Standard adult passport costs are increasing from April 8, but there is one way to do it cheaper
Brits in need of a new passport are being reminded that applying via a specific method will save them £13.50 as fees are set to increase this week. Using the Government website to obtain your essential travel document is less expensive than submitting a postal application.
A passport is necessary for travelling overseas. In the UK, they remain valid for 10 years for adults, or five years for those aged under 16. When your passport is approaching its expiry date, it is crucial to apply for a replacement well in advance, to avoid the risk of having to cancel a holiday. However, you may be unaware that the method by which you apply for a new passport can have an impact on the cost.
At present, applying for a standard adult passport online costs £94.50. However, obtaining the same passport via a postal application is priced at £107 – a difference of £12.50.
This gap is set to widen further with the introduction of revised fees from April 8. The update means that a standard adult passport will cost £102 to order online and £115.50 through the post – a difference of £13.50.
New passport fees
The full list of passport fee changes:
- Adult: takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £94.50, online cost from April 8 – £102, postal cost now – £107, postal cost from April 8 – £115.50
- Adult fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £178, online cost after April 8 – £178
- Adult ‘Premium’ – given at the appointment – online cost now – £222, online cost after April 8 – £239.50
- Child – takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £61.50, online cost after April 8 – £66.50, postal cost now – £74, postal cost after April 8 – £80
- Child fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £145, online cost after April 8 – £145
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Applying online
To apply online, visit GOV.UK. You will need a digital photo, a credit or debit card for payment, and your old passport if renewing. You’ll also need to provide information about your identity and citizenship.
You can also get help with your online application at a Post Office. Staff can:
- Take your digital photo
- Help you fill in the application online
However, this service costs extra.
To apply via post
You can pick up a paper passport application form from your local Post Office and apply by post. It takes longer to apply by post than online.
You’ll need to send off a fully completed application form, supporting documents, two photos, and your fee. If you need help, Post Office staff can check you’ve filled in the form correctly.
However you will need to provide your own photos – and this service costs extra. You can pay by cash, or debit or credit card.
Fast-track applications
According to GOV.UK, it typically takes three weeks for a new passport to be processed and delivered. However, it can take longer if the passport office needs more information. If this is cutting it too close with your holiday, there are two ways to apply for an urgent passport.
GOV.UK says: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.” For both of these options you will need to go to a passport office for an appointment:
- One day premium
- One week fast track
If your passport is lost, stolen or damaged
If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must cancel it before applying for a replacement. And if your passport is damaged, you must replace it.
GOV.UK says: “You may not be able to travel with it.” HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:
- You cannot read any of your details
- Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
- There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
- The cover is coming away
- There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
Before travelling, you should check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting. If you are visiting an EU country, for example, your passport should be valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU and it must have been issued within the last 10 years.
For full details and to renew online visit GOV.UK here.
