Renewing your British passport is more straightforward than it used to be — most adults can now do it online in a few minutes. But with new fees, strict digital-photo checks and processing that can stretch to several weeks, it pays to know exactly how it works before you start. Here is the complete 2026 guide: what it costs, how long it takes, and how to renew online step by step.
When should you renew your passport?
You can renew at any time — you don’t have to wait until it expires, and any remaining validity (up to 9 months) is added to your new passport, up to the 10-year maximum. Renew early if you travel: many countries require validity beyond your trip. For the EU, your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter and have at least 3 months left on the day you leave — the classic “10-year rule” that catches people out.
How much does it cost to renew a British passport?
The standard fees (confirmed on GOV.UK) are:
- £102 — adult renewal applied for online
- £115.50 — adult renewal by paper form
- £66.50 — child passport (online)
Need it faster? Two urgent services are available by appointment:
- 1 Week Fast Track — around £166.50, passport within about a week
- Online Premium (same day) — around £239.50
Renewing from abroad costs more (around £116.50 online for an adult) and takes longer. Always check the current fee on GOV.UK before you pay.
How long does renewal take?
Standard adult renewals are usually completed in about 3 to 4 weeks; first passports take longer (around 4 to 6 weeks), and overseas applications can take 6 to 10 weeks because of international courier times. HM Passport Office advises allowing up to 10 weeks and not booking travel until your new passport arrives. (For how official UK processing windows work in general, see our guide to checking application status & processing times.)
How to renew online, step by step
- Go to gov.uk/renew-adult-passport.
- Upload a digital photo that meets the rules (below).
- Enter your details and your current passport number.
- Pay the £102 fee by card.
- Follow the instructions about your old passport — it is often cancelled automatically, but you may be asked to post it. Don’t cut or damage it unless told to.
You’ll get email updates as the application progresses, and your new passport is delivered by secure courier or post.
Passport photo requirements (the #1 cause of delays)
A rejected photo is the most common reason renewals stall. Your digital photo must:
- have been taken within the last month (the system uses timestamps and “liveness” checks, so you can’t reuse an old one);
- show you against a plain, light background, facing forward, neutral expression, mouth closed;
- be sharp and well lit — no shadows, glare or red-eye;
- show your full face — no glasses unless medically necessary, nothing covering your eyes.
Renewing from outside the UK
British citizens abroad use the same online service, but fees are higher and delivery is slower (typically 6–10 weeks). If you also need to prove your UK immigration status digitally, see our eVisa guide. Applying for your very first passport instead? Read our full guide to applying for a British passport.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renew a British passport?
£102 online or £115.50 by paper form for an adult, and £66.50 for a child online. The 1 Week Fast Track is about £166.50 and the same-day Online Premium about £239.50.
How long does a British passport renewal take?
Usually about 3 to 4 weeks for a standard adult renewal. HM Passport Office advises allowing up to 10 weeks and not booking travel until it arrives. Fast Track takes about a week; Premium is same-day.
Can I renew my British passport online?
Yes — most adults renew at gov.uk/renew-adult-passport by uploading a digital photo and paying by card.
Do I need to send my old passport?
Often it is cancelled automatically, but follow the instructions — you may be asked to post it. Don’t damage it unless told to.
Can I renew before my passport expires?
Yes, at any time. Up to 9 months of remaining validity is carried over to your new passport, up to the 10-year maximum.
Why was my passport photo rejected?
Usually because it was not taken within the last month, has a busy background, shadows or glare, glasses, or a non-neutral expression.
