SUMMER is just around the corner and the demand for passports is rising as many will be booking their dream holiday.
It's important to make sure you give yourself enough time to order your passport to ensure it arrives in time for your holiday plans. Here is everything you need to know about how to get a fast-track passport renewal.
How do I get a fast-track passport renewal?
If you've got an urgent trip, or you just don't want to wait a long time, there is an alternative - for a price.
A fast-track service is available which allows you to pay extra and get your new passport more quickly.
In order to get one, you'll have to get a form from the Post Office.
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It is not possible to apply online.
Make sure to fill in the application form and that you have all the necessary documents.
Then book your appointment online and pay the fee.
You can book your appointment here.
You will need:
- Two identical printed passport photos.
- The completed paper application form
- Supporting documents - this booklet provides information on what you'll need
If you can't make the appointment, you can change it or someone else to go on your behalf.
You can call the Passport Adviceline to do so.
If you need to change your booking for another reason, you can do so, provided your appointment is more than two days away.
If someone goes instead of you, they'll need to bring the photos, completed form and supporting documents.
How much does a passport cost?
Fast-tracking offers a marked reduction in the time it'll take to get your hands on a passport, but be prepared to pay considerably more for the convenience.
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The service will set you back around double the normal cost of renewing, which is £88.50 for online submissions and £100 for paper forms.
You can also spend a little bit more to buy a frequent traveller passport which has 50 pages, rather than the standard 34.
The price points are:
- Child passport: £135.50 (50 page frequent traveller passport: £147.50)
- Adult passport: £166.50 (50-page frequent traveller passport: £178.50)
How long does it take to get a fast-track passport?
Hundreds of thousands of passport renewals are received ahead of the summer months.
If you think you've left it too late then using the fast-track option could be the way you need to go.
A usual fast-track passport will arrive in a week, meaning you don't have to worry that you aren't going to get your passport in time.