As the summer holiday season draws closer, many Brits will need to check their travel documents and ensure their passport is still valid. Renewing a passport is relatively easy; it can be done via the official Gov. UK website or via post. However, opting for the latter could result in paying more than needed.
An investigation by Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert.com team found that over 360,000 people last year missed out on saving money while renewing their passports. The data was obtained through a Freedom of Information request that asked the Passport Office to share the exact number of applications, which was broken down into digital and physical forms in 2024.
It found that the vast majority of UK passports were applied for online. Over seven million people used the web-based service, but thousands paid more than they needed to by sorting out their application physically.
People could save themselves £12.50 if they send in their application online as opposed to filling out and sending off the paper forms to the Passport Office via post. It might sound like a minuscule saving in the grand scheme of things, but considering the price of actually getting a passport went up in April, making every penny count doesn’t seem like such a bad thing.
Petar Lekarski, assistant news and investigations editor at MoneySavingExpert.com, said: “Don’t get your passport by post.” He added: “I had to renew my passport earlier this year and was dreading the faff, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy the online process was. I’m clearly not alone.”
He continued: “Our research shows more and more people are choosing the online route over a paper form, collectively saving millions in the process. If you can do so, or if you can get someone to help you, applying for your passport directly through GOV.UK is the way to go.”
The quickest and cheapest way to secure your documents is the online application. As of April 10, adults over 16 will pay £94.50 per passport application for a standard 34-page passport (suitable for most non-frequent fliers) or the £107.50 for a bulkier 54-page ‘frequent traveller’ passport.
Children (under 16) will be made to pay less for their documents. The standard cost being £51.50 and frequent travellers costing £74.50.
If your birth date is on or before September 2, 1929, you can get your passport for free. This applies whether you apply online through the Government website or by mail.
However, keep in mind that these passports are not free from expedited processing fees if you need one quickly. Also, remember that a UK passport is valid for 10 years for adults and five years for children. Therefore, if you got your passport in 2015, it’s a good idea to check when it expires.
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