'Do not' plea issued to anyone with a passport by Martin Lewis' MSE team
Martin Lewis' team of experts found that thousands of people overpaid when it came time to renew their passports
As the summer holiday season approaches, many of us will be dusting off our travel documents and checking the validity of our passports. While renewing a passport is a straightforward task, Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert team says thousands are still overspending during the process.
You can apply online quickly and easily with the GOV.UK website - but there's a more expensive alternative. If you can't, or don't, use the online application form, you can send off for a new passport via the postal service, but it means shelling out more than necessary.
A check made by Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com team revealed that over 360,000 people last year did not save money when renewing their passports. The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the Passport Office, which gave a breakdown of applications in digital and physical forms during 2024.
The investigation found that the majority of UK passport applications were made online, with over seven million people utilising the web-based service. However, thousands still paid 'more than required' by opting for a postal application.
By submitting their application online instead of filling out and posting paper forms to the Passport Office, individuals could save £12.50. Although it may seem like a small saving, given the increase in passport prices in April, saving money where possible is generally best, reports the Mirror.
Petar Lekarski, assistant news and investigations editor at MoneySavingExpert.com, said: "Don't get your passport by post." He added: "I had to renew my passport earlier this year and was dreading the faff, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy the online process was.
"I'm clearly not alone. Our research shows more and more people are choosing the online route over a paper form, collectively saving millions in the process. If you can do so, or if you can get someone to help you, applying for your passport directly through GOV.UK is the way to go."
The quickest and least expensive method to obtain your documents is via online application. As of April 10, adults over 16 will be charged £94.50 for each standard 34-page passport application, suitable for most who don't fly frequently, or £107.50 for a larger 54-page 'frequent traveller' passport.
Children under 16 will incur lower fees for their passports, at a standard cost of £51.50 and a rate of £74.50 for those who travel often. Those born on or before September 2, 1929, are eligible for a free passport, whether applying online on the Government's website or by mail.
However, it is important to note that free passports do not exclude expedited processing charges for urgent applications. It's also worth remembering that UK passports last 10 years for adults and five years for children, meaning if your passport was issued in 2015, it's time to check its expiry date.
You'll usually get your passport within three weeks, according to the Passport Office. It may take longer than three weeks if they need more information or need to interview you.
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