Prices for UK passports are set to increase from April so it's time to get your applications sent for a new or replacement one.
Earlier this week the Government announced the price hikes and said it will introduce new fees for passport applications on April 10 this year.
Standard online applications, postal applications, Premium Service (1 day) applications and overseas applications will all increase. Previously, there was a 9 per cent increase in passport prices in February 2023, and a further 7 per cent rise in April 2024.
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The proposals, which are subject to approval by Parliament, will include the following:
the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK will rise from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for children postal applications will increase from £100 to £107 for adults and £69 to £74 for children the fee for a Premium Service (1 day) application made from within in the UK will rise from £207.50 to £222 for adults and £176.50 to £189 for children the fee for a standard online application when applying from overseas for a UK passport will rise from £101 to £108 for adults and £65.50 to £70 for children overseas standard paper applications will increase from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and £77 to £82.50 for childrenThe Government has said the price rise is necessary so that HMPO no longer relies on funding from general taxation. “The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation," a Government statement reads.
“The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications. The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.”
The new price list comes into force on April 10, which is just three weeks from when the Government announced the price rises on March 19.
There is a guideline waiting time of three weeks for your new passport to arrive so customers are advised to apply in good time before travelling. In 2024, where no further information was required, 99.7% of standard applications from the UK were processed within three weeks.
It is likely that the waiting time will increase in the coming weeks as people rush to renew their passport before the new prices kick in.
It is possible to apply for, renew, replace or update your passport and pay for it online on the Government's website.
You can also 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. If you need help, Post Office staff can check you’ve filled in the form correctly - but you’ll need to provide your own photos. This service costs extra. Find out more about the paper Check and Send service.
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