The HM Passport Office advises that a renewal takes about three weeks from the date it receives your documents, with online applications tending to be much faster than paper forms. While it's an unofficial site, PassportWait is also a good place to check current processing times, as this is based on crowdsourced data. Currently, it shows an average processing time of 25 days.
1 day Premium
The one day Premium service is the quickest option for a renewal, but it means you need to book an appointment at your nearest passport office. This service can only be used for renewing an adult passport issued after 31 December 2001.
You simply take your old passport and any other requested documents to the meeting, and your new passport will be ready to collect four hours after your appointment. This is an expensive option. It costs £239.50 or £253.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport, whereas a standard renewal is priced at £102.
1 week Fast Track
The Passport Office also offer a 1 week Fast Track option which can be used to renew, replace or change an adult or child passport. It can also be used to apply for a first child passport if you need one last-minute.
Again, you'll be given a list of documents to bring along, and for adult passports these get checked and returned at the appointment. If you're applying for a child passport, the documents are left with the Passport Office and will be returned to you later. Your new passport is then delivered to your home one week later by Royal Mail tracked delivery.
This service is also more expensive than standard passport renewals due to the short turnaround time. For adults, the fee is £192 for a standard passport or £206 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport. For a child's passport, the fee is £156.50 or £170.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport. The usual cost for an under 16's passport is £66.50.
Passport office locations
There are seven passport offices across the UK where you can make an appointment for the 1 day Premium or 1 week Fast Track service. At busy times, it can be difficult to get an appointment, so if you can be flexible about which location you visit this can help you get a slot faster.
- London HM Passport Office - E16 1DR
- Peterborough HM Passport Office - PE2 8YY
- Newport HM Passport Office - NP20 2DW
- Liverpool HM Passport Office - L3 9BP
- Durham HM Passport Office - DH1 1SL
- Glasgow HM Passport Office - G4 0BT
- Belfast HM Passport Office - BT1 3GN
