What to do if you need a passport urgently

UPDATED 26th July 2019: Adult passport prices updated to be correct as of 26th July 2019

You’ll need to type in your passport details when booking a flight. And if your passport’s due to expire soon, this might be the first time you notice it.  

While you can still process your booking, you'll need to make sure that you get a new passport before your flight. It can take weeks to get a new passport and you might not be able to wait that long. We take you through what to do if you need a passport urgently.

Speed up the process

The standard wait time for renewing your passport is three weeks. It costs £75.50 to renew or replace your passport, or £90.90 if you use the Post Office's Passport Check and Send service.

If you need a passport more urgently, you can use the 1 day Premium service or 1 week Fast Track service if you're in the UK. You'll need to book an appointment at a Passport Customer Service Centre to do so – you can find your local passport office here.

1 day Premium service

You can get your passport the same day if you provide a completed application form, two photos and supporting documents. Your passport is usually ready to collect four hours after your appointment. It costs £177 to renew a standard adult 32-page passport.

1 week Fast Track service

You can receive your passport to your home within one week of your appointment – excluding bank holidays. You'll need to provide a completed application form, two photos and supporting documents. You might need to sign for your passport – so make sure someone is at home.

It costs £142 to renew a standard adult 32-page passport with the one week Fast Track service.

Already applied for a passport? You might be able to upgrade an existing passport application in exceptions circumstances. You can call the Passport Adviceline to find out whether you can.  

How do I apply?

You can’t apply for a new passport online. You'll need to get a paper application form from a Post Office. The next step is then to book an appointment online at a Passport Customer Service Centre and pay the passport fee.

You won't be able to get a refund for the fee if you miss or cancel the appointment, or if you don't bring the completed form, photos and documents. Fill in your application form and get the documents ready before your appointment.

Can't make it to your appointment? You can send someone else in your place as long as you're in the UK. This person needs to bring ID (e.g. passport or driving licence), a signed and dated letter from you giving them permission to collect your passport, and the application receipt (given from the cashier when they received your application). 

You can get a refund for an appointment in exceptional circumstances. This includes needing to travel abroad for medical treatment, the death or serious illness of a family member, or if you're seriously ill. You can also claim if your passport doesn't arrive on time. You can send a claim form to the Passport Customer Service Centre – you should address it to the Customer Service Manager.