10-Year vs 5-Year UK Passport: Cost and Which You Get
Adults always get 10-year passports. Children under 16 always get 5-year passports. No choice in the matter - here is what each costs in 2026.
The simple answer
All adults (16+) automatically receive a 10-year passport for £102 online. All children (under 16) automatically receive a 5-year passport for £66.50 online. There is no option to choose your validity period.
Cost Per Year of Validity - April 2026
| Passport type | Online cost | Validity | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult passport (16+) | £102 | 10 years | £10.20/yr |
| Child passport (under 16) | £66.50 | 5 years | £13.30/yr |
Child passports are cheaper upfront but more expensive per year of validity. This is partly why children's passports cost more relative to adults over a 10-year period.
Carry-Over Months: Get More Than 10 Years for £102
When you renew your adult passport before it expires, any remaining validity (up to 9 months) is added to your new 10-year passport.
Best strategy: Renew exactly 9 months before expiry to carry over the maximum months. This gives you 10 years and 9 months of validity for the same £102 fee.