Post Office launches digital passport renewals but there is a cheaper option

The Post Office is offering Brits a new way to renew their passports as it launches digital passport applications across 725 branches nationwide – but it’s not the cheapest option.

The service includes a member of staff going through the online application form with you, taking your passport photo, and sending it all off to the HM Passport Office.

The digital applications cost £15.40 on top of the standard £75.50 online passport charge, making for a total cost of £90.90, one of the more expensive fares for a passport renewal.

In fact, it’s cheaper to use the government’s online service directly where you pay the flat fee of £75.50, or even if you opt to go down the paper route which still works out cheaper with a total price of £85.

However it is worth noting that these fees don’t include the cost of having your passport photo done – and if you’re opting for the paper way, you’ll also need to factor in extra for postage of your application.

If you’re short on time, then the Post Office service does make it easier as everything happens in one place; filling out the form, getting your passport photo taken, and having it sent off via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed.

They will even send your old passport to the HM Passport Office.

Meanwhile, it can be useful for people who may need a hand filling out the application form as you’ll have a member of staff guiding you through the process, so it could prove a useful tool.

Still, if you’re confident in filling out the form yourself and are looking to keep the costs down, then the government’s online service currently seems to be the best option.

As well as the digital Check & Send service, the Post Office will still be offering its standard paper applications, with a fee of £9.75 for the service on top of the £75.50 fare, making for a total of £85.25.

These fares are all based on an adult’s passport renewal – children’s passport flat rates are £49 online on the government website, and £58.50 if you opt for a paper application.

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