.
  • For other changes (like a major appearance change or correcting a mistake), you might include a letter explaining the change and any relevant documents (for appearance changes, usually no documents are needed beyond new photos and possibly a countersignatory who can confirm the photos are of you). For corrections, provide evidence of the correct detail (like a birth certificate for a birthdate correction, etc.).
• Fast Track: You can use the 1-week Fast Track service to get a new passport with updated details. This can be useful if you suddenly need to travel under your new name. The Fast Track fee is the same £166.50 for adults. You’ll book an appointment and bring all the documents mentioned above, plus the completed paper application and new photos. The new passport will arrive by courier in a week.
• Premium service: The Online Premium same-day service is not offered for changes to personal details. So if you changed your name or other details, you cannot get a passport the same day; the fastest is the 1-week service.
• Additional note: When you get a new passport for a change of details, your old passport will be cancelled and returned. If you’re changing your name and have upcoming travel, remember that the name on your booking must match the name in your passport. It might be better to book flights in your maiden/old name until you have the new passport in your married/new name (or vice versa). Also, if you have visas in your old passport, you may need to carry both passports or transfer visas; check the requirements of the country you’re visiting.

Pro Tip: Changing your name? You can actually renew your passport in your new name up to 3 months before your wedding, so that you’re all set for travel afterwards. The passport will be post-dated to the date of your ceremony. This requires a special form and the officiant’s signature, as noted above.

Child Passport Applications (Under 16)

Children (under 16) have a slightly different passport process from adults. The passports are valid for 5 years instead of 10, and a parent or legal guardian must handle the application. There are also specific rules about parental consent and who can sign the form for a child.

Child’s First Passport

Applying for your child’s first passport is a big milestone. The process ensures the child is eligible and that everyone with parental responsibility is aware of the application.

• Who can apply: A parent or legal guardian applies on behalf of the child. The child must be a British national to get a British passport (usually this means the child was born in the UK to a British or settled parent, or has otherwise been registered as a British citizen). You’ll need to provide proof of the child’s nationality if they weren’t born in the UK or if the parents were born abroad.
• When to apply: You should apply for a passport if your child has never had one and you plan to travel. There’s no minimum age; even newborns can get a passport. If the child had a passport as a baby that expired, and now they’re still under 16, the next passport is still considered a child passport (renewal process, see next section).
• Validity: A child’s passport is valid for 5 years. Once the child turns 16, any new passport will be an adult 10-year passport (they’ll have to do an adult renewal at that time, including possibly an interview).
• Processing time: Standard processing for a child’s first passport is also up to 10 weeks. It often comes quicker (many are issued in around 3-6 weeks), but you should apply well in advance of travel. Note: For first child passports, there is no Premium same-day service, but the 1-week Fast Track is available if necessary.
• Cost: £61.50 if applying online, or £74 with a paper form for a standard 34-page child passport. If you anticipate a lot of travel (and visa stamps), there’s a 54-page version for kids too (costs £74.50 online). The Fast Track service for a child’s passport has a higher total fee (covered below in Fast Track).
• How to apply: You can apply online via the Gov.uk website or by paper. Online will involve a digital form, and you will later mail in any required original documents. Paper forms (available at the Post Office) can be filled out and mailed with documents and photos. A countersignatory is required for children’s passports: someone who has known the child (or family) and can vouch that the application and photo are legitimate. For online applications, they will get an email to do this; for paper, they sign the back of one photo and part of the form.
• Required documents:
  • The child’s full birth certificate or adoption certificate (which shows the parents’ details). This proves the child’s identity and parental links.
  • Proof of the child’s British nationality, if not evident from the birth certificate. For example, if the child was born abroad or if the parents were not British by birth, you might need to provide the parents’ passport details or a British citizenship certificate for the child.
  • Any other court orders, if applicable (e.g. if one parent has sole custody or there are restrictions, you might include those documents).
  • A digital passport photo of the child (or two printed photos, if a paper application). Getting a toddler or baby’s photo can be tricky; it must meet all the usual rules (neutral expression, looking at the camera, plain background, etc., but for babies under 1, some leniency on eyes open.
  • Identification for the parents is generally not required to send, but you do provide parents’ details on the form. In some cases, HM Passport Office might ask for one parent’s passport number or other ID if needed.
• Parental consent: The application form will ask for details of both parents. All people with parental responsibility should be aware of the application. Usually, only one parent/guardian needs to sign the form, but you must include the other parent’s details if applicable. If you cannot provide the other parent’s information (e.g., they are absent or unknown), you will have a chance to explain why on the form. If one parent has a court order giving them sole responsibility, that can be provided. For separated parents, it’s good practice to ensure both are aware of avoiding any potential complications.
• Fast Track for first child passport: You can use the 1-week Fast Track service for a child’s first passport if you need it urgently (for example, upcoming travel within a month). Both the child and the adult will attend the passport office (usually, only the guardian attends, not the young child, unless requested). The cost for Fast Track is £135.50 for a child passport (34-page). For a 50-page child passport via Fast Track, it’s £147.50. The process involves booking an appointment and bringing the completed application, supporting documents, and photos. The passport will then be mailed to you within a week of the appointment.
• No Premium same-day: Children’s passports cannot be issued with the online Premium same-day service. If a child needs a passport urgently, Fast Track is the quickest option.
• Receiving the passport: The new child’s passport will be mailed to you. Children do not need to attend any interview for a first passport, but in some cases, the HM Passport Office might follow up with questions to parents if needed. Also, note that children aged 12–15 are required to sign the passport book once they receive it (there’s a signature line in it). Kids under 12 don’t have a signature on the passport.

Renewing or Updating a Child’s Passport

Child passports need to be renewed more frequently (every 5 years). The process is similar to an adult renewal, but must be done by a parent/guardian. Also, if the child’s personal details have changed (name change or gender), or if the passport is lost or damaged, the same application process is used to replace it; essentially, it’s a new child passport application, but we still call it a renewal or update.

• When to renew: If your child’s passport has expired or is about to expire and you plan to travel, you’ll need to renew it. Also, check the passport’s issue date. After Brexit, some countries require that the passport be less than 10 years old and have at least 3-6 months left. For a child, 5-year validity means this is usually not an issue, but always ensure at least 6 months’ validity for international travel, just to be safe. Start the renewal process a few months before any trip to allow for processing time.
• Who applies: A parent or legal guardian applies on behalf of the child, similar to the first passport. If the child is 12–15, they should also sign the form and the new passport, but the guardian still handles the application.
• Standard processing: About 3 to 6 weeks is common, but officially, it can take up to 10 weeks. There might be fewer checks than for a first passport, but volumes can cause delays. Plan ahead or use Fast Track if in a rush.
• Cost: The same fees apply for a child’s renewal as for a first child passport: £61.50 online, £74 by paper (standard size). There’s no discount for renewal; it’s full price because a new passport book is issued. For a 54-page frequent traveller child passport, the online fee is £74.50.
• How to renew: You can renew online via Gov.uk, which is user-friendly: you’ll input the child’s details, passport number, etc., and pay online. You then send in the child’s old passport by post once prompted. If you use a paper form, fill it out and mail it with the old passport and new photos. In either case, the old passport will be cancelled and returned to you (you might want to keep any used visa pages for your records, but the passport itself is not valid after).
• Required documents: For a straightforward renewal with no changes, you mainly need the old passport and a new photo. A counter-signatory is needed only if the child’s appearance has changed significantly, such that they might not be recognised from the old passport photo. (Since kids grow, often you will need a countersignature if the child is much older than in the last photo!). If the child is still recognisable and was under 12 in the old photo, generally a countersignature is required at renewal because of the time gap and growth. Check the official guidance on this; many child renewals do need a countersignature. Other supporting documents are usually not required unless something has changed.
• Changes in details: If you are also changing the child’s name or other details with this application (for instance, the child’s surname changed due to a parent’s marriage or a legal name change), you will need to provide the legal documents (e.g., a new birth certificate or change of name deed) just as with an adult. In fact, if a child’s name has changed, technically, you are applying for a new passport with new details, but the process is the same as renewal. Important: If any personal detail (name, gender, etc.) has changed, you cannot renew the old passport; you must apply as if for a first passport with the new details (but you can still use renewal forms; the distinction is mainly administrative). Essentially, you’ll provide the new information and documentation, and the passport issued will reflect the new details.
• Fast Track 1-week: You can use the one-week Fast Track service to renew a child’s passport or to replace a lost/damaged one. The fee for a child Fast Track is £135.50 (standard passport). The process requires an appointment at a passport office. A parent/guardian will attend (usually the child does not need to be present). Bring the completed application, child’s old passport (if available), photos, and any necessary documents (like birth certificate or change of name documents if relevant). After the appointment, the new passport will arrive by mail within a week.
• No Premium: There is no same-day Premium service for children. Even if you have a family emergency, the fastest service remains the 1-week service. Plan travel accordingly.
• Stipulations: For child renewals, one caveat is that if the child’s appearance has changed a lot (which is common as they grow), a counter-signatory will need to confirm the new photo is a true likeness. Make sure to get someone who qualifies (for example, a teacher, doctor, or professional person who has known the child or you for at least 2 years). They will either sign the back of a photo or do an online verification. Also, remember that if the child’s passport has expired, you cannot travel; even if it expired recently, you must wait for the new one. Always check expiration dates well in advance of holidays to avoid last-minute stress.

Waiting for the new passport? It could take several weeks, so this is a great time to plan other travel details. For example, you can book your airport parking now to save money and have one less thing to worry about before your trip!

• Who can sign my passport photos and application form? We’ve all the information you need here
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• How to fast track your passport application… options available to get your document in time for a holiday or business trip whenever it is

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Disclaimer: Passport rules, fees, and processing times can change. Always check the official HM Passport Office guidelines on Gov.uk for the most up-to-date information before applying for or renewing your passport. Safe travels!