Requirements for UK passport renewal in 2026

Renewing a UK passport is a well-defined process managed by HM Passport Office, an executive agency of the Home Office. Whether your passport has expired, is close to expiry, or you need to update your personal details following a name change, the renewal can be completed entirely online in most cases — making it accessible and straightforward for the majority of applicants.

This guide covers the documents, fees and steps required for a UK passport renewal in 2026, for both adults and children under 16. It also flags the most common mistakes that cause delays, so you can avoid them before submitting.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

A UK passport renewal is the official process of obtaining a new British passport when your current one has expired, is about to expire, is full of visa stamps, or no longer reflects your correct personal details.

This procedure applies to:

• British citizens whose passport has expired or will expire within the next 10 weeks
• Applicants whose appearance has changed significantly since their last passport photo
• People who have legally changed their name (for example, following marriage, civil partnership or deed poll)
• Parents renewing a passport for a child under 16

HM Passport Office is the official body responsible for issuing and renewing British passports. Applications are handled through the GOV.UK online service or, less commonly, via a paper form available at Post Office branches.

A British passport is required for international travel and is widely accepted as proof of identity and citizenship within the UK.

Documents required

Gather the following before starting your application. Sending incomplete documentation is the most common cause of delays.

• Your most recent UK passport — you must send the physical document to HM Passport Office as part of the application, even if it is expired
• A digital passport photo taken within the last month, meeting HM Passport Office specifications: plain cream or light grey background, neutral expression, eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses, no head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons
• Proof of name change (original document required, not a photocopy) — applicable only if your name has changed since your last passport was issued:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Civil partnership certificate
  • Deed poll document (enrolled or unenrolled)
• A valid UK debit or credit card to pay the application fee online
• Parental consent for child renewals — the online form collects this digitally from all individuals holding parental responsibility

Note: HM Passport Office does not require a countersignatory for most standard adult renewals. One may be requested if your appearance has changed significantly or, in certain cases, for a child’s first renewal. If required, the countersignatory must be a British citizen or another eligible person who has known you for at least two years and holds an acceptable professional or occupational status.

Steps to complete the procedure

Where: Primarily online at GOV.UK — Renew or replace your adult passport or Renew a child’s passport. Paper applications are available at Post Office branches but cost more and take longer.

No appointment is needed for a standard online application. An appointment is required only for the Fast Track or Premium services (see the fees and timelines section below).

1. Go to GOV.UK and select the correct renewal service — adult or child.
2. Answer the eligibility questions to confirm you qualify for the renewal route.
3. Upload your digital passport photo. You can use a photo taken by a professional photographer, a photo booth that provides a digital code, or a self-taken photo that meets HM Passport Office specifications.
4. Complete the online application form with your personal details, travel plans and countersignatory information if required.
5. Pay the fee by debit or credit card.
6. Send your current (old) passport to HM Passport Office using the address provided in your confirmation email. The Post Office Check & Send service (available at participating branches, fee approximately £17) is strongly recommended — staff check your application and photo before submission, reducing the risk of rejection.
7. Track your application status online using the reference number provided at the time of submission.
8. Receive your new passport by secure tracked delivery. Your old passport will be returned separately, cancelled with a punch hole.

Estimated processing time: Allow up to 10 weeks for the standard service from the point HM Passport Office receives your documents.

Fees and timelines

Fees are set by HM Passport Office and are subject to change. The figures below reflect those in force in 2026 — verify the current amounts at GOV.UK before applying.

Standard application fees

• Adult passport (online application): £88.50
• Adult passport (paper application via Post Office): £100.00
• Child passport under 16 (online application): £57.50
• Child passport under 16 (paper application via Post Office): £69.00

Faster service fees (adult rates)

• Fast Track (1-week service, appointment at a passport office required): £155.50
• Premium service (same-day or next working day, appointment required): £177.00

Child rates apply for faster services too — check GOV.UK for current figures.

Processing times

• Standard service: up to 10 weeks from receipt of documents by HM Passport Office
• Fast Track: approximately 1 week (appointment at a designated passport office)
• Premium: same day or next working day (appointment required)

Validity of the new passport

• Adult passport: 10 years from the date of issue
• Child passport (under 16): 5 years from the date of issue

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Submitting a non-compliant passport photo. This is the single most frequent cause of rejection. Use the GOV.UK photo guidance tool to check your photo before uploading, or use the Post Office Check & Send service to have it verified in person before submission.
• Forgetting to send the old passport. HM Passport Office cannot process your renewal without the physical document. If your application form arrives without the old passport, processing will not begin and you will lose time.
• Applying too close to your travel date. The standard service takes up to 10 weeks. Leaving insufficient time means paying extra for a Fast Track or Premium appointment — or risking missing your trip entirely. Apply as early as you can.
• Name or date-of-birth discrepancies. The details on your application must exactly match those held on official records. If your name has changed, attach the original supporting document and ensure the name on the application matches that document precisely — any mismatch will cause a delay or rejection.

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel while my renewal application is being processed? No. You must send your current passport to HM Passport Office as part of the application, so it is unavailable for travel during processing. If you have an urgent trip, use the Fast Track or Premium service and book the required appointment through GOV.UK.

How early should I apply before my passport expires? Apply at least 10 weeks before you need the passport for travel to allow for standard processing. If your passport has already expired, you can still renew — there is no penalty for a lapsed passport, but you cannot travel internationally without a valid one.

Do I need a countersignatory for my renewal? For most standard adult renewals, no countersignatory is required. One may be requested by HM Passport Office if your appearance has changed substantially since your last photo, or in certain child renewal circumstances. The online system will prompt you if one is needed.

Can I renew online if my name has changed? Yes. The online service accepts name-change applications, but you must provide proof of the change. Upload a clear image of the original document (marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or deed poll) and also send the original by post — photocopies are not accepted.

What happens to my old passport after I send it in? HM Passport Office cancels your old passport by punching a hole through it and returns it to you separately from your new one. If you need the old passport back promptly because it contains valid visas for other countries, note this in your application and HM Passport Office will aim to return it as quickly as possible, though this is not guaranteed.

Next steps

The two things you need before you start are your current or most recent UK passport and a compliant digital passport photo. Once you have both, go to GOV.UK and begin the online application — it is the fastest and most cost-effective route for most applicants. If your name has changed, locate the original supporting document before you sit down to apply, as you will need to upload and post it at the same time.

Important: Passport fees, processing times and document requirements can change at any time. Always verify the current requirements directly with HM Passport Office at GOV.UK before submitting your application.