A passport provides you with an opportunity to explore the world, and you really cannot get too far from the UK without one or with an expired one.
As a UK citizen, you can pick up a passport application form at your local post office and apply either through the post or online. [1]
Please note that it will take longer to apply for a new passport through the post than online.
If you need an apostille or have your UK passport legalised in the UK, please visit our ‘How to get an apostille for a UK passport‘ page for more information.
How quickly are passports processed in the UK?
Heeding the advice about the delay currently experienced, here are the usual processing times. Please note, that these are ‘averages’ and exact time scales will depend on your circumstance, ordering online or via postal service.
Adult | Child | |
---|---|---|
First passport | Six weeks | Five weeks |
Passport renewal | Five weeks | Five weeks |
Damaged passport | Five weeks | Five weeks |
Lost or stolen passport | Five weeks | Five weeks |
Post Office application | Five weeks | Five weeks |
Changing details | Five weeks | Five weeks |
Urgent Passport (online, premium) | Up to two days from the day of the application | Up to two days from the day of the application |
Urgent Passport (One-week fast track) | One week | One week |
Overseas applications | (Enquire) | (Enquire) |
Adult & Child |
---|
First passport Six weeks Five weeks for a child |
Passport renewal Five weeks |
Damaged passport Five weeks |
Lost or stolen passport Five weeks |
Post Office application Five weeks |
Changing details Five weeks |
Urgent Passport (online, premium) up to two days |
Urgent Passport (One-week fast track) One week |
Overseas applications (Enquire) |
Here’s the list of all the documents you will need to apply for a NEW UK passport
All documents required to apply for a new passport must be originals only, not photocopies.
Renewal requirements for UK passport holders
If you already have a British Passport, getting it renewed is pretty easy and straightforward compared to applying for a new one for the first time.
There are two main ways of renewing your UK passport:
- Online passport renewal
In this case, you will need the following documents:
The cost of renewal is £75.50.
Apply for a renewal passport, visit the official website [7].
- Renewing through post
If you wish to stick to the old-fashioned way of renewing passports, which is the use of paper application forms, you will have to go to the Post office and use their check and send service. [8]
You have to fill out the card details on the form and then send a cheque with two printed passport photos.
It will cost £85 to renew.
Emergency passport – what documents you need
An emergency passport is also known as “an emergency travel document”. You can apply for this type of passport if you cannot get a new passport in time for your travels.
Most UK nationals stranded outside the UK and have lost their passports or had their passports stolen will apply for an emergency passport.
The passport takes just a few weeks to be ready, and you will need the following documents:
If you are stranded in a different country and do not have your passport, please visit the British Embassy or consulate.
An emergency passport can also be applied by people in the UK who need to get a proper passport urgently. This is separate from needing an emergency travel document.
Documents needed to change your name on your passport
There are many reasons why you would wish to change the name on your passport. This could be marriage, change of appearance, gender reassignment, etc.
However, the most common reason is marriage, and you will need to send your civil or marriage certificate with your application for a new change of name passport.
Read our dedicated article about ‘Documents required for overseas marriage and civil partnerships.’
Here’s a look at the document requirements for different reasons for a name change:
Marriage
You can get a new passport before or after the marriage ceremony.
The old passport, in this case, will be cancelled, and a new ‘post-dated’ one will be issued before the ceremony. [9]
After getting divorced
After a divorce, you will need multiple documents for a name change on your passport, which include the following:
After changing your gender
If you have changed your gender, you can change the name on your passport. You will, however, need to provide the following documents:
Please note: When sending your doctor’s letter, or a letter from your medical consultant, for a name change, you should also send a deed poll as evidence that you are using the new name documents.
When you need to change the spelling or a letter or when you need to add a title to your name
Receiving a knighthood will require you to change your name. You may also need to change the spelling, for example, from Bryan to Brian. These are situations that would require you to change your passport.
You will be required to provide the following documents:
Other reasons for a change of name
If you changed your name for any other reason, then you would need to provide a statutory declaration, affidavit or deed poll.
You will also be required to send proof that you are now using the new name, e.g., a payslip.