The British Passport Renewal Process: Explained
Having to renew your passport can place an unnecessary burden on many individuals in various circumstances, for example, when wishing to travel, but your passport is expired, you must first renew your passport before travelling if it is invalid.
When looking at how much time you need on your passport depends on the country that you are visiting. For clarity, you can check the entry requirements of the country that you want to travel to.
Furthermore, in situations where your passport is lost, stolen or damaged or you need to change your name or personal or personal details, there are different rules that apply in these circumstances.
Where to make an application for a British passport renewal?
British passport renewal is only possible and applies if: i) your existing British passport is not damaged AND ii) your name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, appearance and nationality have not changed.
When renewing your British passport, you have two options on how to exercise this:
- You can renew online using the gov.uk website (usually those Applicants inside the UK) (Renew or replace your adult passport: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) or;
- You can renew using a paper application form (usually those Applicants from overseas)
You can get a paper application form and fill in the relevant sections listed above depending on if you are either an adult or a child:
- Adult (16 or above*) – need to fill in sections 1,2,3 and 9
- * = Or about to turn 16 in the next 3 weeks
- Child (under 16) – need to fill in sections 1,2,3,4,6 (if aged 12-15**) and 9
- ** = Or about to turn 12 in the next 3 weeks
Adult British passports – Renewing online
The HMPO guidance states that when renewing adult passports online, it costs £82.50 to renew or replace your passport (for a standard 34-page passport).
You’ll need:
- a digital photo
- a credit or debit card
- your passport
What are the requirements for a digital photo?
The HMPO guidance states:
- You need a digital photo to apply for a passport online.
- You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.
- Your photo must have been taken in the last month.
- Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.
How to get a digital photo
You can get a digital photo either:
- from a photo booth or shop before applying for your passport
- by taking one using your own device during your passport application
Photos from a booth or shop are more likely to be approved than a photo taken using your own device.
Adult British Passport renewal - Using a paper application form
You can get a paper application form and fill in the relevant sections listed above depending on if you are an Adult or a child, and then either:
- going to a Post Office that has a Check and Send service
- calling the Passport Adviceline
It costs £93.00 for a standard 34-page passport. You can pay by either:
- debit or credit card – fill in the form in the application pack
- cheque – made payable to ‘HM Passport Office’
You’ll need 2 new and identical printed photos of yourself.
Printed photo requirements
The guidance states:
- You need 2 identical printed photos if you are applying for a passport using a paper form.
- You need digital photosto apply for a passport online.
- You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.
- Your photo must have been taken in the last month.
- Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.
What your printed photos must show
Your photos must:
- be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
- contain no other objects or people
- be taken against a plain cream or light grey background
- be in clear contrast to the background
- not have ‘red eye’
How to renew Child British passports
You can apply to renew a child’s passport online or by post.
If your child’s passport has expired, you must renew it before they can travel.
Do not book travel until you have a valid passport – the new passport will not have the same number as the old one.
If your child’s name or other personal details have changed, you cannot renew their passport. You must apply for a new passport instead.
What documents are needed?
To renew your child’s passport you’ll need:
- your child’s old passport
- any valid passports from a different country your child might have
- any court orders relating to the child (for example, that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements)
You’ll also need either digital or printed photos of your child
Child British passport renewal - online
It costs £53.50 for a standard 34-page passport. You can pay with a credit or debit card.
You’ll need:
- a digital photo of your child(or a device that takes digital photos)
- the supporting documents
Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity
If your child is under 12, you’ll need to ask someone to confirm their identity after you’ve submitted the application.
Let the person know that they’ll receive an email from HM Passport Office telling them what to do. They’ll confirm your child’s identity online – they do not need to sign a printed photo.
A list of who can confirm your child’s identity can be found at Confirm someone’s identity online for a passport application: Who can confirm someone’s identity – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Countersigning the application
If your child is under 12, you’ll need to get their application and one of their photos countersigned.
If your child is 12 or over, you only need to do this if they cannot be recognised from the photo in their current passport.
Processing times in the UK
You should allow up to 10 weeks from when your old passport is received, any supporting documents, or confirmation of your identity details if needed.
If applying online from another country, there are different timelines specific to the country which you are applying from. Please look at Overseas British passport applications – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) for guidance
Faster processing options
You can pay to get your passport sooner if you’ve not already applied and you think the standard service will take too long.
You need to book a passport office appointment and pay online.
If you need a passport to travel urgently for medical treatment or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, call the Passport Adviceline instead.
Who can apply
You can apply for a faster service if both:
- you’re in the UK
- you need to renew, replace or update a passport, or get a first-child passport
When you cannot apply
If you’re outside the UK, apply for an emergency travel document.
If you’re applying for a first adult passport, use the standard service.
If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it yet, do not pay for an urgent passport – you will not get your passport sooner. You might be able to upgrade your existing application instead.
References:
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