Both options are advised if you need a passport quickly but think the standard service will be too slow
Needing a new passport right before an international holiday can be quite the headache. However, two unexpectedly swift solutions could just save your travel plans.
The Government highlighted these options to X in a recent update. “Need a passport urgently?”, it read, according to the Liverpool Echo. “You’ve got two options: one day premium or one week fast track. You’ll need: your old passport if you have it, a digital photo of you, [and] a credit or debit card.”
Both options are advised if you need a passport quickly, but think the standard service, which takes about three weeks, might be too slow. Occasionally, the usual process can take longer than three weeks if additional information or an interview is necessary.
Option 1: One-day premium
The one-day premium service is solely for adults renewing their passports. Applicants should apply online and will be asked to pay £222, or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport.
Following the application, an appointment is scheduled, with the earliest booking available two days later. Government advice also explains: “You’ll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment.
“Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office four hours after your appointment.”
Option 2: One-week fast track
This alternative option is equally available to anyone who needs to renew their passport. However, it is also available in the following circumstances:
- You need to get a child’s passport
- You need to change the personal details on a passport (your name, place of birth or gender)
- You need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
The fast-track option is cheaper, at £178 for an adult passport (£191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) or £145 for a child passport (or £158 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). You can only book an appointment the day after you submit your application.
The passport will typically arrive one week later. You cannot apply to either service if you are currently outside the UK or you are applying for your first ever adult passport.
The Government’s advice continues: “If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it yet, do not pay for an urgent passport. You will not get your passport sooner and you will be charged a £32 admin fee for each additional application.”
For more information, head to the Government’s website.
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