High urgency

UK Fast Track Passport Cost 2026: £166.50 for Adults

Q: Can I fast track a child's passport?

Yes. Fast track is available for children under 16 at a cost of £135.50 (from 8 April 2026). Premium same-day service is not available for children. Fast track with appointment is the quickest service for under-18s.

Q: What counts as proof of travel for fast track?

You must show a confirmed travel booking dated within your fast track service window - typically a flight, Eurostar, or ferry booking confirmation showing your name and travel date. Hotel-only confirmations are generally not accepted as sole proof. HMPO may accept other evidence in exceptional circumstances.

Q: How do I book a fast track passport appointment?

Apply online at gov.uk/renew-adult-passport and select the fast track option. After submitting your application, you will receive a PEX reference number. Use that reference at gov.uk/book-a-passport-appointment to book an in-person slot at one of 7 passport offices across the UK.

Q: What if fast track appointments are fully booked?

Check all 7 passport office locations - availability varies considerably between offices, and Durham and Newport often have shorter waits than London. If all fast track slots are full and you travel urgently, the Premium same-day service may have availability. Contact the HMPO helpline (0300 222 0000) for guidance.

Approximately 1 week processing. Passport office appointment required. Updated 8 April 2026.

Adult (16+)

£166.50

Child (under 16)

£135.50

Processing

~1 week

Is Fast Track Right for You?

Your situation	Recommended service	Cost	Reason
Travelling in 10+ weeks	Standard online	£102	Two-thirds the price, plenty of time
Travelling in 3-8 weeks	Fast track	£166.50	Will arrive before travel date
Travelling in 1-2 weeks	Fast track (book immediately)	£166.50	Tight - get the earliest appointment available
Travelling in under 2 days	Premium same-day only	£239.50	Fast track won't arrive in time

Fast Track vs Standard: Is the Premium Worth It?

Fast track adult

£166.50

Standard online adult

£102

Premium you pay for ~9 weeks saved

£64.50

If travel is confirmed and standard won't arrive in time: yes, it's worth it. If you have 10+ weeks: save £64.50 and use standard.

How Fast Track Works: Step by Step

Apply online at gov.uk

Complete the standard online passport application. Select fast track when prompted. You must have a confirmed travel booking to show at the appointment.

Receive your PEX reference

After submitting, HMPO sends you a PEX (passport examination) reference number by email. Keep this - you need it to book your appointment.

Book your passport office appointment

Use gov.uk/book-a-passport-appointment with your PEX reference. Choose from 7 UK passport offices. Check multiple locations if your nearest is full.

Attend with documents

Bring: completed application (PEX reference), current passport, two identical passport photos, proof of travel booking (flight/ferry/Eurostar), any supporting documents (e.g. marriage certificate).

Passport delivered by courier

HMPO processes your application after the appointment. Your new passport is delivered by courier to your home address within approximately 1 week of the appointment date.

UK Passport Office Locations

Fast track requires an in-person appointment at one of these 7 offices. Check all locations if one is full.

City	Office	Typical availability
London (Victoria)	Globe House, 89 Eccleston Square	Books up fastest - March to August
Liverpool	5 Old Hall Street	Often busy in peak season
Belfast	Millbay House, Great Victoria Street	Generally good availability
Durham	Milburngate House	Shortest waits historically
Glasgow	3 Northgate	Good availability most times
Newport	Olympia House, Upper Dock Street	Shortest waits historically
Peterborough	Aragon Court, Northminster Road	Good availability

See our full passport offices guide for addresses and transport links.

Important Fast Track Rules

You must show proof of travel (flight, ferry, or Eurostar booking confirmation showing your name and travel date)
You cannot use fast track purely because you want your passport sooner - confirmed travel is required
Book the appointment after submitting your online application, not before
Cancellations are free with 48+ hours notice. No refund if you miss your appointment without notice
Fast track is not available from overseas - UK applicants only

Fast Track Passport FAQs

Can I fast track a child's passport?

Yes. Fast track for children under 16 costs £135.50 (from 8 April 2026). A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the appointment. Premium same-day service is not available for under-18s, making fast track the quickest option for children.

What counts as proof of travel for fast track?

You need a confirmed travel booking showing your name and travel date. Flight, Eurostar, or ferry booking confirmations are accepted. Hotel confirmations alone are generally not sufficient. HMPO may accept other evidence in exceptional circumstances - contact them if unsure.

How do I book a fast track passport appointment?

Apply online at gov.uk and select fast track. After submitting, you receive a PEX reference number. Go to gov.uk/book-a-passport-appointment and enter your reference to select a time slot. Try different office locations if your nearest is booked up.

What if fast track appointments are fully booked?

Check all 7 passport office locations. Durham and Newport often have shorter waits than London. If all fast track slots are unavailable and travel is imminent, try the Premium same-day service. Contact the HMPO helpline on 0300 222 0000 for guidance.

Travelling tomorrow?

Premium Same-Day Passport

£239.50. Collect within 4 hours. Adults only.

Find your nearest

UK Passport Offices

Addresses, opening hours, and transport links.

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Also see: Full cost overview | Child passport costs | Processing times