How Long Does It Take to Get a British Passport? Processing Times Explained for 2026

Getting a British passport typically takes about three weeks if you apply online or up to 10 weeks if you apply by post. These timelines begin once the passport office receives your physical documents. First-time applicants and renewals follow the same timeline, though delays can occur during peak periods. It is recommended to apply six to eight weeks before travel.

All the facts in a glance

• Online passport applications usually take around three weeks to process.
• Postal applications can take up to 10 weeks.
• One-Week Fast Track and One-Day Premium services are available for certain applications but not for first-time passports.
• Applying six to eight weeks before travelling is generally recommended, but applying 10 weeks in advance helps reduce the risk of delays even further.

How long does it take to get a British passport in 2026?

The quick answer is that UK passport processing time in 2026 is, on average, three weeks for online applications and up to 10 weeks for postal applications. Crucially, processing time starts from when your documents are received by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO). These timelines apply equally to first-time applicants, renewals, adults, and children.

At Remitly, we know how stressful it can be to juggle travel plans and paperwork, so we’ve put together this guide to help you plan ahead with confidence.

UK passport processing times and fees at a glance

According to HM Passport Office, 99.7% of standard applications from the UK were processed within three weeks in 2025 when no further information was needed. But processing can take longer during busy periods, and you will not be notified about this when submitting your application.

If you are applying to renew your UK passport from overseas, you should expect to wait at least six weeks for your passport to arrive in your country of residence.

Below is a quick guide to renewal times and fees.

Data verified June 2026. Passport fees, eligibility, and processing times should be checked against the latest GOV.UK guidance.

How long does a first-time British passport take?

If you’re applying for your first British passport, it will usually take the same amount of time to process as other online applications, which is around three weeks, provided your application is complete and there are no additional checks. Paper applications made by post can take up to 10 weeks.

However, it’s best to allow up to eight weeks because first-time applications can be chosen at random for additional security checks.

Documents typically required include:

• Full birth certificate (or adoption certificate)
• Naturalisation certificate (only if born outside the UK)
• Parents’ birth certificates (or their UK passport numbers if you were born after 1982)
• Two identical photos (digital or physical)
• Marriage certificate (only if you have changed your name)
• Foreign passport (if you hold citizenship in another country)
• A countersignatory (a professional to verify your identity)

If you are a dual national, specific rules apply. There are also different rules for getting a dog passport.

Expedited options: fast-track and premium passport services

British passport renewal time can be made faster; there are two options, but they are not available for first-time applicants. For both processes, you must make an appointment to physically attend one of the UK’s seven passport offices.

If you are renewing an adult or child passport or replacing a lost passport, you can apply for a One Week Fast Track renewal. You can get an appointment one day after you apply. Once you have attended the passport office, your new passport will be delivered to your home by courier within a week.

In urgent situations, if you are renewing an adult passport that was issued after 31 December 2001, you can use the One Day Premium Service. Once you have visited the passport office in person, your passport will be ready for you to collect after four hours.

Both these fast-track services come with an additional cost.

Applying during peak season

How long does it take to get a British passport during peak travel season? Except for fast-track applications, passport applications are dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis.

Passport waiting time may be longer for standard applications ahead of the summer holiday season, and you won’t be notified of this likely delay when you submit your application. HMPO doesn’t publish a specific figure for how much longer these delays run, but its guidance is simply to apply more than 10 weeks before you need your passport during high-demand times.

Incomplete or incorrect applications

If your application has errors or is incomplete, processing will be delayed. Usually, HMPO will let you know within three weeks if they need additional information.

The most common passport application mistakes are:

• Passport photos that don’t meet requirements
• Missing signatures
• Illegible handwriting
• Copies of documents submitted instead of originals
• Lack of certified translations for foreign language documents
• Ineligible referees (e.g. they cannot be related to you or live at your address)

Identity verification interviews

If you are selected to attend an interview to verify your identity, your passport may be slightly delayed. This is an anti-fraud measure. You may be selected if there is an issue with your application, or you may be selected randomly. The interview can be online, in person, or by phone and lasts about 30 minutes.

How to track your British passport application

The HMPO allows you to track the progress of your application online via your unique reference number. If you applied online, your reference number will start with PEX. If you applied at the Post Office using their digital check and send service, your reference number will start with POD. If you filled out and sent a paper form, you can use the barcode from your application form to track its progress.

Go to the tracking site and input your reference number, which will prompt you to confirm your email and date of birth. It will then take you to a page that can show you various statuses, including:

• Application Submitted (submitted via the online portal)
• Application Received (accepted by the online portal)
• Documents Received (your original documents have reached the passport office)
• Application Approved (your application has been approved)
• Passport Printed and Sent (your passport is already on its way to you)

If you are called for an interview, need to submit additional documents, or your passport is denied, this will also appear as a notification.

