Passport application fees have been risen by the UK Government for the first time in five years

The cost of applying for a passport has increased for the first time in five years.

The fee for a standard online application made within the UK has risen from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and £49 to £53.50 for children as of February 2.

Postal applications have also increased from £85 to £93 for adults, and £58.80 to £64 for children.

Priority service fees have been aligned so that all customers will pay the same.

The UK Government said that the new fees will help the Home Office move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, and reduce reliance on funding from general taxation.

It added that the Government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.

The fees will also 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.

The increase will also help enable the improvement of services, the Government said.

The new fees apply to those newly applying or renewing their passports.

Since January last year, over 95% of standard applications have been processed within ten weeks and customers are advised that they should apply in good time before travelling.