For those wanting to obtain or renew a passport, you might want to get your skates on as the price of a British Citizens passport is set to jump shortly – on the 2nd of February.
It doesn’t matter if it’s black or blue it’s still going to cost you an arm and a leg. And a kidney if you want a passport in a rush.
It will mark the first time that fees for a passport will rise in five years.
The proposed rises will be as follows:
- 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 proposed changes are subject to Parliamentary scrutiny – however, if the Home Office is sticking this out there, you can bet it’s going tho through.
The new fees will apply to those newly applying for or renewing their passport.
So what are your extra pennies paying for now?
According to the Home Office, the fees will continue the shift the system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.
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.
Allegedly, the increase will also help enable the government to continue improving its services (Although with the PCS Union less than happy at the moment, that could be a challenge in itself).
Allegedly, the UK government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications (although I wouldn’t mind looking at the balance sheet that proves that).
Remember to apply “in good time”
We’ve all heard the horror stories where passports expire and waiting time for renewal, as well as entry regulations that change constantly (and your passport is just out of spec) that make you change your passport.
You can apply for a passport at https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. If you want to take advantage of the old pricing, you must do this before 2nd February.
According to the Home Office, over 95% of standard applications have been processed within 10 weeks. That’s 1) a long time and 2) if you’re planning for the Easter break, you need to put your skate on now to get your applications in – unless you fancy paying the £142 for an adult passport / £122 for a child passport for a one-week turnaround, or Premium Service for £177.
Plan accordingly – your wallet and credit card might thank you later.
Passport Image, Home Office.