Are passport prices going up? 2023 cost increase explained
Renew yours now to save yourself a few pounds.
With inflation on the rise, is it any wonder passport prices are going up too?
Britain continues to grapple with price increases amidst the current cost of living climate. Be it our electricity or gas, weekly food shop or transport use, households have had to dig deep to find extra pennies to meet rising costs in recent months. January 2023 brings along further news that may mean misery for some, as the Government announces changes to the present cost to renew a passport.
Some have criticised the move from the Home Office, especially with ongoing public anger over current UK passport waiting times taking so long. Some believe that the time frame given on how long it takes to get a passport is not completely accurate, with delays widely reported.
Are passport prices going up?
Yes, passport prices are going up from February 2 onwards. The Home Office and HM Passport Office have confirmed new 2023 fees for both online and postal passport applications. Adult and child passport costs are set to increase.
- (online) Adult passport: The fee will rise from £75.50 to £82.50
- (online) Child passport: The fee will rise from £49 to £53.50
- (postal) Adult passport: The fee will increase from £85 to £93
- (postal) Child passport: The fee will increase from £58.50 to £64
2023 marks the first time in five years that passport prices have gone up. In a statement, the Home Office have stated the increase in cost will enable them to efficiently fulfil their job without relying on funding from British taxpayers.
"The fees will also contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders," they add. "The increase will also help enable the government to continue improving its services."
The new passport prices are subject to those who are either renewing or applying for a new passport.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Home Office are proposing changes to passport application fees. Find out more at https://t.co/Z6l3WbJWqa pic.twitter.com/W7AcfURNw2January 12, 2023
What are the current passport prices?
- Current adult passport price: £75.50 to apply online or £85 via post
- Current child Passport price: £49 to apply online or £58.50 via post
Those applying via post will need to fill out a paper form which is available to pick up at your local post office. As for those applying online, you can renew an adult passport and renew a child passport via the official Government website.
Adult passports are only valid for up to 10 years, whilst the time a children's passport is valid for is just 5 years. You have to bear in mind that there are wait times involved with renewing a passport. Currently the Home Office states: "Allow up to 10 weeks to receive your passport."
Video of the Week
Emily Stedman is the former Features Editor for GoodTo covering all things TV, entertainment, royal, lifestyle, health and wellbeing. Boasting an encyclopaedic knowledge on all things TV, celebrity and royals, career highlights include working at HELLO! Magazine and as a royal researcher to Diana biographer Andrew Morton on his book Meghan: A Hollywood Princess. In her spare time, Emily can be found eating her way around London, swimming at her local Lido or curled up on the sofa binging the next best Netflix show.
-
Cosatto Wow 3 hands-on review: practical, beautiful and comfortable - wow!
A versatile travel system with a newborn carrycot, upright pushchair seat and a compatible car seat - everything you need in one stylish package
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
14 of the best pushchairs to buy in 2024: buggies and strollers for growing toddlers reviewed
We asked a panel of parents to put the latest pushchairs to the test - here's what they thought
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
How to save money: 28 family-friendly money-saving tips for mums and dads
Understanding how to save money is key to limiting the impact of rising costs as much as possible
By Sarah Handley Published
-
14 hidden benefits of your Amazon Prime membership
We reveal the less-obvious perks of a Prime membership that will help you get the most value out of your subscription fee
By Rachel Wait Published
-
14 surprising ways to spend your Tesco Clubcard vouchers - from restaurants and cinema passes to mini breaks and Disney+
Tesco Clubcard vouchers can help you cut the cost of everything from groceries and travel to days out and cinema tickets
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
How to get Disney+ for free and save up to £79.90 a year
Even though the streaming giant ended its free trial offering, there are still multiple ways you can get Disney+ for free for up to 12 months
By Sarah Handley Published
-
Parents of teens who have just taken their GCSEs urged to check child benefit status ahead of August deadline
With a child benefit deadline looming, some parents could see their payments reduced or stopped altogether - here's why
By Sarah Handley Published
-
Parents should hold off buying this back to school staple 'as close to their first day as possible', says retailer
With parents turning their attention to kitting their kids out for the new school year, research suggestions which items should be left until the last minute
By Sarah Handley Published
-
7 ways to save on back to school essentials, as its revealed parents will spend £2.3 billion in 2024
We share ways you can get your child all the bits and bobs they need for the new school year, without breaking the bank
By Sarah Handley Published
-
What day is child benefit paid around the bank holiday? Everything parents need to know
Knowing which day child benefit is paid when it comes to the bank holiday can help families plan their budgets accordingly
By Sarah Handley Published