How to renew a British passport: UK and overseas application guide

British passport holders will need to renew their passports every 5-10 years, depending on their age. Renewing your British passport is usually a straightforward process, but the application requirements, supporting documents and processing times can vary depending on where you apply and your individual circumstances. Read on to find out more about eligibility to renew a British passport, steps required to apply, documents you may need and what to expect during the application process.

When do you need to renew your British passports?

British passports for those who are aged 16 or above are generally valid for 10 years, while passports issued to children aged 15 or below are valid for 5 years. Normally, passport holders do not need to wait until a passport has expired to renew it. If you are planning to travel with your British passport, it is advisable to renew the passport well in advance. This is because many countries require visitors to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Steps to renew a British passport from inside the UK

The quickest and simplest way to renew your British passport is to apply online by filling out a form on the Home Office website. Paper applications remain available through selected Post Office branches for those who prefer to apply by post, but applications fees are slightly cheaper if submitted online.

In most cases, you will need to prepare the below documents for a passport renewal:

• Current British passport;
• A compliant passport photograph (digital or printed depending on application type);
• Any valid passports you have from a different country (if applicable);
• Supporting documents if your personal details have changed since your last passport, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll; and
• Payment of the application fee.

You should also note that if your passport has been lost, stolen or damaged, or if you have changed your name or other personal details, as mentioned above, extra documents may be required to support your application.

If you are a parent who is looking to renew your child’s passport, this can also involve additional requirements. For a child’s passport renewal, the application must usually be made by someone with parental responsibility, and such responsibility may have to be proved by evidence, such as a birth certificate or consent letter. You may also need to provide the child’s previous passport, details of both parents, evidence of any other nationality the child holds and a countersignatory to confirm the child’s identity.

Steps to renew a British passport from outside the UK

Similar to applying for a passport renewal from inside the UK, if you are a British citizen living abroad you can also renew your British passport through an online application form.

You will need to provide the following documents to apply for a British passport from abroad:

• 2 recent identical photos;
• Current British passport;
• A full colour copy of any other uncancelled passports you may hold;
• Copy of photo identity documents;
• Supporting documents if your personal details have changed since your last passport; and
• Payment of the application fee.

You may be asked to provide the documents or additional information to a designated processing centre, depending on the country from which you are applying. When applying for a UK passport from another country, you are advised to bear in mind and allow for additional time for international document delivery and courier services if original documents are required.

What is the processing time for passport renewal?

For most standard renewal applications submitted in the UK, the standard processing time is around three weeks. Overseas applications can take longer due to the international document handling and local processing arrangements, so the Home Office suggests overseas applicants allow at least six weeks to receive their passport. If the Home Office requires additional documents, an application may take longer to process. It is therefore suggested that you should not travel internationally until your new passport has been issued.

If you are in the UK and you need a new passport to be issued urgently, you can apply using expedited services if eligible, such as the Online Premium Service, to receive your new passport at an appointment which lasts up to 30 minutes (dual nationals are not eligible for this service), and the 1-week Fast Track Service, which will deliver your passport within seven days of an appointment (excluding Bank holidays). Applicants overseas who need to travel urgently without their new British passport may be eligible for an Emergency Travel Document in certain circumstances.

Conclusion

It is important to take note of and prepare the requested documents when you are applying to renew your British passport, regardless of whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. Common reasons for delay in receiving your new passport can include incomplete or inconsistent documents and photographs. In order to minimise unnecessary delays, you are advised to ensure that your application is complete before submission and seek help from professionals if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my British passport before it expires?

Yes. You do not need to wait until your passport has expired before renewing it. In fact, if you are planning to travel internationally, it is advisable to renew your passport well in advance, as many countries require visitors to have at least six months’ validity remaining on their passport from the date of entry.

How long does it take to renew a British passport?

Standard passport renewal applications made within the UK are typically processed in around three weeks. If you are applying from overseas, you should allow at least six weeks, as international document handling and delivery may extend processing times. Applications requiring additional checks or supporting documents may take longer.

What documents do I need to renew my British passport?

In most cases, you will need your current British passport, a compliant passport photograph, payment of the application fee and, where applicable, documents confirming any change of name or personal details. Additional documents may be required if your passport has been lost, stolen or damaged, or if you are renewing a child’s passport.

Can I renew my British passport while living overseas?

Yes. British citizens living outside the UK can normally renew their passport online. You may be required to send supporting documents to a designated processing centre, and processing times are generally longer than for UK applications due to international document handling.

Can I get my British passport renewed urgently?

If you are in the UK, you may be eligible for expedited services, such as the Online Premium Service or the 1-week Fast Track Service, depending on your circumstances. If you are overseas and need to travel urgently before receiving your new passport, you may be eligible for an Emergency Travel Document.

What are the most common reasons for delays in British passport renewal applications?

Delays often occur because of incomplete applications, incorrect or non-compliant passport photographs, missing supporting documents or discrepancies in personal information. Checking that all required information and documents are included before submitting your application can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Can I travel while my British passport renewal application is being processed?

It is generally recommended that you do not make international travel plans until your new passport has been issued and returned to you. If you submit your current passport as part of your renewal application, you may not be able to use it for travel while your application is being processed.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visas and immigration matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

This article was first published in 2023 and has been updated in July 2026. 

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