Whether you have an unexpected trip, an expired document that you’ve discovered at the last minute, or an urgent family matter abroad, sometimes you need a travel document fast. A standard UK passport renewal takes about three weeks, but for emergencies, the fast track passport renewal service can have you ready to travel in just one week.
At Remitly, we know that when the unexpected happens abroad, the last thing you want is to be bogged down with paperwork. In this article, we’ll explain how to use the UK fast track passport service, including a step-by-step guide, so that you can be travelling worry-free as soon as possible.
What is the fast track passport service?
The fast track passport service is a way to obtain a UK passport more quickly. It is an official, premium service offered by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) for those who need a passport in one week’s time. This service can be used in a variety of different passport situations to prepare you for international travel to the world’s best destinations.
Applying for a UK passport through the fast track service is much more time-efficient than standard processing. Typically, applying for a passport takes three weeks, and in some cases it can take even longer. When you apply by fast track service, you’re guaranteed to receive your passport within a week of your successful appointment.
Fast track passport service is not the same as one-day premium passport service. This is a separate process that is only for adult passport renewal and costs a bit more.
Who can use the fast track service?
The fast track passport service can be used for:
- Renewal of an adult or child passport
- Changing personal details on a passport
- Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport
- Initial application for a child passport
It’s important to note that fast track passport service cannot be used when you are applying for a first-time adult passport.
How much is a fast track passport
The fast track passport service cost depends on whether you’re applying for an adult or child passport and whether it’s a standard or frequent traveller passport book. Here are the prices for each (in GBP):
| Standard Passport Book | Frequent Traveller 54-Page Book | |
| Adult Passport | £178 | £191 |
| Child Passport | £145 | £158 |
What the fee includes
The fee charged by HMPO for fast track passports includes all of the processing of your application materials. This means that it covers the appointment, the printing of a new passport, and its delivery to you via courier service.
Payment for the fast track passport service is done online at the time of booking via debit or credit card. Cash and personal cheques are not accepted.
Price comparison to standard service
Applying for your UK passport by fast track service is approximately twice as expensive as applying via standard services. If you apply online for a standard service passport, an adult passport costs £94.50 and a child passport costs £61.50. You can view all current passport fees on the official HMPO website.
The cost of the fast track service is based on the speed and convenience of the process. You’re guaranteed to receive your passport three times as fast through fast track than you would with standard passport processing.
How to get a fast track passport in three simple steps
If you’re ready to have a new UK passport in your hands in about a week, follow these easy steps to get started with the fast track process.
- Get a digital photo and fill in the application form.
Start by taking a digital photo that you can use on your passport application. You’ll need to take a new photo for each new passport application, even if your appearance hasn’t drastically changed. The photo you submit with your application has to meet specific criteria and should not be more than a month old.
Once you have your photo, fill out the online application form for a fast track passport. The application will ask you for some information to help determine your eligibility for the service. If eligible, you’ll receive an application reference number that starts with “PEX.” Take note of this number, as you’ll need it to book an appointment.
- Book your appointment online.
If you’re able to apply for a fast track passport, you’ll be guided to the appointment booking page. Here, you’ll select a time to go in-person to a passport office. During this step, you’ll also pay the associated fees via debit or credit card.
Keep in mind that appointments are generally released up to three weeks in advance and get snatched up very quickly. Be prepared to select a date, and if you’re having difficulty finding an opening, be persistent and check the system frequently.
- Attend your appointment in-person.
Attending your appointment in-person is relatively easy because you’ve already been deemed eligible for the service via the online application. You’ll submit your form, photo, and documents to the agent. Be sure to have your old passport, if you have one. If it has been lost or stolen, bring any copy of your document that you have on hand.
The one-week countdown to receive your new passport starts after the appointment, not at the time that you book your appointment. Your new passport will arrive securely by courier when it is ready.
Tips and suggestions
Applying for a passport is often a stressful process, but the more knowledgeable you are, the easier it will be. Here are some important tips to help the process go smoothly:
- Don’t miss your appointment.
This may sound obvious, but do not skip or miss your appointment. Your fee will not be refunded or applied to a new appointment. If you miss your appointment, you’ll have to start the process again from the beginning by booking and paying for a new time slot.
- Change or cancel your appointment if necessary.
If needed, adjust your appointment by following the steps in your confirmation email. If your appointment is more than 48 hours away, making a change or cancellation is free. If your appointment is within 48 hours, you cannot change it. Instead, you’ll have to cancel it and book again. Cancelling your appointment that is less than 48 hours away will result in a £32 administration fee, which will be deducted from your refund.
- Send a representative, friend, or family member if you can’t attend.
Getting an appointment for fast track passport services can be a little tricky, especially when you’re trying to find one that fits with your schedule. If you have to, you can send someone else to your appointment. They’ll need to present your application reference number, which starts with “PEX.” This number can be found on all emails and text messages you’ve received about your appointment. They’ll also need to bring your old passport, if you have one, and all required documents.
- Stay in contact with the Passport Adviceline.
There are plenty of channels to stay in contact with HMPO. You can chat online, use the online enquiry form, or call directly at 0300 222 0000.
Ready, set, travel
Overall, the fast track passport service is a reliable, official way to get a passport in one week if you meet the criteria. The process for using fast track passport service in the UK is fairly simple. Start by getting your photo taken and filling out the application form. Then, book an appointment online. Attend your appointment in-person. One week later, you’ll receive your valid UK passport.
Ready to get started with the UK’s fast track passport service? Head to the official website for the most accurate, up-to-date information and to book your appointment. You’ll soon be ready to enjoy your travels, wherever they take you.
FAQs
How long does a fast track passport take?
It will take exactly one week for your passport to be processed from the day of your successful appointment.
Can I do a fast track passport renewal online?
No. Although you book it online, your appointment is in-person with a paper form.
What’s the difference between fast track and one-day premium?
Online premium service is faster and you can get an appointment in as early as two days. When you attend your premium service appointment, you’ll be issued a new passport just four hours afterwards. This premium service is only for adult passport renewals and it costs a little more.
On the other hand, fast track appointments can be used for renewals, name changes, replacement of a lost or stolen passport, and child passport applications. You can get a fast track appointment for the next day, but your passport will take one week to process and will be delivered to you by courier.
What if I can’t get a fast track appointment?
If you don’t see any available appointments, try again. Checking the website regularly will allow you to snatch up any slots that are freed up by cancellations. If your timeline allows, you can also use standard passport services.