Current UK passport fees, renewal timeline, fast track options, and everything you need to know before applying.
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Total estimated cost
UK Passport Fees 2026 — Full Fee Schedule
Passport Type
Application Method
Fee
Adult (16+) — new or renewal
Online
£88.50
Adult (16+) — new or renewal
Paper form
£100.00
Child (under 16)
Online
£57.50
Child (under 16)
Paper form
£69.00
1-Week Fast Track (adult)
Online / Passport Office
£155.00
Premium (same day, adult)
In person at Passport Office
£230.00
Post Office Check & Send
Paper applications only
£15.75
Lost or damaged passport
Online or paper
£88.50 / £100.00
Fees correct as of February 2026. Source: HM Passport Office / gov.uk
How to Apply for a UK Passport in 2026
Online Application (Recommended)
The fastest and cheapest way to apply is online at gov.uk/renew-adult-passport. You will need:
A digital photo (taken within the last month, meeting strict gov.uk guidelines)
Your current or most recent passport (if renewing)
A debit or credit card for payment
Your National Insurance number (for identity verification)
Paper Application
Available from the Post Office, the application form is PS1 for adults and PD2 for children. Paper applications cost more and take the same time, so online is almost always preferable unless you have specific reasons to apply by post.
Processing Timeline
Standard (online): approximately 3 weeks
1-Week Fast Track: 1 week (must attend a passport office appointment)
Premium same-day: issued the same day at a Passport Office (appointment required)
Apply at least 6 weeks before travel to allow for delays. During school holiday periods and summer, processing times can be longer even for standard applications.
Passport Validity: UK Rules for EU Travel
Since Brexit, UK passport rules for travel to the EU and Schengen Area have changed significantly. You must now meet two conditions:
Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years on the date you enter the EU.
Your passport must have at least 3 months validity remaining after your planned departure date from the Schengen area.
The old rule where passport offices added up to 9 months of extra validity no longer counts for EU entry. If your passport was renewed early and shows extra months, those extra months are ignored by EU border control.
Working Abroad: 6-Month Validity Rule
Many countries outside the EU (including USA, Canada, and several Asian destinations) require at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your intended departure date. Always check the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidance for your specific destination before travelling.
Adult vs Child Passport Validity
Adult passport: valid for 10 years
Child passport (under 16): valid for 5 years
Passport Photos: Requirements and Where to Get Them
UK passport photos must meet strict requirements set by HM Passport Office:
45mm high by 35mm wide (physical prints)
Taken within the last month
White or off-white background, plain and uniform
Face must be fully visible, no sunglasses or tinted glasses
No shadows on face or background
Neutral expression, mouth closed
Eyes open, clearly visible and looking directly at camera
Where to Get Passport Photos
Post Office: digital photos taken on-site, integrated with online application
Boots pharmacies: photo booths available in most large stores
Snappy Snaps: professional photos with guarantee of acceptance
Online apps (e.g., Passport Photo Online, iPhoto): take at home with your phone, cheaper (~£5-9) but must meet all requirements
Countersignatory Requirements
If you are applying for a first passport, applying for a child's passport, or your appearance has changed significantly, you may need a countersignatory. This is someone who:
Has known you (or the child's parent) for at least 2 years
Is a British or Irish citizen, or a person accepted by the Passport Office
Has a professional or business standing (teacher, doctor, lawyer, police officer etc.)
Is not related to you by birth or marriage
Renewing online generally does not require a countersignatory for adults.
Children's Passports: Key Rules
Children under 16 must have their own passport — they can no longer be added to a parent's passport. Key points:
Both parents (or those with parental responsibility) typically need to consent
Children aged 12 or over must sign their own passport application
If only one parent has parental responsibility, proof may be required
Child passports last 5 years (not 10)
Cost: £57.50 online, £69 by post
Dual Nationality
The UK permits dual nationality. British citizens are allowed to hold passports from other countries simultaneously. However, note that some countries (e.g., Japan, China) do not permit dual nationality — check the specific rules of the second country before applying for a second nationality or passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UK adult passport cost in 2026?
An adult UK passport costs £88.50 when applied for online, or £100 via a paper application. Fast Track (1 week) costs £155, and the same-day Premium service costs £230. The Post Office Check and Send service adds £15.75 to paper applications.
How long does a UK passport take to arrive in 2026?
Standard online applications currently take approximately 3 weeks from submission to receiving your passport. Post-COVID backlogs have largely cleared. For faster processing, the 1-week Fast Track service costs £155 and requires a passport office appointment.
How much does a child passport cost in the UK?
A child passport (under 16) costs £57.50 online or £69 by paper application. Child passports are valid for 5 years only. Children cannot share a parent's passport and must have their own from birth.
Can I renew my UK passport online?
Yes. Most adults renewing a UK passport can apply online at gov.uk/renew-adult-passport. You will upload a digital photo, provide payment details (£88.50), and in most cases your old passport is not required to be posted in — it is cancelled automatically. Exceptions apply if your appearance has changed significantly.
How much validity does my passport need for travel to Europe?
For EU/Schengen travel, your passport must be issued within the last 10 years AND have at least 3 months validity remaining after your planned departure from the EU. Extra months added during previous early renewals no longer count for EU entry purposes following Brexit.
What is the Post Office Check and Send service for passports?
The Post Office Check and Send service (£15.75) allows Post Office staff to check your paper passport application and photos before submission, reducing the risk of rejection. It is available for paper applications only — not for online applications. They send your application by Secure Delivery to the Passport Office.
Can UK citizens hold dual nationality?
Yes. The UK allows its citizens to hold dual nationality without restriction. You can hold a UK passport alongside another country's passport. However, some other countries (such as Japan, China, India, and parts of the Middle East) do not permit dual nationality, so check the rules of the other country involved.
MB
Mustafa Bilgic
Financial content writer at UK Calculator. Specialises in government fees, personal finance and travel documentation. Updated 20 February 2026.