The UK government has confirmed the cost of a first adult passport in 2026, with applicants paying different fees depending on whether they apply online or by post. A standard adult passport is valid for 10 years, while most applications made through the standard service are processed within around three weeks after the required documents reach the passport office.
How Much Does A UK Passport Cost?
Applicants living in the UK can apply online for £102 or submit a paper application for £115.50. The paper route therefore costs £13.50 more than applying online. The fees apply to a first adult passport under the current government guidance.
Applicants living outside the UK follow a separate application process and different fees may apply.
Who Can Apply For A First Adult Passport?
The first adult passport route is available to British nationals aged 16 or over, as well as people who will turn 16 within the next three weeks. It also applies to people who have never previously held a UK passport.
People whose most recent UK passport was issued before January 1, 1994, must also use the first adult passport route. Those who currently have a child passport can continue using it until it expires, even after reaching the age of 18.
What If You Have Dual Citizenship?
British citizens with dual nationality need to check the details shown on their other passport before applying. The UK government says the name and gender shown on the non-British passport must match the details the applicant wants to appear on their British passport.
If the details do not match, the applicant must first update the other passport before submitting their British passport application.
How Long Does A British Passport Take?
The standard service generally takes around three weeks. The processing period starts when the passport office receives the applicant’s supporting documents, rather than when the online application is submitted.
Applicants are advised to check the latest processing times before making travel arrangements. The government also advises people not to book travel until their passport has arrived.
What If You Need A Passport Urgently?
Special arrangements exist for people facing urgent travel because of a medical emergency or the serious illness or death of a close friend or family member. In such circumstances, applicants should contact the Passport Adviceline directly for guidance on the available options.
Anyone applying through the standard route should allow enough time for the application and supporting documents to be processed before making travel plans.
What Applicants Need To Remember
The cost of a first adult UK passport is currently £102 online or £115.50 by paper application for people applying from within the UK. The passport lasts for 10 years, and standard applications generally take around three weeks once the required documents have been received.
Applicants should check their eligibility, application route and processing times before submitting their forms.
