UK Passport Renewal  |  UK Passport Renewals. Made Easy.

UK Passport Renewal

Steps to Get a UK Passport Renewed

Step 1: Complete Application

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Step 3: Package and Send

Step 1: Complete Application


The first step in the process of renewing your UK passport is to complete the application form. The are two ways that you can do this.



  • Complete UK Passport Renewal Offline


    • You pick up a passport renewal application form from a Post Office near you. Remember to use black ink to fill in the form.

    • To avoid delays due to mistakes make sure you write neatly and clearly within the boxes provided.

    • More details on the passport application form.


  • Complete UK Passport Renewal Online


    • You can now also complete the UK passport renewal application online.

    • Before you start the application you need to have debit card or credit card and a printer.

    • It takes 3 weeks for your UK passport renewal to be processed. If you are applying for your first passport this may take up to 6 weeks.




Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents


For straightforward UK passport renewal applications you normally only need to send two supporting documents;



  • Current passport &

  • Two photos


Additional supporting documents are required if your passport was lost of stolen or if you are changing the name on your



Step 3: Package and Send


Send the completed application with supporting documents in the envelope provided. It is recommended that you use the Post Office recorded. It is also important to write down the bar code number at the top left hand of passport renewal application form, as you will need this if you call the Passport Office to enquire about your application.



Many UK passport renewal applications are returned because of mistakes



The Passport Office say that a third of all applications received have to be returned due to basic errors and this causes delays.



For a fee of £9.75 the Post Office will check your application to ensure everything has been completed correctly; this gives you peace of mind. The Post Office will also send the passport renewal application via Special delivery.



The easiest way to renew your British passport is to pick up an application form from the Post Office. Once you have completed the form return it to the Post Office - and use the Check & send service.



The Post Office will check the following




  • the application form - make sure everything is filled in correctly

  • your photos - they make sure the photos conform to standards.

  • the Post Office will also send application via special delivery, for added security



Also remember that generally it takes at least 3 weeks to get your passport back - however the time frame around peak times July and August is likely to be longer.



So make sure you factor this in when applying to renew your passport during the busy period. During this peak time the application renewal process can double to about 6 weeks.



Parents with young children remember to submit your passport renewal early



Statistics from the Passport Office show that parents with young children and young people aged between 16 and 20 are most likely to submit last minute passport renewal applications.



Get information on the cost of renewing your UK passport



7 useful tips and hints when applying for your UK passport renewal;

Step 1: Complete Application


The first step in the process of renewing your UK passport is to complete the application form. The are two ways that you can do this.



Complete UK Passport Renewal Offline



  • You pick up a passport renewal application form from a Post Office near you. Remember to use black ink to fill in the form.

  • To avoid delays due to mistakes make sure you write neatly and clearly within the boxes provided.

  • More details on the passport application form.



Complete UK Passport Renewal Online



  • You can now also complete the UK passport renewal application online.

  • Before you start the application you need to have debit card or credit card and a printer.

  • It takes 3 weeks for your UK passport renewal to be processed. If you are applying for your first passport this may take up to 6 weeks.



The online passport renewal process has 3 steps;



  • ONE: Create & Check application details

  • TWO: Pay and print the declaration form and other guidance

  • THREE: Sign and send declaration form in the envelope provided. It is recommended that you use the Post Office recorded. Make a note of the bar code number at the top left hand of passport renewal application form, as you will need this if you call the Passport Office to enquire about your application.



UK Passport Renewal



Steps to Get a UK Passport Renewed



  • Step 1: Complete Application

  • Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

  • Step 3: Package and Send



Preparation is the key


Remember preparation is key, you can renew your passport at anytime and time left on your passport will be added to the new one up to a maximum of 9 months.


If you need an urgent passport renewal you use the Fast Track service - 1 week and costs £103 or the Premium Service - 4 hours and cost £128



Passport renewal form is the same as passport application form.


Passport forms can obtained using the following 4 methods;



  • Pick it up from the Post Office

  • Fill in form online and the Passport Office will print and send you completed form; for you to sign.

  • You can also request an application form online and the Passport Office will send it to you in the post.

  • Finally you can call the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 and ask the Passport Office to send it to you in the post. More info.



Your photo must meet the HM Passport Office photo requirements.



  • The photo must not be older that one month.

  • Must be in colour, not black and white

  • Must be taken against a plain grey or plain cream background More info.



Beware of Passport Renewal Scams


Internet passport renewal scams are sadly a reality and the best way to avoid them is to firstly be aware of them and secondly understand how they work. So when you come face to face with a passport renewal scam you can smile and tell them where to go (rhetorical of course).


Passport renewal scam come in two variations, that is,


- Premium rate number


- Passport renewal service providers


Get more information on passport renewal scams



So you have sorted out your passport photo?


Filled in application form?


Signed the application form?


Sent all supporting documentation?


So what's next?


Check out the following related information.


Need more help?

Call the passport adviceline for the following help:

  • General Enquiries
  • Passport Tracking
  • Urgent Passports
  • Help Filling Forms
  • Which Documents to Send
  • Photo & Signature Requirements
  • Application Timescales
  • Reporting Lost/Stolen Passport

Local Passport Offices