The UK Government is set to increase passport application fees. Following suit of many costs rising due to inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, the Home Office is asking for more funds from those who regularly use the service.
This will reduce funding from taxation to help the Home Office continue to function and manage manufacture costs, processing passport applications and support overseas for lost or stolen passports.
Passport fees have remained level over the last 5 years but will now better reflect the services provided by the Home Office and help the government to continue improving its services.
While the changes are due to be reviewed by Parliament, they are expected to be implemented, meaning the average online application will cost £82.50 for adults, an increase from £75.50, and £53.50 for children.
Applications made via post are also subject to the price increase from £85 to £93 for adults and £58.50 to £64 for children.
The changes will come into effect for all applications on 2 February 2023. Fees for priority sends are being standardised so all customers will pay the same.
After more demand following the pandemic, since January 2022, the majority (95%) of basic passport applications have been processed within 10 weeks. The advice to customers is still to make an application in good time before the need to travel.
