How to Renew or Apply for a UK Passport (2026)
An adult UK passport costs £88.50 online (£100 by post). Standard processing takes around 10 weeks. The single most common cause of delays? A non-compliant photo.
At a Glance
Apply online at gov.uk. Cost: £88.50 (adult, online). Processing: ~10 weeks. Photo must be taken within the last 1 month.
UK passport applications and renewals are handled primarily online at gov.uk. The process is straightforward, but the photo requirement trips up more applicants than anything else. This guide focuses on the overall process and where the photo fits in.
Check Fees Before Applying
The fees listed here are current as of early 2026. Fees can change — verify the latest costs at gov.uk/apply-renew-passport before you begin.
Fees and Processing Times
| Adult passport (online) | £88.50 — valid 10 years |
| Adult passport (by post) | £100.00 — valid 10 years |
| Child passport (online) | £57.50 — valid 5 years |
| Child passport (by post) | £69.00 — valid 5 years |
| 1-week Fast Track | £155 — appointment required |
| 1-day Premium | £193.50 — appointment required |
| Standard processing | Up to 10 weeks |
How to Apply — Step by Step
Check if you need to renew
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months when you enter. Even if your passport hasn't technically expired, check the entry requirements for your destination. Start the renewal process at least 10 weeks before you need the passport.
Go to gov.uk/apply-renew-passport
Start your application online. The gov.uk system asks a series of questions to determine which type of application you need (renewal, first adult passport, child passport, replacement for lost/stolen). You'll need your current passport number if you have one.
Prepare your passport photo
Your photo must be 35×45mm on a light grey or cream background, with no glasses, neutral expression, and taken within the last month. You have two options: get a photo code from a retailer (Boots, Timpson, Photo-Me) or upload a digital JPEG file. Our service provides a compliant digital file for £1.35 — upload it directly to the gov.uk application.
Upload your photo or enter the photo code
If you have a digital file (from our service or your own), upload it to the application. It must be a JPEG, minimum 600×750 pixels, under 10MB. If you have a photo code from a retailer, enter the 16-character code instead. Both are equally valid.
Complete the application and pay
Fill in your personal details, confirm your identity, and pay online by debit or credit card. The system will confirm your application has been submitted. You may need to send your old passport by post after completing the online form.
Receive your new passport
Standard processing takes up to 10 weeks. You'll receive your new passport by secure delivery. Track the progress at gov.uk using your application reference number.
Plan Ahead — 10 Weeks Is Standard
HM Passport Office advises allowing up to 10 weeks for standard processing. During busy periods (spring and summer), it can take the full 10 weeks or longer. If you have travel booked, consider the 1-week Fast Track (£155) or 1-day Premium (£193.50) service.
The Photo — Where Most Delays Happen
The photo is the most common reason passport applications are delayed or returned. Here’s what you need:
- Size: 35mm × 45mm
- Background: Light grey or cream (not white)
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
- Glasses: Not allowed (banned since 2016)
- Age: Taken within the last 1 month
- Digital format: JPEG, minimum 600×750 pixels, under 10MB
The quick way: Take a photo at home with your phone, upload to our service. We remove the background, set the correct light grey, crop to 35×45mm, and verify compliance. £1.35 total. You get a digital file ready to upload to gov.uk and a print-ready sheet if you need physical copies. Create your photo →
The traditional way: Visit Boots, Timpson, or a Photo-Me booth (£5-£15). They’ll take the photo and give you a 16-character code for the online application. See our printing guide for details on each retailer.
Full photo specifications: UK passport photo requirements
Online vs. Postal Application
Online (recommended): Cheaper (£88.50 vs £100 for adults), faster to submit, and you can upload a digital photo directly. HM Passport Office recommends this route.
By post: Download and complete form LS01 (available at gov.uk or from the Post Office). Include 2 physical passport photos (35×45mm, on photo paper) and your old passport. Post to the address on the form. Processing takes the same ~10 weeks but the postal route is more expensive.
Post Office Check & Send: For £16, a Post Office clerk checks your application, photos, and documents before posting them for you. This reduces the risk of errors but adds to the cost.
Applying From Overseas
British citizens living abroad can apply or renew online at gov.uk — the same process as within the UK. Key differences:
- You may need to post your current passport to a processing centre, leaving you without a passport during processing
- Processing time may be longer than the domestic 10 weeks
- No Fast Track or Premium service available for overseas applicants
- If you need emergency travel documents, contact the nearest British embassy or consulate
Common Mistakes When Applying
Photo rejected — wrong background (white instead of grey), glasses, photo older than 1 month. Read our troubleshooting guide for the full list.
Applying too late — 10 weeks is the standard processing time. If you book a holiday and then start the passport process, you may not get it in time. Fast Track (£155) takes 1 week but requires an in-person appointment.
Old passport not sent — for renewals, you typically need to send your current passport after completing the online application. Don’t forget this step or your application will stall.
Wrong photo format — if uploading, the file must be JPEG (not PNG, HEIF, or screenshot). Minimum 600×750 pixels. Our tool produces the correct format automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UK passport cost in 2026?
£88.50 for an adult (online application). £100 by post. Child passport: £57.50 online, £69 by post. A 1-week Fast Track service costs £155 and requires an appointment.
How long does UK passport renewal take?
HM Passport Office advises allowing up to 10 weeks for standard processing. It can be faster during quiet periods, but plan for the full 10 weeks. The 1-week Fast Track service is available for urgent needs.
Can I renew my UK passport online?
Yes. Most UK passport applications and renewals are handled online at gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. You'll upload a digital photo or enter a photo code from a retailer. Some first-time adult applicants and child applicants may need to attend an interview.
What documents do I need to renew my UK passport?
Your current or most recent passport (if you have one), a digital passport photo taken within the last month, and a debit or credit card for payment. First-time applicants also need a countersignatory if they don't have a previous UK passport.
How recent does my passport photo need to be?
Taken within the last month. This is stricter than most countries, which allow 6 months. Take your photo as close to the application date as possible.
What's the difference between online and postal passport applications?
Online is cheaper (£88.50 vs £100 for adults), faster to submit, and allows you to upload a digital photo directly. Postal applications require physical photo prints and take longer. HM Passport Office recommends applying online.
Can I apply for a UK passport from overseas?
Yes. British citizens abroad can apply or renew online at gov.uk. Processing may take longer than domestic applications. You may need to send your current passport by post, so plan ahead.
Prepare Your Photo Before You Apply
Don't let the photo hold up your application. Upload a selfie — we crop to 35×45mm, set the correct light grey background, and verify compliance with HM Passport Office standards.
Create My Passport Photo£1.35 total. Photos never leave your device.