UK Government extends online passport renewal service to 16 to 25-year-olds

UK passport - Image credit: Katie Collins/PA

The UK Government has expanded its online passport renewal service to include all UK citizens aged 16 and over.

Previously, the service has only been available to those aged over 26, but now the approximately 300,000 16 to 25-year-olds who renew their passport each year will also be able to do so online.

The digital renewal service includes the option to use a photo taken in a booth or shop, which can upload the picture directly and supply users with a unique code enabling them to use the photo as part their application.

HM Passport Office said this would be particularly useful for the 30 per cent of users that its research shows need multiple attempts to take a compliant photo themselves – as well as the 74 per cent of men and 84 per cent of women who are embarrassed by their current photograph.

Immigration minister Brandon Lewis said: “This service makes it easier than ever before to renew your passport and I am delighted that we are now able to offer it to 16- to 25-year-olds.

“We are harnessing technology to transform our services.”

He added: “We want to ensure we have a modern and easy-to-use service for our millions of passport holders and applicants.”

HMPO issues about six million passports each year and according to its research, 63 per cent of UK citizens would rather renew their passport online.