Registry Office UK Logo

Passport Renewal: A Comprehensive Guide

UK Passport Renewal Guide for 2025

Last updated: 5 November 2025 · Read time: ~8 minutes

Quick tip: If you have travel booked, apply as early as you can. Do not book travel until you have your new passport in hand.

This guide explains how to renew a UK passport in simple steps. It covers when to renew, the online and paper routes, photo rules, documents, urgent options, common mistakes, costs, and FAQs. It is designed to help you finish your renewal without delays.

Contents

Do I need to renew?

You should renew if any of these apply:

  • Your passport will expire soon and you plan to travel.
  • Your passport is 10+ years from the issue date and a destination will not accept it.
  • Your appearance has changed so much you may not be recognised.
  • Your passport is damaged, lost or stolen (see special cases).

Most people can renew online using their current passport details and a compliant photo. You will get a brand-new passport with a new number. This means you may need to update flight bookings or visa applications that store your number.

Good to know: Many countries require a minimum period of validity on arrival (often 3 or 6 months). Airlines and border staff follow those rules. Check your destination’s entry rules before you travel.

When should I renew?

Renew early. Peak times and busy seasons can slow things down. If your trip is soon, consider the urgent services (see below).

Remember: you cannot travel on your old passport once you receive your new one. Some trips require you to update the booking with your new passport number. If in doubt, speak to your airline or travel provider.

Ways to apply: online, paper, urgent

1) Online renewal (recommended for most)

The online service is simple, usually quicker, and often cheaper than paper. You use a digital photo and pay by card. You may be asked to post your old passport. Keep any postage receipt and tracking reference.

2) Paper renewal (postal form)

Use this if you cannot apply online. Get a form from a Post Office that offers the passport service. This route takes longer and typically costs more than online. Consider “Check & Send” if you want help checking the form.

3) Urgent services

There are paid fast-track options for people who need a passport sooner. These services have stricter steps and limited appointment slots. See Urgent services for an overview.

Photo and identity rules

Your photo must meet strict standards or your application can be delayed. For online, use a recent digital photo from a phone or a photo booth that provides a digital code. For paper, supply two identical printed photos.

  • Plain, light background; no shadows or patterns.
  • Face the camera, neutral expression, mouth closed.
  • No head coverings (unless for religious or medical reasons).
  • Glasses can cause glare; remove them if possible.
  • Photo should be recent and look like you on the day you travel.

Children under 6 have relaxed rules on expression, but try to follow the guidance as closely as possible.

Tip: If your appearance has changed a lot since your last passport, use a very recent photo and be ready to provide extra evidence if asked.

Step-by-step: online renewal

  1. Gather details – Current passport, address history, and payment card.
  2. Get a digital photo – Follow the rules above. If using a code from a photo booth or photographer, keep it handy.
  3. Start your application – Use the official government website for UK passports. Create or sign in to your account.
  4. Enter your details carefully – Names, dates, and numbers must match your documents.
  5. Upload your photo – Use the tool to crop and check.
  6. Pay the fee – Use a debit or credit card.
  7. Send your old passport if asked – Follow the instructions for posting it securely. Keep the tracking receipt.
  8. Track progress – Use the tracking link from your confirmation email or account dashboard.
  9. Receive your new passport – It arrives by secure delivery. Sign it if required and store it safely.

Double-check before you submit: name spelling, date of birth, address, and photo quality. Most delays happen here.

Step-by-step: paper renewal (postal)

  1. Get the form – From a Post Office that offers the service. Ask about “Check & Send”.
  2. Fill it in with black ink, in capitals – Avoid correction fluid. If you make a mistake, follow the official fix instructions on the form.
  3. Add two identical printed photos – Write nothing on the back unless told to. Follow the photo rules.
  4. Evidence – Include any documents the form asks for (for example, name change evidence). Do not send original documents unless asked.
  5. Pay the fee – Follow the instructions on the form (price and payment method can differ from the online route).
  6. Post it – Use the envelope provided or send to the address on the form. Consider tracked delivery and keep your receipt.
  7. Wait for updates – Paper applications usually take longer than online. Plan ahead.

Urgent services

If you need a passport faster than standard processing, you may be able to use:

  • Fast Track (about a week): In-person application with stricter requirements and a higher fee.
  • Online Premium or 1-day services (limited cases): Appointment-based. Slots are limited and fees are higher.

These services change from time to time. Check live availability, eligibility, and the exact steps on the official service before you plan travel. Bring everything requested to your appointment to avoid being turned away.

Important: Urgent services cost more and may sell out during peak travel seasons. If you see no appointments, keep checking—new slots can appear.

Special cases

Lost, stolen, or damaged passports

Do not use standard renewal. Report the loss or theft first, then apply using the replacement route. If your passport is damaged (for example, water damage, torn pages, or a faulty chip), treat it as a replacement, not a simple renewal. You may be asked for extra information.

