How to Apply for a UK Passport Online

You apply for a UK passport online through the official GOV.UK service, which lets you apply, renew, replace or update your passport and pay by debit or credit card. Applying online is £13.50 cheaper than applying by post, and you can get help at a Post Office if you need it. Do not book travel until you have a valid passport, because your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.

• A debit or credit card to pay for the application.
• Access to the GOV.UK online passport service at https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport.
• If you want in-person help: the digital Check and Send service at a Post Office, which costs extra and can take your digital photo and help you fill in the application online.

1. Check how long it will take to get a passport before you apply, using the GOV.UK guidance.
2. If you need a passport urgently, look into the Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services.
3. Go to the GOV.UK online passport service at https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport.
4. Use the service to apply for, renew, replace or update your passport and pay for it online with a debit or credit card.
5. If you would rather have help, use the digital Check and Send service at a Post Office, where staff can take your digital photo and help you fill in the application online. This costs extra, and you can pay by cash, or debit or credit card.

• Applying online is £13.50 cheaper than applying by post.
• If your passport is burgundy or has 'European Union' on the cover, you can continue to use it until it expires.
• Do not book travel until you have a valid passport. Your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.
• If you need a passport urgently, the Online Premium and 1 week Fast Track services are available. Check GOV.UK for details.
• The GOV.UK service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
• If you prefer to apply by post, you can pick up a paper passport application form from your local Post Office. Applying by post takes longer than applying online. Post Office staff can check you have filled in the form correctly, but you will need to provide your own photos, and this service costs extra. You can pay by cash, or debit or credit card.
• If you are applying from overseas as a British national, separate guidance and forms apply. Use the GOV.UK overseas British passport applications page rather than the UK online service.

How much cheaper is it to apply online? It is £13.50 cheaper to apply for a passport online than by post.

Can I still use my old burgundy or EU-branded passport? If your passport is burgundy or has 'European Union' on the cover, you can continue to use it until it expires.

Can I get help applying online if I am not confident with computers? The digital Check and Send service at a Post Office can take your digital photo and help you fill in the application online. It costs extra, and you can pay by cash, or debit or credit card.

What if I need a passport urgently? You can find out more about the Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services on GOV.UK.

Can I apply by post instead? You can pick up a paper passport application form from your local Post Office and apply by post, but it takes longer than applying online.