The Home Office has confirmed that a newly redesigned British passport will begin issuance in December, marking the latest update in the UK’s routine cycle of document improvements.
Central to the redesign is the debut of King Charles III’s official coat of arms on the front cover, replacing the emblem used during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
British passports are typically refreshed every five years, combining aesthetic updates with enhanced security technology to deter forgery. The last major redesign arrived in 2020 and reintroduced the dark blue cover – a symbolic shift following the UK’s departure from the European Union. That edition also removed long-standing illustrations of figures like Shakespeare in favour of a simplified, geometric interior layout.
Smaller alterations have appeared between major redesigns. In 2023, text on the inside cover was updated to refer to “His Britannic Majesty” following King Charles’s coronation. Before that, the term “European Union” was removed from burgundy passports in 2019, ahead of the introduction of the post-Brexit blue design.
What’s New This Time?
The most prominent update is the inclusion of the King’s coat of arms on the cover. While the overall appearance remains dark blue, subtle adjustments distinguish the new emblem from its predecessor: the lion and unicorn supporters appear slightly smaller in proportion, and the crown above the shield has a rounder shape.
Inside, the pages receive a more noticeable artistic overhaul. Instead of geometric patterns, travellers will find watermark-style depictions of notable UK landscapes, such as Ben Nevis, Lake Windermere and Three Cliffs Bay.
Security has also been upgraded. The Home Office says the document will be the “most secure” passport it has produced, echoing claims made during previous redesigns. New holographic and translucent elements have been added to the photo page, helping border officials detect forgeries by revealing specific shapes or patterns when held at certain angles. The photo page remains made of ultra-thin polycarbonate – a tough material also used in driving licences – helping protect it from wear and tear.
When Will Travellers Receive It?
Anyone applying for a new passport from December onwards should receive the updated version. Travellers do not need to wait until their current passport expires to renew; however, unused validity cannot be transferred. Newly issued passports are typically valid for ten years, though early renewals may include up to nine months of extra validity, depending on when the application is made.
Cost of the New Passport
Passport fees rose earlier this year. Standard online applications currently cost:
- £94.50 for adults
- £61.50 for children
Postal applications are more expensive, at £107 for adults and £74 for children. Premium one-day services cost £222 for adults and £189 for children, and fees are slightly higher for applicants overseas.
There has been no announcement on whether prices will rise again in 2026, though the pattern of increases over the past three years suggests future adjustments are possible.
Travellers receiving a new passport will need to reapply for any electronic visa waivers, including the US ESTA, which are tied to specific passport numbers. They will also need to re-enrol for the EU’s upcoming biometric Entry-Exit System.
A Century of Change
Passports in their modern form, featuring a photograph and signature, were first issued in 1915. Security watermarks were added in 1972, and machine-readable passports were introduced in 1988.
The most recent major redesign came in 2020, when Britain reverted from burgundy passports to dark blue covers following its departure from the European Union.
The government is advising travellers to check the validity of their passports and renew them well in advance of any planned trips, as demand typically increases in the run-up to the holiday seasons.
Current passports, including the previous blue and remaining burgundy versions, will remain valid until their stated expiry dates. The introduction of the new design does not affect the legal status of older documents.
