Overview of Adult Passport Renewal or Replacement – GOV.UK
Passport Renewal U.K
Every UK passport has a limited validity and passports granted to 15-year-olds are valid for 5 years, whereas those issued to 16-year-olds are valid for 10 years. You must renew your UK passport before it expires to go overseas unless you have a second one.
You may renew your UK passport at any time. When renewing your UK passport, the remaining term is transferred to your new passport, with a maximum of 9 months.
UK individuals (16+) are allowed to:
- Renew passports if they are expiring shortly.
- Replace in case of lost, stolen, or destroyed passport.
How To Renew Passport?
You may renew your passport online or by mail. We’ve outlined both techniques below for your convenience.
Adult Passport Renewal Through Paper Application:
- Free passport application forms are available at major UK post offices.
- Please complete the form, attach the necessary documentation, and provide two identical 45mm high and 35mm wide photos.
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For passport applications, use a black ballpoint pen with capital letters and avoid using white ink to avoid errors.
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Check the box if you need a Braille sticker and provide information for a standard 34-page or jumbo 50-page passport.
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Include contact information, like address and email.
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Provide information on any old passports, including damaged, lost, or stolen ones.
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Avoid attaching a reduced picture, as it may result in the rejection of the application form.
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The picture on the paper application form must be clear, printed in the specified size, and coloured or white backdrop without borders. Mark nothing on your picture or any document until you are requested to countersign.
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If your appearance has considerably altered, a counter signatory must sign your application form and a picture to verify your identification.
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The application form requires you to pay the passport fee, which may be paid with a check payable to “Her Majesty’s Passport Office” or a debit or credit card.
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If you break the picture guidelines, your application will take longer.
Adult Online Passport Renewal:
- Please submit your current passport data and expiration dates. If your passport is lost or stolen, submit the facts.
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Match your name on the application form with your previous passport. If you changed your name, give proof.
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Next, provide your address, postcode, and contact information.
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Choose between a normal 34-page passport or a jumbo 50-page passport in the following step. You may also use Braille stickers.
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A 45mm high x 35mm wide picture clicked within the previous month should be uploaded. The picture should meet IPS requirements. Incorrect or bad photos may result in application form rejection.
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If facial characteristics have dramatically altered, a countersignature and picture proof are required for identity verification.
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Please review and submit your application form with relevant papers.
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Download and submit the form to ‘Her Majesty’s Passport Office’ with your old passport and accompanying documentation. You must pay to mail your old and new passports by check to ‘Her Majesty’s Passport Office.’
Conclusion
Renewing or replacing an adult UK passport is easy with paper or online applications. Following the rules for pictures, documents, and payment will help you renew your passport quickly and also will allow you to go abroad.
FAQs
How long does passport renewal take?
Passport renewal takes 3 weeks or more, depending on information accuracy. If you provide inadequate information, renewing your passport can take longer. Highlight your picture and blurry or foggy photos might get your application rejected.
What to do with the old passport?
If you change your gender, name, or looks, or your passport is damaged, you should maintain your previous passport as evidence of your identification.
Can you renew your UK passport anytime?
Your passport may be renewed at any time regardless of expiration.
