The Quickest Way to Renew a British Passport

Renewing a passport is a mandatory task for all British citizens who want to travel outside the United Kingdom.

A British citizen who needs to travel internationally must have a current passport. The passport is good for 10 years after the issue date. After a passport has expired, it is imperative to renew it. When you are planning to travel out of the UK two weeks in the future or less, and are not in possession of a current passport, you qualify for urgent status and may expedite the process of renewal.

Things You'll Need

• 2 passport photos
• Current passport

Instructions

1. Call the Identity and Passport Service Adviceline at 0300-222-0000. Make an appointment for the nearest office. Request the Fast Track one-week service. You must apply in person for this form of quick renewal. If you have a simple renewal with no complicated changes, a Premium One-Day Service is available with a four-hour wait.

2. Bring your expired passport and two identical passport-size photos to the office on the day of your appointment. Complete the application in its entirety. Pay the applicable fee. You will pay a higher fee for fast-track and premium services (see Resources).

3. Sign for your new British passport when it arrives via Secure Delivery within one week of your appointment. If you request premium service, you will pick up your passport on the same day as you deliver your application.

Tips & Warnings

• Complete all forms correctly and present all additional documents at your appointment date. Otherwise, you may have to schedule a second appointment and delay the process.

• If you can wait longer than two weeks for your passport but still wish to expedite matters, the fastest method is the Post Office Check & Send service, in which completed applications, supporting documents and payments are taken to certain Post Office branches, checked by personnel to make sure everything is in order and sent to the IPS via Royal Special Delivery. You should get your passport within two weeks, but this timetable is not guaranteed. Applications sent through Check & Send are less likely to be delayed because of application errors, according to directgov. A handling fee is charged for this service.

• International travel is not possible unless you possess a valid British passport. Do not count on meeting travel dates you have booked until you have secured your renewed passport.

References

• Directgov: The Application Form, Fee and Supporting Documents for Renewing an Adult Passport
• Directgov: The Post Office Check & Send Service
• Directgov: Urgent Passport Applications

Resources

• Directgov: Table of passport fees, how to pay and refunds