UK passport renewal is one of those tasks everyone puts off until the last minute — and then panics when they realise how long it takes. Here's everything you need to know, including the timelines that catch people out.
Standard processing time
HM Passport Office says to allow up to 10 weeks when renewing by post, or up to 6 weeks when renewing online. In practice, it can be faster (3–4 weeks is common outside peak periods), but during spring and summer demand spikes, processing can stretch to the full 10 weeks or longer.
When to renew
Start your renewal 3–4 months before your passport expires, or before your planned travel date — whichever comes first.
Many countries require at least 6 months' validity remaining on your passport, so even a passport that hasn't technically expired might not be valid for travel.
Current costs (2025–2026)
- Adult passport (online): £82.50
- Adult passport (paper form): £93
- Child passport (online): £53.50
- Child passport (paper form): £64
- Fast Track (1-week, in person): £177
- Premium (same-day, in person): £212
The hidden cost of expired passports
Beyond the obvious (cancelled holidays, rebooking fees), an expired passport can delay other things:
- Opening certain bank accounts
- Proving right to work
- Some DBS checks
- Child passports are only valid for 5 years — twice as frequent as adult renewals
Set it and forget it
Add your passport expiry date (and every family member's) to The Home Concierge. Get a reminder 4 months before expiry — giving you plenty of time for standard processing without paying for fast track.
Don't pay £177 for fast track because you forgot. Track passport expiry dates for free with Home Concierge — set it once, relax forever.