However, if you significantly change your appearance, you’ll need to get a new passport.
But what counts as ‘too different’ from your old passport?
If you’re wondering whether you’ve changed enough to need a new passport, look no further, as the government has outlined exactly when you need a new passport due to your appearance.
Applying online? You’ll need a digital photo.
Use a plain light background, no shadows, and a neutral expression.
Full rules: https://t.co/koerImP6t3 #DigitalPhotoRules pic.twitter.com/ndVkANZASO
— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) April 17, 2026
Do I need a new passport if my appearance has changed?
While in 10 years you might have aged, it’s more significant changes that will result in needing a new passport.
The government shares that people who change their gender or appearance so that they look unrecognisable when compared to their passport photo, for example, due to having plastic surgery, will need a new passport.
If you change your name, you’ll need to get a new passport too.
Do you need a new passport if you dye your hair?
Dying your hair won’t mean you need a new passport.
You can also grow a beard without needing a new passport because these are slight changes to your appearance.
Will time from your old passport be added on when you renew it?
The government website says: “You’ll be sent a new 10 year passport.
“Time left on your old passport will not be added to your new one.”
If you’ve had plastic surgery five years after getting a new passport, your remaining time (five years) on your old passport won’t be added on, giving you 15 years on your new one.
Instead, you’ll have a new 10-year passport, and the five years you didn’t use will be scrapped.
Do I need travel insurance?
How much does a new passport cost?
Passport prices increased earlier this month, with an adult passport now costing more than £100 to renew.
Here are the new prices:
Standard online application:
For adults – £102 (up from £94.50)
For children – £66.50 (up from £61.50)
Standard postal application:
For adults – £115.50 (up from £107)
For children – £80 (up from £74)
A Premium Service (one day) application made from the UK will cost £239.50, up from £222.
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A standard online application that’s applied for from overseas will cost £116.50 for adults (up from £108) and £75.50 for children (up from £70).
If you apply from overseas for a new standard passport by post, you can expect the price to jump from £120.50 to £130 for adults and from £82.50 to £89 for children.
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