There are various circumstances under which someone may wish to renew their passport.
Passport renewal for an adult passport is a straight-forward process. You can renew a passport online or by post, it will take 3-5 weeks on average (providing that the application form and required supporting documents are correct). After the passport renewal you will then receive a new 10 year 32 page passport, or a 50 page jumbo passport (for frequent travellers).
Child renewals require more information on the passport application form than an adult passport renewal, you will also need to get someone who has known the parent (applying on the child's behalf) to counter-sign the form and one of the photographs.
Renew online or book an urgent passport service:
You can book Urgent Fast-Track services by phone (during office hours) or online 24hrs.
The costs of passport renewal vary for adults and children, the costs are below:
If you need to renew your passport early, it is important to note that you can only do so if the passport is within 9 months of the original expiry date. The remaining time (including 9 months time prior to the expiry date) will be added to the new 10 year expiry time. For example, if the original passport expires in 8 months but you are travelling soon, you will be issued a new passport with 10 years and 8 months expiry time.
If you are unsure if your passport classes as damaged (beyond reasonable wear and tear) check if your passport is damaged.
In some circumstances grandparents details (for either Mother or Father) may also be required on the form or an additional document, see more information about grandparents details for passport applications.
If you would like more detail on the documents required see when attending urgent appointments.
Passport renewals take an average of 3-5 weeks to process once they have been received. This timeframe can vary depending on year-round busy times or period of peak demand such as between the months of May and September. If you have already applied for your passport renewal you may be looking for ways to track a passport renewal.
If you are applying for a renewal, you should make sure you leave plenty of time for the process, and if you need your passport in less than 4 weeks it is advisable to use an urgent passport service.
The quick passport services available are: