There are few things more frustrating when planning a trip than opening your passport and realizing it has expired, or that it doesn’t have the validity for your current travel plans. Many countries require that you have several months of validity left on your passport to qualify to travel.
Fortunately, the process of getting or renewing a passport in the UK is relatively simple and affordable. But exactly how long does a passport take to arrive? In this article, we at Remitly will share everything you need to know about UK passport processing times—including how to expedite your passport and what might cause delays—to help you start out on your journey stress-free.
Standard UK passport processing times
According to His Majesty’s Passport Office, passport processing time in 2025 currently averages three weeks for online applications and ten weeks for paper applications via post when you are applying from the UK. These timelines begin from when the passport office receives your documents.
This average processing time applies to both adult (aged 16+) and child passports, whether you are applying for a passport for the first time or renewing a passport. However, processing can take longer during busy periods, and you will not be notified about this when submitting your application. First-time applications can also sometimes take longer if your application is chosen for additional security checks. So, even if you are using the recommended online application method, it may still be worth applying six to eight weeks before your expected travel date.
If you are applying to renew your UK passport from overseas, you should expect to wait at least six weeks for your passport to arrive in your country of residence. Overseas renewal is only available for adult passports.
Expedited services: fast track and premium options
If you are renewing and you need your passport faster, you have options available to expedite the process.
If you are renewing an adult or child passport or replacing a lost passport, you can apply for a One Week Fast Track renewal. You do need to go to a HM Passport Office in person with your passport and documentation, and your new passport will be delivered to your home by courier within a week.
In urgent situations, if you are renewing an adult passport that was issued after 31 December 2001, you can use the One Day Premium Service. Again, you must attend a Passport Office in person, and your passport will be ready for you to collect after four hours.
Both these fast-track services come with an additional cost. You can see a full list of passport types, expected processing times, and costs in the table below.
| Passport Type | Expected Processing Time | Cost in 2025
(34/54-page) |
| Adult passport: online | 3 weeks | £94.50/£107.50 |
| Adult passport: paper | 10 weeks | £107/£120 |
| Child passport: online | 3 weeks | £61.50/£74.50 |
| Child passport: paper | 10 weeks | £74/£87 |
| Adult Fast-Track passport | 1 week | £178/£191 |
| Child Fast-Track passport | 1 week | £145/£148 |
| Adult Premium passport | 1 day | £222/£235 |
| Adult Overseas passport | 6 weeks | £143.51/£156.51 (includes courier fee) |
What affects your passport processing time?
While three weeks is the expected processing time for most standard UK passports if you apply online, several factors could see your application take longer.
Peak travel seasons
Except for fast-track applications, passport applications are dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that if a lot of applications come in at the same time, processing times can be longer. This was seen following Brexit and the pandemic, when average processing times were as long as three months.
Travel season can also have an impact, with more applications coming in during the spring and early summer, in preparation for the summer holidays. Passport waiting time may be as long as six weeks for standard applications during these peak seasons. You will not be notified of this likely delay when you submit your application.
Application completeness
If your application has errors or is incomplete, the time needed to correct these errors will delay processing. In most cases, if you need to provide additional documentation, HM Passport Office will reach out to you within three weeks of receiving your application. Processing of your application is then paused until your amended documents reach the passport office.
The most common passport application mistakes that people make are:
- Passport photos that don’t meet requirements
- Missing signatures
- Illegible handwriting
- Copies of documents submitted instead of originals
- Lack of certified translations for foreign language documents
- Ineligible referees (e.g. they cannot be related to you or live at your address)
Double-check all your paperwork before submitting to avoid delays. If additional documents are requested, send them as quickly as possible to speed up the process.
First-time passport interviews
While in most cases applying for your first passport does not take longer than renewing, it can if you are selected to attend an interview to verify your identity. This is an anti-fraud measure. You may be selected if there is an issue with your application, or you may be selected randomly.
Organising an interview appointment can add extra time to the approval and delivery of your passport. The interview can be online, in person, or by phone, and lasts about 30 minutes. They will ask you questions to verify your personal details.
Tracking your application progress
The HM Passport Office allows you to track the progress of your application online via your unique reference number. If you applied online, your reference number will start with PEX. If you applied at the Post Office using their digital check and send service, your reference number will start with POD. If you filled out and sent a paper form, you can use the barcode from your application form to track its progress.
