Applying for or renewing your British Passport
Most British passport applications and renewals can now be completed online without visiting a passport office in person.
If you are over 16 you can apply for renew a British passport as long as you fulfill one of the following conditions.
You are…
…a British citizen
…a British overseas territories citizen
…a British subject
…a British national (overseas)
…a British protected person
ONLINE APPLICATIONS
This is probably the simplest way for most people.
☛ Applications are now primarily completed online through the official UK Government website
☛ You’ll need a debit or credit card to use this service.
☛ Processing times vary depending on the type of application and demand. Applicants should always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK before applying.
☛ You may still need to send supporting documents to the UK depending on your application type.
OVERSEAS APPLICATIONS
British citizens living overseas will generally complete their passport application online via the official UK Government website.
Depending on the type of application, supporting documents may still need to be sent directly to the UK for processing.
Applicants should ensure all documents and photographs meet the current HM Passport Office requirements before submitting their application.
If your British passport expired many years ago, or was issued before 2004, additional supporting documentation may sometimes be required.
For the latest guidance, processing times and fees, always check the official GOV.UK website before applying.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES
Passport Adviceline
Telephone: 0300 222 0000
From outside the UK: +44 (0)300 222 0000
Text relay: 18001 0300 222 0000
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, Sunday and UK bank holidays, 9am to 5:30pm
Passport Rates.
| Passport type | Normal service (online or by post) | Post Office (Check and Send) |
| Adult (16 and over) standard 32-page passport | £102 online / £115.50 by post | £127 |
| Adult (16 and over) jumbo 48-page passport | £116 online / £129.50 by post | £141 |
| Passport for people born on or before 2 September 1929 | FREE | FREE |
A useful overview, although some of the information and pricing in this article is now quite dated. One point many British citizens living overseas may not realise is that all overseas British passport applications are now handled online through HM Passport Office, with supporting documents typically sent directly to the UK for processing.
We’re also seeing increased interest from dual nationals following the UK’s updated travel requirements. If your British passport has been expired for many years, or was issued before 2004, it’s worth checking the current requirements before applying, as additional documentation may be needed.
Tracey Roberts
Senior Advisor – UK Passport Services
Thanks Tracey. We will make sure the article is updated with your comment