How to get a fast-track passport in the UK?

Due to travel soon but you’ve only just realised your passport needs renewing? Or perhaps your passport has been lost or stolen. Whichever is the case, you’ll need to get it sorted urgently or your plans could be derailed.

Luckily, there is such a thing as a fast track passport appointment here in the UK. This is where you book an in-person appointment, and receive your new passport much more quickly than using the standard application process.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through your options for getting a fast-track passport. We’ll cover how long it takes, cost and much more.

We’ll even throw in a handy tip for your upcoming trip - the Wise international debit card, which lets you spend in the local currency in 175 countries. Your money is converted at the fair mid-market exchange rate, for just a small conversion fee¹. It’s the easy, convenient and low-cost way to spend overseas.

¹ Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees

How long does it normally take to get a new passport?

Using the standard application process, it can take up to 10 weeks² to receive your new passport. It could be quicker, but you should still be prepared to wait.

If you need your passport sooner than this, read on to find out about your fast-track options.

1 week Fast Track service

The first option for getting a UK passport in a hurry is the 1 week Fast Track service. You can use this to renew an adult or child passport, replace a lost or stolen passport, or change details. You can book an appointment up to 3 weeks in advance³.

To apply, you’ll need to do the following⁴:

1. Visit your local Post Office branch to get a paper application form (these aren’t available online)
2. Book your fast track passport appointment online.
3. Pay the fee.
4. Take your completed application form and required supporting documents along to your appointment. There’s a booklet with the application form that tells you what documents you’ll need.

Your new passport will be delivered to your home address within a week of your appointment⁴. Someone will need to be home to sign for the passport.

This service costs £142 for an adult passport, or £122 for a child⁴.

Online Premium service

Need your passport even faster? Use the Online Premium service, which lets you collect your new passport on the same day as your appointment⁵. You can apply and book an appointment online.

As you’d expect, it’s more expensive at £177 for an adult passport. The service can only be used to renew an adult passport⁵.

The earliest you’ll be able to get an appointment is 2 days after applying⁵.

Am I eligible for fast track passport services?

If you’re applying for your very first UK passport, you’ll need to use the standard application process³. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use either fast track service.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 17-Jan-2023