Go to the tracking site and give them your reference number, which will prompt you to confirm your email and date of birth. It will then take you to a page that can show you various statuses, including:
- Application Submitted (submitted via the online portal)
- Application Received (accepted by the online portal)
- Documents Received (your original documents have reached the passport office)
- Application Approved (your application has been approved)
- Passport Printed and Sent (your passport is already on its way to you)
If you are called for an interview, need to submit additional documents, or your passport is denied, this will also appear as a notification.
You should receive an automated notification by text or email every time the status of your application changes.
Once your passport has been sent, you will receive an email with a link to the TNT delivery website. You can track the status of your delivery using your postcode and PEX number.
Tips to get your passport faster
Three weeks is a fairly fast turnaround for a new passport or passport renewal, but that deadline is not guaranteed. There are a few things you can do to make sure your passport is likely to be processed and delivered as quickly as possible:
- Apply online, as online applications are prioritised over postal applications.
- Send your documents as soon as possible, as proper processing of your application only begins when your documents arrive at the HM Passport Office.
- Submit high-quality digital photos that meet official requirements. Remember that requirements are different for different countries.
- Double-check that all your information is correct and your original documentation is accurate before sending.
While these steps will help you get your passport faster, don’t leave the application to the last minute. Apply at least six weeks before the date you need the document.
What to do if your passport is delayed
If your passport is delayed because you need to provide documentation or attend an interview, make sure to follow up on these additional requirements as soon as possible so that you can get your passport off “pause” and back into processing.
If there are no issues with your application, but it is taking a while to be processed, the HM Passport Office probably won’t consider it delayed until about six weeks have passed. You can use their online enquiry form to ask for an update on your application and expect a response within 72 hours.
If your travel plans are urgent, you can contact the HM Passport Office to organise fast-track processing, though you will have to pay the additional fast-track fee. You will have to provide proof of imminent travel to justify the upgrade. Do not reapply. You can’t get faster service or a refund by duplicating your existing application.
Contact the Passport Office via their Passport Adviceline (0300 222 0000) or by email at escalatedservice@hmpo.gov.uk.
If you are outside of the country and something has happened to your passport, and you urgently need a new passport to return home, contact your closest British Diplomatic Mission to arrange an emergency travel document.
Renew your UK passport early
According to the HM Passport Office, if you apply online, it only takes about three weeks to get your passport using their standard service. But remember that this is not guaranteed, and there are many things that could delay your passport, from incorrect passport photos to a busy season. Apply six to eight weeks in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.
If you are renewing and you need your passport faster, you can pay for premium services to get your passport within a week, or even the same day, but you must be able to attend a HM Passport Office in person with your documents.
If you can’t apply well in advance, paying for the expedited service can be worth it for the peace of mind of knowing you have your travel document in hand when planning your trip.
FAQs
How long does a passport take if I apply online?
The standard processing time for applications submitted online is three weeks, but it can be longer during busy periods, so it is recommended to give yourself at least six weeks. Remember that your application only starts to be processed once your documents reach the HM Passport Office, so send them directly after making your online application.
Can I get a passport in less than a week?
If you are renewing an existing adult passport, there are fast-track services to get you your passport within a week, but you must be able to visit a HM Passport Office in person with your documents. The Fast-Track service will have your passport delivered to your home within a week of making your application. The Premium service allows you to collect your passport in person four hours after making your application.
Why is my passport taking longer than expected?
There are several reasons why your passport could take longer than expected. If there is nothing wrong with your application, it is usually because you have applied during a period of high demand, and it is just taking longer to get to your application. If your application is incomplete or you need to participate in additional security checks, this will also probably delay your passport.
What’s the fastest way to get a UK passport?
The fastest way to renew your UK passport is with the Premium renewal service. You must take your documents to a Passport Office personally and pay the premium fee, and you will be able to collect your passport after four hours. This is not available if you are applying for the first time.
How far in advance should I apply for my passport?
If you are applying online, you should apply for your passport a minimum of six weeks before you need it during off-season and ten weeks in advance during busy travel periods like spring and summer. Remember, it can be useful to have your passport before you book your travel, as renewed passports have a new passport number, which you will need in order to book certain travel arrangements such as flights.