One million missed out on cheaper passports last year by not applying online, MSE reveals
MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) can reveal over seven million Brits saved on their passport applications by applying online instead of using a paper form last year – but more than a million missed out at a cost of over £10 million.
The UK's biggest consumer website says those planning a trip abroad this year should check their passport's still valid – and, if it's out of date, renew it online TODAY to avoid 9% fee hikes coming into effect tomorrow (Thursday 2 February).
Figures released to MSE by the Passport Office under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act show in the 12 months between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022, 7,403,200 passport applications were made online, while 1,054,943 were made using a paper form.
The cost of applying for a new or replacement passport online is £9.50 less (£10.50 less from 2 February) than applying by post using a paper form. The findings mean those applying online collectively saved over £70 million – though of course this isn't an option for those excluded from, or who struggle to use, digital services.
Most applications are made online – but over one million still apply by post
MSE’s previous FOI request revealed that 3,902,137 passport applications were made online between 1 December 2020 and 1 December 2021, while 674,454 were made by post, showing there's been a big jump in all types of passport application since the pandemic – and the overall savings missed out on.
UK passport applications – 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022 (inclusive)
Application type | Online form | Paper form |
|---|---|---|
Submitted directly to Passport Office | 7,003,563 | 735,914 |
Made using Post Office 'Check & Send' service | 399,637 | 319,029 |
Total | 7,403,200 | 1,054,943 |
Figures include adult and child passports, as well as applications for a change of name, gender, photo or nationality, which the Passport Office doesn't break down by age. | ||
The cheapest way to get a passport is online – but go quick, as fees are rising from 2 February
Chris Newlands, news and investigations editor at MoneySavingExpert.com, said: "Applying online continues to be the cheapest way to renew your passport and so, if you can – or if you can get someone to help you – make sure you opt for this method when you renew.
"Our research shows that over a million people missed out on a collective £10 million in savings because they applied by post instead of online. Of course, paper forms will be the only choice for some, but many others could have saved themselves some vital cash.
"And if you are thinking about renewing anytime soon, act now as prices go up on Thursday (2 February) and you could save yourself even more money by moving quickly."
Whether getting a first passport, renewing an old one, changing a name or personal details, or getting a passport for a child, the cheapest way to do so is through the Gov.uk website, for those happy and able to use the online service. The Passport Office says up to 10 weeks should be allowed to receive a passport (for standard applications) when applying either online or by post.
Current fees when applying direct through Gov.uk and the changes due on Thursday 2 February
Application type | Current fee | New fee from 2 February 2023 |
|---|---|---|
Online (standard) | ||
Adult | £75.50 | £82.50 (+£7 or 9.3%) |
Child | £49 | £53.50 (+£4.50 or 9.2%) |
Paper form (standard) | ||
Adult | £85 | £93 (+£8 or 9.4%) |
Child | £58.50 | £64 (+£5.50 or 9.4%) |
Fast track (one-week service) | ||
Adult | £142 | £155 (+£13 or 9.2%) |
Child | £122 | £126 (+£4 or 3.3%) |
Premium (same-day service) (i) | ||
Adult | £177 | £193.50 (+£16.50 or 9.3%) |
The same fees apply regardless of whether applying for a first passport, renewal or replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged passport. (i) There's no premium service for children's passports. | ||
Using the Post Office's 'Check & Send' service? Savings are to be had by opting for the digital version
Check & Send, which isn't changing in price tomorrow, is an optional extra costing £16 on top of the standard passport fee. Over 718,000 people used the Post Office's Check & Send service last year, which aims to minimise delays to applications by checking documents, photos and forms are correct.
There are two versions of Check & Send: digital and paper. Though the £16 fee is the same for both, the digital version works out cheaper overall because it's based on an online passport application – and these are cheaper in the first place.
Crucially, if opting for the digital Check & Send service, the Post Office will complete the online application form and take a digital photo for the applicant – so they can save even if they aren't able or don't want to do this themselves.
For full help, see MSE's Passport renewal tips guide.
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10 June 2025
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