Passport renewal: Everything you need to know
For many people, travelling is associated with freedom, adventure and experiences. But before you can board the plane, cross borders or enjoy your holiday with your travel company, there is one thing you cannot do without: your passport. In this blog post, we guide you through the entire process of renewing your passport. Along the way, you will also gain insight into how Refundmore can help you with compensation and reimbursement if your travel plans do not go as expected.
Why is a valid passport so important?
A valid passport is not just a piece of ID — it’s the key to your journey. Many countries require that the passport is valid for a certain period after your planned return. For UK travellers, the document must be held within the last ten years of issue if heading to the EU/Schengen area (post-Brexit), and some destinations may also require several months’ validity remaining.
If you have an expired passport or one that is close to expiry, you may risk being refused entry.
Therefore it is always a good idea to check whether your destination accepts your passport and whether you risk being denied boarding if it is soon to expire.
When should you renew your passport?
Most adult UK passports are valid for ten years. It may feel like a long period, but suddenly you might realise that your passport has expired — or worse: that you left it at home just before an important trip.
A good rule is to begin the renewal process well in advance. Many choose to renew their passport many months before expiration, especially if they travel frequently for work. For children, special attention is required: UK child passports (under 16) are valid for five years.
Where and how do you renew your passport?
All UK citizens apply through the His Majesty’s Passport Office (HM Passport Office). The application can usually be filled out online or via a paper form.
You’ll need to refer to your old passport details (if renewing) and provide proof of British nationality.
For children under 16, a parent or legal guardian must usually sign or consent, and the child may need to have the application countersigned/verified.
Source: GOV.UK
Passport photo and biometric data
When you renew your passport, you must supply a new photograph (digital or printed) that meets UK passport photo requirements. For standard adult renewals in the UK, there is no separate fingerprint-data requirement publicised for all applicants (unlike some other jurisdictions).
The photo must be recent, with your face clearly visible, no sunglasses, and any head covering must conform to official rules.
What should you bring to your application?
When you apply via HM Passport Office, you will generally need:
Your existing (or most recently issued) UK passport.
Proof of British nationality (e.g., birth certificate, naturalisation certificate).
One or more passport-photos meeting the official specifications.
For children: parental consent and any relevant court orders for parental responsibility or name change.
If you have lost your passport or it has been stolen, you must also submit a police report. Read more about what to do if you lose your passport.
Temporary/urgent service– when time is tight
There may be situations where you cannot wait for the standard processing time. The UK offers faster services (such as 1 week Fast Track or same-day Premium for adults) at a higher cost.
It’s important to check whether your destination will accept a passport obtained via an urgent service under time pressure.
When your passport expires abroad
Standing abroad with an expired or lost passport can feel like a nightmare. Fortunately, British citizens can seek help via their nearest UK embassy or consulate. They may assist with issuing an Emergency Travel Document or expedite return to the UK. When a new passport is issued, the old one becomes invalid.
Extra passports and special situations
Some travellers may require an additional passport (for frequent travel, or visiting countries that might restrict certain stamps). The HM Passport Office offers “frequent traveller” (54-page) versions of the passport at an additional cost.
When you later renew your passport, you may be asked to surrender the old one
How does passport renewal impact your travel life?
For most people, renewing the passport is a straightforward administrative task. But if your passport is expired, or you forgot it at home, it can have major consequences: you can be denied boarding, lose your holiday or face expensive extra costs.
To avoid stress you should always know when your current passport expires and ensure you can renew in time. If you haven’t renewed in time and are denied boarding at the airport, it may be wise to have a good travel insurance that can cover the expenses you incur in connection with your travel problems.
Renewing passports for children
When your child needs their first UK passport or a renewal, there are a few extra rules to keep in mind. For under-16s the validity is five years.
Both parents typically need to provide consent, and the child may need verification of identity.
Be aware that a child’s appearance can change quickly, so you might need to renew early even if the passport itself is not yet expired.
The practical steps to renew your passport
Apply online (recommended) or via paper form, through HM Passport Office.
Provide your old passport or its details, upload or include required photo(s), and pay the fee.
Wait for processing — standard times apply, and you should not book travel until you have your new passport.
Once you receive your new passport, check all details carefully and confirm its validity for your travel plans.
Passport renewal cost
Adults (16 or over): £94.50 when applying online for the standard 34-page passport.
Adults applying by paper form: £107.
Children (under 16): £61.50 online.
Paper form for children: £74.
Additional fee if you want the 54-page “frequent traveller” passport or opt for urgent services: e.g., Fast Track and Premium services cost more.
Note: These fees apply for applications made within the UK; higher fees may apply if you apply from overseas.
Refundmore: compensation and reimbursement for travel problems
Even if you have done everything right in relation to passport renewal, situations may still arise where your trip does not go as planned. This could be, for example, flight cancellation, flight delay or rebooking because the airline has overbooked the flight.
In these situations, Refundmore can help. We work to ensure that you, as a traveller, receive compensation or reimbursement when airlines fail to meet their obligations. We help you understand the rules, submit claims and ensure that your rights are respected.
If you have experienced one of the above flight disruptions, simply create your case here and we will take care of everything. And you can rest assured - we do not charge for our work until we have obtained your money from the airline.
