UK Passport Checker

UK passport wait times

How long UK passports are taking, from HM Passport Office's official figures.

✓ Checked against GOV.UK today at 12:07am

Right now
Official figures · April to June 2026
Straightforward UK applications processed within 3 weeks
99.42%
HM Passport Office's target is 98.5%
1.77mpassports issued
1 in 5needed more information, which takes longer
280kapplications still in progress (end of June 2026)
Jul–Sep 202599.73% within 3 weeks
Oct–Dec 202599.82% within 3 weeks
Jan–Mar 202699.72% within 3 weeks
Apr–Jun 202699.42% within 3 weeks
"Straightforward" means no further information was needed. HMPO measures from receiving your documents to delivering the passport (allowing 2 days for delivery), not counting any wait for an interview.
How busy is the Passport Office?
Applications received each month
Average for 2023 to 2025. This month is outlined.
Busier than averageQuieter than averageAbout average
Applications still being processed
Applications not yet finished on the last day of each 3-month period, newest first. It rises in spring, when most people apply.
When will mine arrive?
If you're short of time
Standard serviceOnline, by post or with Post Office Check & SendAllow 3 weeks
1 week Fast TrackAppointment from the next day. Not for first adult passports£192 adult
£156.50 child
1 day Online PremiumCollect 4 hours after your appointment. Adult renewals only£239.50

Prices from GOV.UK, last checked 30 October 2026. All passport fees · Book a fast service on GOV.UK →

From people who've just applied

We're collecting reports

HMPO's figures start when your documents arrive. These count from the day people apply to the day the passport arrives. Each type appears once 10 people have reported in the last 6 months.

0 / 10Renewal
0 / 10First adult
0 / 10Child
0 / 10Lost or stolen
Tell us how long yours took
Questions
How long is the UK passport wait time right now?

HM Passport Office says to allow 3 weeks. In April to June 2026, 99.42% of straightforward UK applications were processed within 3 weeks, against a target of 98.5%. Applications that need more information take longer.

Where do these figures come from?

The Home Office publishes HM Passport Office's figures every quarter. They cover standard passport applications made from the UK. The latest are for April to June 2026, published 27 August 2026. See the data on GOV.UK.

What does "straightforward" mean?

An application where HM Passport Office didn't need any more information from you. About 1 in 5 applications do need more, for example a better photo or extra documents, and those take longer than 3 weeks.

When is the best time to renew a passport?

Usually between July and December, when the Passport Office receives fewer applications. January to May is the busiest time. Whenever you apply, allow at least 3 weeks before you travel.

Can I get a passport faster?

Yes, for most applications. The 1 week Fast Track service costs £192 for an adult or £156.50 for a child, and the 1 day Online Premium service costs £239.50 (adult renewals only). Neither is available for a first adult passport.

How do the reports from applicants work?

People who have applied tell us the date they applied and the date their passport arrived. We count calendar days between the two, including any time spent sending extra documents. A report counts only once the person confirms it from the link we email them, and we show figures for a type once we have 10 reports from the last 6 months. Email addresses are never shown.

Should I book travel before my new passport arrives?

No. GOV.UK says not to book travel until you have your passport, because the new one has a different number.

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