UK Passport Application Fees Increase: The UK government has announced an increase in passport application fees, set to take effect on April 10, 2025. This adjustment will affect both online and postal applications, as well as those applying from within the UK and overseas. The Home Office states that the fee changes are necessary to ensure the passport service can continue to operate efficiently and sustainably, moving towards a system that covers its costs through user fees rather than relying heavily on general taxation.
Specifically, for standard online applications made within the UK, adult fees will rise from £88.50 to £94.50, and child fees will increase from £57.50 to £61.50. Postal applications will also see an increase, with adult fees going from £100 to £107 and child fees from £69 to £74. These changes reflect the government’s effort to balance the cost of providing secure and reliable passport services with the need to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers.
Furthermore, those needing expedited services will also see fee adjustments. The “Premium Service” for one-day applications will also be increasing. These increases affect both adult and child applications. Also those applying from overseas will see increases to the fees for both online and paper applications. The government has made it clear that they do not profit from the cost of passport applications. These fees contribute to the costs of processing passport applications, providing consular support overseas, and processing British citizens at UK borders.
The Home Office emphasizes that these fee adjustments will enable them to maintain the integrity and security of the UK passport, while also investing in improved services and technology. They also stress that people should apply for there passports well in advance of any planned travel. In 2024, 99.7% of standard UK applications were processed within 3 weeks, when no further information was required. The government also states that passport fees are reviewed in line with HM Treasury guidance.