You should receive an automated notification by text or email every time the status of your application changes.

To track your passport delivery, you must use one of the two official channels:

• Royal Mail HMPO and UKVI Delivery Support portal. You can track your package here by entering your 10-digit application reference number (which starts with PEX or POD) along with your postcode.
• Or log in directly to the official GOV.UK Track Passport Application page to view your live delivery updates.

Tips to speed up your British passport application

There are a few things you can do to make sure your passport is likely to be processed and delivered as quickly as possible:

1. Apply online, as online applications are prioritised over postal applications.
2. Send your documents as soon as possible, as proper processing of your application only begins when your documents arrive at the HM Passport Office.
3. Submit high-quality digital photos that meet official requirements. Remember that requirements are different for different countries.
4. Double-check that all your information is correct and your original documentation is accurate before sending.
5. Apply six to eight weeks ahead of when you need your passport, or even 10 weeks before during high-demand times.
6. Bear in mind the processing time only starts when HMPO receives your documents.

What to do if your British passport is delayed

If your passport is delayed because you need to provide documentation or attend an interview, make sure to follow up on these additional requirements as soon as possible so that you can get your passport off ‘pause’ and back into processing.

If there are no issues with your application but it is taking a while to be processed, the HMPO probably won’t consider it delayed until about six weeks have passed. You can use their online enquiry form to ask for an update on your application and expect a response within 72 hours.

If your travel plans are urgent, you can contact the HM Passport Office to organise fast-track processing, though you will have to pay the additional fast-track fee. You will have to provide proof of imminent travel to justify the upgrade. Do not reapply. You can’t get faster service or a refund by duplicating your existing application.

Contact the Passport Office via their Passport Adviceline (0300 222 0000) or by email at escalatedservice@hmpo.gov.uk. Or use the live chat from Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.

If you are outside of the country and something has happened to your passport, and you urgently need a new passport to return home, contact your closest British Diplomatic Mission to arrange an emergency travel document.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a UK passport?

The standard processing time for online applications is three weeks, but it can be longer during busy periods, so allow at least six weeks. If you’re applying by post, allow up to 10 weeks. Remember that your application only starts to be processed once your documents reach the HM Passport Office, so send them directly after making your online application.

How long does it take to get a passport if applying for the first time?

Generally, it takes up to three weeks for online applications and up to 10 weeks for postal applications. Crucially, processing time starts from when your documents are received by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO). However, first-time applicants may be selected for an identity interview, but even in this case, it should not take longer than 10 weeks.

Can I get a passport in less than a week?

Yes, if you are renewing an existing adult passport, you can visit an HM Passport Office in person with your documents. The Fast-Track service will have your passport delivered to your home within a week of making your application. The Premium service allows you to collect your passport in person four hours after making your application.

How far in advance should I apply for a UK passport?

If you are applying online, you should apply for your passport a minimum of six weeks before you need it during off-season and 10 weeks in advance during busy travel periods. Remember, it can be useful to have your passport before you book your travel, as you will need your passport number to book certain travel arrangements such as flights. It’s equally important to check your destination’s passport validity rules, since many countries require it to stay valid for three to six months after your trip.

Why is my passport taking longer than expected?

There are several reasons why your passport could take longer than expected:

• You have applied during a period of high demand
• Your application is incomplete
• Your photos don’t meet the criteria
• Your referees can’t be verified
• Missing signatures
• You need to participate in additional security checks
• A first-time applicant interview is required
• Postal or courier delays

What’s the fastest way to get a UK passport?

The fastest way to renew your UK passport is with the Premium renewal service. You must take your documents to a passport office personally and pay the premium fee, and you will be able to collect your passport after four hours. This is not available if you are applying for the first time.

What should I do if my passport is delayed?

The HMPO won’t class your passport as ‘delayed’ until six weeks have passed. If that’s the case, use the online enquiry form to request information. You should get a reply within 72 hours.

Key takeaways: British passport processing times

• Most standard online British passport applications are processed within three weeks, but it’s recommended to apply at least 10 weeks before travel to avoid peak season delays.
• Remember that the timeline begins upon the receipt of physical documents by HMPO.
• If you need your passport urgently, utilise the one-week fast-track or one-day services and pay the additional fee.
• To avoid delays, ensure your photos meet the specifications.

For more information, read this article on how to fast-track your passport. And before you travel, consider Remitly for your international money transfer needs.

Last reviewed: July 2026