Need a new passport? Apply now as fees are set to rise by 7% next month

While the changes are technically subject to parliamentary scrutiny, it's unlikely they'll be blocked. The Home Office, which runs the Passport Office, says the new fees will help it to improve its services. It's the second year in a row passport application prices have increased following a 9% rise in February 2023. 

Here's how the fees are changing:

Passport still valid? It could be worth renewing early to beat the fee hikes

It's worth noting that if you renew your passport before it expires, the time left on it is no longer added on to the expiry date of your new passport. This means renewing early is not a straightforward decision.

As a rough guide, if you've less than 10 months left on your current passport, it could be worth renewing now. Here's why:

A standard adult passport lasts for 10 years and used to cost £72.50 – which works out to around 60p per calendar month of ownership. In other words, each month you have left on your passport is 'worth' 60p.

This means the closer your passport is to expiring, the more it's worth renewing before the new fees kick in.

As an example, if you currently have six months left on your existing passport and choose to renew online now, you give up £3.60 but save £6 in application fees – a net gain.

But if you still have 12 months left, you'd be giving up £7.20 and still only saving £6 – a net loss.

The cheapest way to get your passport is online through Gov.uk

Whether you're getting your first passport, renewing an old one, changing your name or personal details, or getting a passport for your child, the cheapest way to do so is through the Gov.uk website, if you're happy and able to use the online service.

If you do want to use a paper application form, you can pick this up from a post office that offers the 'Paper Check & Send' service (find your nearest) or request one from the Government's passport advice line by calling 0300 222 0000 or by using its online form.

Whether you apply online or by post, the Passport Office says you'll usually get your passport within three weeks (for standard applications).

For more tips and info on getting a new passport for less, see our Passport renewal tips guide.