Because the current wait time for a UK passport may not be appropriate, there are several ways you can get a passport fast (much quicker than normal). This help guide explains how to renew or replace a passport urgently using the online Premium passport service or the one week Fast Track service.
You need to be in the United Kingdom to use either of the fast passport applications. Choose between the 1 day Premium service or the 1 week Fast Track service if the need is more urgent than normal.
You will need to make a booking and then attend an appointment at a Passport Customer Service Centre. Check a list of passport offices near to your postcode area.
You might need to apply for an emergency travel document instead if you are not in the United Kingdom.
Note: It takes around three (3) weeks to replace or renew a passport online using the non-urgent service if the application is not an urgent one.
It is possible to get a passport the same day. You would need to supply a completed application form, 2 photos and all the supporting documents. As a rule, you can collect it four (4) hours after the appointment at a Passport Customer Service Centre.
Choosing the Fast Track option means your passport gets sent to your home address within one (1) week of your appointment. You need to provide a filled in application form, 2 passport photos, and all supporting documents.
Note: The one week time frame excludes bank holidays in the United Kingdom. Someone may need to sign to accept the delivery at your home address.
Contact the Passport Adviceline if you want to upgrade an existing passport application. As a rule, upgrading only applies in exceptional circumstances (e.g. to travel urgently for medical treatment, a family member is seriously ill or has died). You would not need to book or attend an appointment.
Note: The current costs listed in the table include the fee for the passport and the type of service chosen.
| Type of Passport | Premium 1 Day Service Price | Fast Track 1 Week Service Price |
|---|---|---|
| Renewing a standard adult passport (34-page) | £177 | £142 |
| Renewing an adult passport (50-page) | £187 | £152 |
| Change of name in a standard adult 34-page passport (with marriage or civil partnership certificate) | £177 | £142 |
| Change of name for an adult 50-page passport (with marriage or civil partnership certificate) | £187 | £152 |
| Change a standard adult 34-page passport | N/A | £142 |
| Change an adult 50-page passport | N/A | £142 |
| Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged adult passport | N/A | £142 |
| First child passport | N/A | £122 |
| Renew or change a child passport | N/A | £122 |
| Replace a lost, stolen or damaged child passport | N/A | £122 |
| Renewal for a British national born on or before the 2nd of September 1929 | £77.50 | £42.50 |
Note: Follow these 3 steps to get a passport application form, book an appointment, and pay the current fee. The fee does not get refunded if you cancel or fail to attend the appointment. No refund applies if you fail to bring the completed form, photos, and relevant documents.
There is no refund of the fee if you cannot go to your appointment. The link in the email confirmation allows you to change the appointment date. But, the booking must be at least two (2) days away to change the schedule.
Providing you are in the United Kingdom, you can send someone else to attend your appointment. Another person can also collect the passport when you use the 1 day Premium service.
You will need to contact the Passport Adviceline if you want to make an appointment by phone. But, as a rule it is quicker to book the 1 day Premium or 1 week Fast Track service appointment online.
The passport refund form lists some exceptional circumstances for which you can claim a refund. Send it to the same Passport Customer Service Centre where you attended your appointment (addressed to the Customer Service Manager).
When you go to the passport appointment interview you are going to need:
Note: Someone else may take the documents to the appointment on your behalf. But, you must be in the United Kingdom at that particular time.
If you do not collect the passport yourself the other person will need to bring:
It may be possible to renew a passport urgently online. The premium service costs £177. You must apply online using a digital photograph. You then book an appointment to collect the new passport from one of the passport offices.
Note: The Online Premium service is a trial project. Thus, there are a limited number of appointments granted. You must be at least 16 years old to use this service. But you cannot use it to get your first UK passport or to replace one that got damaged, lost, or stolen.
How to Get a Passport Urgently in the United KingdomDisclaimer: Information given does not constitute or replace legal advice. Always seek expert guidance from a law firm or professional for matters of importance. Please read the full terms and conditions for further details.