Simple step to save £13.50 when renewing UK passport | Personal Finance | Finance

Travellers in need of a new passport can opt for a cheaper application method that can save them £13.50. Utilising the Government website for passport applications is more cost-effective compared to submitting an application by post.

Possessing a valid passport is a crucial requirement for any international trip. Furthermore, the travel document serves as a form of identification, similar to a UK driving licence.

However, obtaining a passport – whether for the first time or a renewal – incurs an application fee. In the UK, passport fees were recently adjusted.

As of April of this year, the online application fee from within the UK rose from £94.50 to £102 for adults and £61.50 to £66.50 for children. Opting for the postal method comes with an additional £13.50 charge on top of the online fee.

Since April, postal applications have cost £115.50 for adults and £80 for children. As highlighted on the GOV.UK website: “It’s £13.50 cheaper to apply for a passport online than by post.”

Online passport application

To apply online, visit gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. Key requirements include a digital photograph, a valid payment method (credit or debit card), and the old passport for renewal applications. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of identity and citizenship.

As mentioned above, the application fee for adults stands at £102, while children’s passports cost £66.50.

For those requiring assistance with the online application, local Post Office branches are available to offer support. Their staff are equipped to:

• Capture your digital photo
• Assist with completing the application online

However, be aware that this service incurs an additional charge.

For postal applications

You can grab a paper passport application from a nearby Post Office to apply by post. Keep in mind, applying via post generally takes more time than submitting an application online.

You’re required to dispatch a fully completed application form along with your supporting documents, two photographs, and the necessary fee.

Post Office team members can assist in ensuring your form is accurately filled out – though you must supply your own photos. Note that this service will cost you extra.

Payments can be made with cash, or through debit or credit card transactions.

Fast-track applications

You can usually expect a new passport within three weeks of processing and dispatch.

However, it can take longer if the passport office needs more information. If this is cutting it too close with your holiday, there are two ways to apply for an urgent passport.

GOV.UK says: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.” For both of these options you will need to go to a passport office for an appointment:

• One day premium – This service costs £239.50 (or £253.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport)
• One week fast track – £192 for an adult passport (or £206 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport), or £156.50 for a child passport (or £170.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport)

If your passport is lost, stolen or damaged

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must cancel it before applying for a replacement. And if your passport is damaged you must replace it.

GOV.UK says: “You may not be able to travel with it.” HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:

• You cannot read any of your details
• Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
• There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
• The cover is coming away
• There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)

Before travelling, you should check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting. If you are visiting an EU country, for example, your passport should be valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU and it must have been issued within the last 10 years.

For more information, visit gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports.