Clear breakdown of the main fee options, when to pick each, and practical tips for UK residents and applicants abroad.
Overview — How UK Passport Fees Work
The UK Passport Office charges depend on applicant age, the booklet type (standard versus larger page count), and the service chosen:
standard online or paper, Fast Track (usually one-week service), and Premium (one-day appointment for renewals). International applicants
also face courier/handling fees. Below you'll find typical fee matrices, guidance for choosing services, and real-world examples so you pick the right option for your timetable and budget.
Service Types
Standard online: Cheapest, posted to your address; best for planned renewals.
Paper form: Slightly more expensive; used where online isn't possible.
Fast Track: Faster (target ~1 week) — appointment required.
Age Categories
Adults: Usually 10-year validity options (if eligible).
Children: Shorter validity (commonly 5 years) with different prices.
Where Fees Vary
Online vs paper submission
Domestic vs overseas application (extra courier/country handling)
Service speed (Standard / Fast Track / Premium)
Adult Passport Fees — Typical Rates
The exact charges can change annually. The table below shows commonly published ranges for the most-used services; always confirm on GOV.UK before payment.
Service
Typical Online Fee (GBP)
Paper Form Fee (GBP)
Notes
Standard adult (34-page)
£82.50
£93.00
Cheapest when applied online
Adult jumbo (50-page)
£93.50
£104.00
Better for frequent travellers
These are example figures reflecting common published rates. Use the official GOV.UK pages (links below) to get live confirmed prices before you proceed.
Child Passport Fees — What to Expect
Child passports typically cost less but are valid for a shorter period (usually 5 years). Paper and online fee differences apply here too.
Service
Typical Online Fee (GBP)
Paper Form Fee (GBP)
Notes
Child standard (34-page)
£53.50
£64.00
Valid for five years
Child jumbo (50-page)
£64.50
£75.00
Choose if many family trips planned
For children, ensure you have parental consent documents ready — that’s often more time-consuming than the fee payment step.
Fast Track — One-Week Service
Fast Track offers a significantly reduced processing time and is useful when travel is soon. It requires an in-person appointment at a Passport Office.
It is more expensive than standard service and appointment slots can be limited during busy months.
Type
Typical Fast Track Fee (GBP)
When to Use
Adult (34-page)
£155.00
Urgent travel within days to 2 weeks
Adult (50-page)
£166.00
Frequent travellers needing faster turnaround
Child (34-page)
£126.00
Urgent child travel
Child (50-page)
£137.00
Child with high travel frequency
Fast Track reduces calendar time but does not remove document checks. Missing or inconsistent documents can delay or cancel the fast-track benefit.
Premium (One-Day) Service — Same Day / One-Day Issuance
The Premium service generally applies to adult renewals and provides same-day collection after an appointment. It is the most expensive option and is restricted in scope (often limited to renewals rather than first issues or child passports).
Service
Typical Fee (GBP)
Notes
Premium (one-day) adult — 34-page
£193.50
Fastest option; adult renewals typically only
Premium (one-day) adult — 50-page
£204.50
Limited availability; appointment required
Premium is convenient for immediate emergency travel but requires perfect documentation and usually pre-booked slots at central Passport Office locations.
Applications from Abroad — Additional Costs & Handling
If you're applying from outside the UK, expect additional fees for overseas processing and courier. The base application fee may be similar, but local handling varies by country and by whether application is submitted via local embassy/consulate or an online portal for overseas applicants.
Item
Typical Additional Cost
Notes
Courier / return postage
£20–£50 (varies)
Depends on country & service chosen
Local consular handling
Varies by mission
Check the local British mission site
Overseas applicants should check the specific guidance for the country they are in — some missions use regional processing centres and different fee mechanisms.
Choosing the Right Service — Practical Examples
Below are common scenarios and recommended approaches so you choose a cost-effective and time-appropriate option.
Planned holiday 3+ months away: Standard online renewal (cheapest and reliable).
Job requirement / visa soon (within 2 weeks): Consider Fast Track if documents are ready.
Same-day emergency travel: Premium (one-day) if you qualify — expect the highest fee.
Frequent traveller: Choose a jumbo (50-page) booklet at renewal to reduce mid-term re-issuance costs.
Most UK passport fees are non-refundable once processing has started. However, if you cancel before your appointment
or fail to attend, the appointment fee may be lost. Courier surcharges and premium service bookings are also usually non-refundable.
Always check refund rules before making payment.
Missed Premium appointment → full fee lost.
Fast Track cancellation before appointment → partial refund possible.
Overseas courier charges → non-refundable after dispatch.
Refunds are rare — apply only when sure about eligibility and documents.
Concessions & Special Cases
While standard fees apply to most, certain applicants may get concessions or exemptions under UK government schemes:
Senior citizens: No fee reduction, but assisted services available.
Disabled applicants: Some support services free of charge.
Low-income support: Passport fees may be covered if linked with certain welfare programs.
Emergency travel document: Cheaper but valid for limited travel only.
Payment Methods Accepted
UK debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro)
Cheque or postal order (paper applications only)
Overseas applicants: limited to card + approved bank draft
Premium and Fast Track: card payments required at booking stage
Cash is not accepted for online or postal applications.
Fee Trends Over the Years
Year
Adult Online Fee
Adult Paper Fee
Notes
2018
£75.50
£85.00
Major hike for paper forms
2020
£75.50
£85.00
No change due to pandemic
2022
£82.50
£93.00
Revised for inflation
2025
£82.50*
£93.00*
Current figures (subject to GOV.UK updates)
Processing Time vs Cost Comparison
Service
Cost
Typical Processing Time
Standard Online
£82.50
3–10 weeks
Fast Track
£155+
~1 week
Premium One-Day
£193+
Same day (renewals only)
Plan 3+ months ahead and you’ll save both money and stress.
Keep original documents (birth certificate, old passport, etc.) ready.
Check that names match exactly across all documents.
Ensure payment method (card/bank draft) has sufficient funds.
Double-check travel dates — don’t overpay for Premium unless essential.
Family Applications & Bulk Considerations
Applying for multiple passports at once does not give a direct fee discount, but families may save courier and appointment costs by
grouping applications together. Some Passport Offices allow linked Fast Track appointments for parents + children.
Recent Updates — 2025
Most online applications now validate photos automatically before submission.
Paper applications take longer due to reduced staffing post-2024.
Premium one-day service limited to fewer locations nationwide.
Overseas courier charges revised in early 2025.
Stay updated with GOV.UK announcements as fees and policies may shift mid-year.
Fees — FAQs
Typically yes — online applications are cheaper and faster to process. Paper forms carry a modest premium and are used when online isn't possible.
Fast Track can be used for replacements, but expect stricter documentary checks (police/affidavit details where required). Confirm eligibility with the Passport Office.
No — overseas applicants may face mission-specific surcharges and courier fees. Always consult the relevant British mission website in your country.
Yes, child passports generally cost less than adult passports but are valid for a shorter period (commonly 5 years), which is the trade-off.