UK passport renewal guide 2026

Do you need to renew?

You should renew your UK passport if it is expired, expiring within 6 months (many countries require at least 6 months' validity for entry), or if your appearance has changed significantly since your last photo was taken.

Children's passports expire after 5 years. Adult passports are valid for 10 years. Check the expiry date on the photo page of your current passport.

How to apply — online vs postal

Most UK passport renewals can be done online at GOV.UK. Online is faster, and if your last passport was also a UK passport, you do not need a countersignatory. Postal renewal is still available but takes longer.

• Online renewal (gov.uk/renew-adult-passport): recommended, fastest processing, uses IDPC digital photo code
• Postal renewal: download form LS01 from GOV.UK, enclose two printed photos (one countersigned if required), and post with your current passport
• Post Office Check & Send: Post Office staff check your application before submitting — useful if you're unsure about your documents, though it adds cost

2026 passport fees

Current HMPO fees for 2026 (subject to change — always confirm at GOV.UK before applying):

• Adult online renewal: £98.50
• Adult postal renewal: £107.50
• Child online renewal (under 16): £68.50
• Child postal renewal: £77.50
• 1-week Fast Track service: £155 (adult) — appointment at a passport office required
• Same-day Premium service: £177 (adult) — appointment required, limited availability

How long does passport renewal take in 2026?

HMPO advises allowing up to 10 weeks for standard online or postal renewal, though most applications are processed faster. Processing times fluctuate with demand — summer and school holiday periods tend to be slower.

If you need your passport urgently, the Fast Track service (£155, appointment at a passport office) promises processing within 1 week. The Premium service (£177) can produce a passport the same day, subject to appointment availability.

Check current processing times at GOV.UK before applying, as they are updated regularly.

Passport photo requirements for renewal

The photo requirements for a renewal are identical to a new application — 35×45mm, plain light grey or cream background, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no glasses. The photo must be recent (taken within the last month).

For online renewal, you will need an IDPC (Digital Photo Check) code from an approved provider such as Smart Passport Photo. You enter the code into your GOV.UK application instead of uploading a file.

For postal renewal, you will need two identical printed 35×45mm photos. One photo must be signed on the back by your countersignatory (if required) confirming that it is a true likeness of you.

Do you need a countersignatory?

For most adult online renewals where your previous passport was also a UK adult passport, HMPO no longer requires a countersignatory — the system uses facial recognition to match your new photo to your old one.

You do need a countersignatory if: this is your first UK passport, your previous UK passport was issued when you were under 16, your appearance has changed significantly, or you are applying by post.

A countersignatory must be a British or Irish citizen who has known you for at least 2 years, holds a current UK passport, and is not a close relative.

What documents do you need?

• Your current (or most recent) UK passport
• A recent compliant passport photo (or IDPC code for online application)
• Your National Insurance number (for online applications)
• Debit or credit card for payment
• For a child's passport: the child's birth certificate and both parents' details

Tracking your renewal application

After submitting online, you will receive an application reference number. You can use this to track your passport on the HMPO tracking service at track.passport.service.gov.uk. HMPO will also email you updates at key stages.

If you apply by post, you will not receive a reference number until HMPO has processed your application form and payment — this can take a week or more after posting.

Common mistakes that delay passport renewals

• Non-compliant passport photo (most common cause of delay or rejection)
• Sending the wrong passport — always send your most recent UK passport
• Missing or incorrect payment
• Incomplete form (postal applicants)
• Countersignatory not qualifying or form not signed correctly
• Applying too late — allow at least 10 weeks before you need to travel