Government to make changes to UK passport applications from next month

The government is set to introduce new changes for those applying for new passports from next month.

The increase to the cost of application fees will come into effect from February 2nd and will be the first time that the prices have increased in five years.

The proposals, which are subject to Parliamentary scrutiny, will include the following:

• the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK will rise from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and £49 to £53.50 for children
• postal applications will increase from £85 to £93 for adults and £58.50 to £64 for children
• priority service fees are being aligned so all customers will pay the same

The new fees include those newly applying or renewing their passport.

The increase will help the Home Office move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.

It will also help enable the government to continue improving its services. The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.

Since January last year, over 95% of standard applications have been processed within 10 weeks and customers are advised that they should apply in good time before travelling.