Cost of online passport application could rise to over £100

The application fee for an online passport could rise to £100 for the first time, the government has announced.

Under the new proposals, the price for adults in the UK would rise from £94.50 to £102, and £61.50 to £66.50 for children.

The Home Office has said the 8% increase will help it "move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it" and rely less on taxpayers.

Changes to passport application charges are expected to be introduced on 8 April, subject to approval from Parliament.

Under the plans, adults applying via post in the UK can expect fees to rise from £107 to £115.50, and £74 to £80 for children.

For the one-day premium service method, prices will hike from £222 to £239.50.

For overseas applications, passports applied for online will cost £116.50 for adults up from £108, and £75.50 for children up from £70.

Adults submitting paper documents from abroad will be charged £130 up from £120.50. For children, the price will rise from £82.50 to £89.

The Home Office said the proposed fees "contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders".

It added that customers are advised to apply in good time before travelling.

The passport renewal process could take up to three weeks in the UK, but it can take longer during periods of high demand, such as before school holidays.