Passport applicants have been urged to check how they apply after officials highlighted a simple way to cut costs.
Travellers who use the online system instead of paper forms can save money and typically receive their passport faster.
Millions of people looking to renew their travel documents can pocket a £12.50 saving by submitting their passport applications digitally instead of using traditional postal methods.
His Majesty’s Passport Office has reminded applicants that the online route offers both financial and time advantages, with the majority of those using the standard digital service receiving their new passport within a three-week window.
The cost difference is significant: adults pay £94.50 when applying through the government website, compared with £107 for those who opt to complete and post a paper form.
The digital application system allows users to apply for new passports, renew existing ones, request replacements or update their details, with payment accepted via debit or credit card.
Posting on X, the Passport Office stated: “It’s cheaper and easier to apply for your passport online! You’ll usually get your passport within 3 weeks using our standard service. Our processing time starts from when we receive your documents.”
Those holding burgundy passports or documents bearing the words ‘European Union’ on the front need not rush to replace them, as these remain valid until their stated expiry date.
However, travellers should avoid making bookings until their new passport arrives, since any replacement document will carry a different number from the previous one.
Millions can save £12.50 on a new passport and get it in three weeks
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Money Saving Expert, the consumer website founded by Martin Lewis, noted that more than seven million Britons took advantage of the cheaper online option last year.
The complete fee structure reveals the extent of savings available across different application types.
Children’s passports cost £61.50 online or £74 through the post, representing the same £12.50 discount.
For those requiring urgent travel documents, expedited services come at a premium.
His Majesty’s Passport Office has reminded applicants that the online route offers both financial and time advantages
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GETTY IMAGES | APPLE PRESS OFFICE | GBNThe same-day Premium option costs £222 for adults and £189 for children, while the one-week Fast Track service is priced at £178 for adults and £145 for children.
Applicants can also pay an additional £12 for a 54-page jumbo passport, which proves particularly useful for frequent travellers who quickly fill standard documents with entry stamps and visas.
Those less comfortable navigating digital systems can seek assistance at their local Post Office through the Check and Send service, where staff will take a digital photograph and guide applicants through the online process for an additional fee.
Traditional paper forms remain available from Post Office branches, though these require longer processing times and applicants must provide their own photographs.
A separate paper-based Check and Send service exists for those preferring this route, again at extra cost
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GETTYA separate paper-based Check and Send service exists for those preferring this route, again at extra cost.
Importantly, neither the Premium same-day service nor the one-week Fast Track option is available to first-time adult applicants, who must use the standard processing route.
The Passport Office advises checking current processing times before submitting any application.