# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

The Quickest Way to Renew a British Passport

A British citizen who needs to travel internationally must have a current passport. The passport is good for 10 years after the issue date. After a passport has expired, it is imperative to renew it. When you are planning to travel out of the UK two weeks in the future or less, and are not in possession of a current passport, you qualify for urgent status and may expedite the process of renewal.

2 passport photos
Current passport

Instructions

- 1
  Call the Identity and Passport Service Adviceline at 0300-222-0000. Make an appointment for the nearest office. Request the Fast Track one-week service. You must apply in person for this form of quick renewal. If you have a simple renewal with no complicated changes, a Premium One-Day Service is available with a four-hour wait.
- 2
  Bring your expired passport and two identical passport-size photos to the office on the day of your appointment. Complete the application in its entirety. Pay the applicable fee. You will pay a higher fee for fast-track and premium services (see Resources).
- 3
  Sign for your new British passport when it arrives via Secure Delivery within one week of your appointment. If you request premium service, you will pick up your passport on the same day as you deliver your application.