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When you should apply

Apply to renew your passport if there are nine months or less before it expires:

• IPS will add the unused time (up to nine months) on to your new 10 year passport
• some countries ask for six months validity on your passport
• you should only book travel when your passport is valid

Refunds cannot be paid for time left on an unused passport.

Time taken: a guide for normal applications

The time it takes to process a passport application depends on:

• how busy IPS is - April to September is the busiest time
• which service you use
• whether your application is completed correctly
• whether you provide the correct documents
• whether IPS needs to contact the person who countersigned your application
• whether you are asked to attend an interview before a passport can be issued

Using the Check & Send service will:

• take a minimum of two weeks (not guaranteed) but you should allow more time in case IPS needs to contact you or a countersignatory for extra information
• help you reduce errors but remember IPS may still need to contact you for more information

Using the post:

• will take a minimum of three weeks (not guaranteed) but you should allow more time in case IPS needs to contact you or a countersignatory for extra information
• you should consider using Check & Send as it will help you reduce errors, but remember IPS may still need to contact you for more information

First time applicants will:

• take a minimum of six weeks (not guaranteed) but you should allow more time in case IPS needs to contact you or a countersignatory for extra information
• find that using Check & Send will help you reduce errors
• find that during peak times appointments may not always be available at a time or place that is ideal and this can delay your application

• Identity and Passport Service: Post Office Check & Send service Opens new window

• Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice

Urgent applications

If you need a passport within two weeks you should use the IPS Fast Track one-week service or the Premium one-day service. These services are by appointment only – call the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000.

The Premium service is not available for extensions to a passport. You may not be able to upgrade from normal to premium or fast track service in the summer. In some cases IPS may need to take extra time to look at your application, including confirming details you have given and contacting your countersignatory.

• Identity and Passport Service: Post Office Check & Send service Opens new window

• Urgent passport applications

• Checking the progress of your passport application

Who can renew their passport

You can apply to renew your passport if you still have your last passport and:

• it was a standard UK adult ten-year passport or a UK five-year child's passport issued before you were 16
• it is undamaged
• you do not need to change your name or national status

You cannot renew your passport if:

• you were previously included as a child on someone else's passport

In this case you will need to apply for a first adult passport.

• Applying for your first adult passport

If you are changing your name

If you want your new passport to show a different name to your current passport, see 'About name changes and passports'.

• About changes to names and personal details on passports

Non-UK residents and those temporarily outside the UK

If you do not live in the UK, you can apply in person to renew your passport while visiting the UK.

IPS cannot accept applications from overseas. If you would like to renew your British Passport while outside the UK, you will need to contact your local embassy, high commission or consulate.

• Passport applications and renewals if you are abroad or live outside the UK

Extending a limited passport

If IPS issued your old passport for a restricted period (one year or less), you should call the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000 before applying.

You will not be able to use the Premium one-day service, as this is not available for passport extensions.

Next steps - renewing an adult passport

To get an application form, check the fee and find out what supporting documents you need to provide, follow the link below.

• The application form, fee and supporting documents for renewing an adult passport

Making a note of the application barcode number

Make sure you make a note of the application barcode number before sending it to IPS. You will need this if you want to make enquiries about your application or track its progress.

• Checking the progress of your passport application

Useful contacts

• Foreign Office Travel Advice

• Identity and Passport Service (IPS)