Name change

If you have changed your name (for example by marriage or deed poll), you will need official evidence. Send the documents requested by the service you use (online or paper). Names on tickets and passports must match for travel. If they do not, you may be refused boarding.

Children (under 16)

Child passports follow different rules: shorter validity, different consent rules, and photo requirements. The person with parental responsibility applies and provides the required evidence. Allow more time in case extra checks are needed, especially near school holidays.

Applications from abroad

British nationals overseas can apply through the official online service for overseas applications. The process, fees, and delivery differ by country. Build in extra time for international shipping, public holidays, and local mail delays.

Looks very different from your last photo?

If you have changed a lot (for example facial surgery, gender transition, or a significant weight change), your application might need extra checks. Ensure your new photo is recent and submit any evidence requested. Follow any additional steps the service outlines.

Tracking, delivery, and your old passport

You can track your application online once you submit it. Watch your email (and junk folder) for messages in case more information is needed. Respond quickly to avoid delays.

Your new passport arrives by secure delivery. Most adults must sign their new passport—do this as soon as it arrives. Once you receive your new passport, your old one is usually cancelled and returned separately (if still in your possession) or retained according to the rules that apply to your case. If you have valid visas in the old passport, you may need to carry both passports when you travel. Check your destination’s rules.

Travel bookings: Update your airline or visa application with your new passport number if required. Visa waivers and eVisas are often linked to the passport number.

Costs and processing times

Fees and timelines can change, and peak times affect speed. As a rule of thumb:

  • Online – Commonly the cheapest route and usually the fastest standard option.
  • Paper – Often costs more and takes longer than online.
  • Urgent services – Highest fees; fastest decisions if you secure an appointment.

Always check the official website on the day you apply for the current fee and the latest service updates. If you have a fixed travel date, apply as early as possible and consider whether you need an urgent service.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Poor photo quality – Most delays come from non-compliant photos. Use a plain background and even lighting.
  • Typos in names or dates – Match your documents exactly.
  • Wrong service – Lost, stolen, or damaged passports are not “renewals”. Use the correct replacement route.
  • Late applications – Apply early, especially before school holidays and peak travel months.
  • Missing documents – If you changed name or details, include the evidence requested.
  • Booking travel too soon – Wait until the new passport arrives.
  • Ignoring emails – If the service asks for more information and you miss the message, your application can stall.

Final checklist

  • My passport’s expiry and issue dates checked against my destination’s entry rules.
  • I chose the right route: online, paper, or urgent.
  • My photo meets the rules (background, lighting, expression).
  • All names and dates match my documents and travel bookings.
  • I have payment ready and a secure way to post my old passport if asked.
  • I know how to track the application and watch for messages.
  • I will sign the new passport as soon as it arrives.
  • I will update my airline or visa details with the new passport number if needed.

FAQs

Can I travel while my renewal is in progress?

No. Once you submit your old passport (or once a new passport is issued), you should not travel until your new one arrives and is valid. Airlines may refuse boarding if your passport is not valid for the trip.

Will I keep the same passport number?

No. Renewals result in a new passport number. Update any bookings and visa applications that store passport numbers.

My passport looks fine but is over 10 years from the issue date. Do I still need to renew?

Many countries enforce rules on both issue date and remaining validity. Check entry rules for your destination and renew if required. When in doubt, renew early.

What if I moved house during my application?

Update your delivery details through your application account or by following the instructions in your confirmation. Use tracked mail if you need to post anything again.

Do I need a countersignatory?

Not for most straightforward adult renewals with a good photo. You may need one if your appearance has changed significantly or if the service asks for it.

How long does delivery take once approved?

Delivery usually follows soon after approval, but times vary by location and season. Track your application and plan conservatively.

Can I renew if my passport is already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired passport. If it expired a long time ago, you may be asked for extra information or evidence. Build in extra time.

What if I changed my name?

Provide official evidence (for example marriage certificate or deed poll). Names on tickets and passports should match. If they do not, you may be refused boarding.

What should I do if my passport was lost or stolen?

Report it and apply using the replacement route. This is not a standard renewal. You may need to provide extra information to prove your identity.

Can I keep my old passport with visas in it?

Your old passport is usually returned canceled (with holes or a stamp). Many countries let you travel with both passports to show a valid visa in the old one. Check your destination and airline rules before travel.

Are there different rules for children?

Yes. Children have different validity periods and consent rules. The person with parental responsibility applies. Photos are required and should follow the children’s photo guidance.

Summary

Renew online if you can. Get a compliant photo. Enter your details with care. Post anything requested using tracked delivery. Track your progress and wait until the new passport arrives before you travel. If time is short, look at urgent services—but expect higher fees and limited slots. Plan early and you will avoid most problems.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Always check the latest official guidance and fees on GOV.UK before you apply.