How to Apply for a UK Passport

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Whether you're applying for your first UK passport or updating information on your existing passport, there are several factors to consider before beginning the application process. If you approach your application with the proper documents, acceptable photographs, and important identification information, you can breeze through the process and have your passport in hand in no time.

Part 1 of 3:

Gathering Required Documents and Photos

British citizenship
British overseas territory citizen
British overseas citizen
British subject
British national (overseas)
British protected person [1] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
Contact UK Visas and Immigration if you are unsure if you have British nationality. You can contact them at https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk.

Evidence of your parent’s claim to nationality are your parent’s British passport number, full birth certificate, or certificate of registration or naturalization. If you are estranged from your parents or your parents are no longer living, include a note in section 8 of your application detailing your situation. [2] X Research source
If you were born after 01/01/83, you’ll need your “full” birth or adoption certificate, which includes your parents’ details.

If you’re changing your national status on your passport, you’ll need a certificate of registration or naturalization or an adoption certificate.
For all other application purposes and the associated required documents, visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-adult-passport/photos-and-documents-you-must-send.
Use only original or replacement documents. The documents will be mailed back to you once your application is complete. [3] X Research source Photocopies, laminated, or damaged documents will not be accepted. [4] X Research source

Face forward and look straight at the camera
Wear a plain expression with your mouth closed
Have your eyes open and visible
Do not wear any head coverings (unless for religious purposes)
Keep your hair pulled back from your face
Have no shadows on your face or behind you [5] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Measure 45 millimetres (1.8 in) tall by 35 millimetres (1.4 in) wide
Be printed with no border
Not be cropped from a larger photo or altered by computer software [6] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
Your application will be delayed and you will have to submit new photos if they do not meet the requirements.
If you’re applying online, it may be acceptable to use digital photos. The application will instruct you on what type of photo you need. [7] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Advertisement Part 2 of 3:

Filling Out the Passport Application

A standard first UK passport costs £75.50 if you apply online or £85 to apply in person at a Post Office. [8] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
Apply for a UK passport online at http://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport.
If you’re applying for a UK passport from overseas, you will need to fill out and pay for your passport online. Follow the overseas passport application process at https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports[9] X Research source

Complete the application form using capital letters and black ink. Don’t write anywhere outside the white boxes or the signature borders.
If you make a mistake, cross it out instead of using correction fluid. If you make more than three mistakes on any line, you will need to fill out a new form. [10] X Research source
If you use ink that is not black, you may need to re-submit your application. [11] X Research source

You were included as a child on someone else’s passport
You are renewing a passport that was handwritten
You have recently become a British national by naturalization or registration [12] X Research source

Children between the ages of 12-15 will need to fill out section 6 as well.
Fill out section 10 for children 11 years old or younger, or for everyone who is not recognizable from their last passport photo
An adult passport must be renewed every 10 years. [13] X Research source

If your passport is damaged, fill out section 8 as well. [14] X Research source

For children aged 12-15, fill out section 6 as well.
Section 10 must be filled out for children 11 years or younger, or for individuals who are not recognizable from their previous passport photo. [15] X Research source

Have known you personally for at least 2 years (but not related by birth or marriage, or in a personal relationship with you)
Be a professional person (who does not work at the passport office)
Live in the UK (but not at your address)
Hold a current British or Irish passport

Sign the application in all of the indicated areas. Do your best to keep your signature within the boundary of the boxes. If you make too many errant marks outside of the indicated area, you may have to fill out a new application.

Advertisement Part 3 of 3:

Submitting the Completed Application

Find a Post Office that offers this service at https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branchfinder (choose ‘Passport Check and Send’ from the drop down list)
The Passport Check and Send service costs £9.75 on top of the normal passport fee. You can receive a refund if the Post Office makes an error checking your form. [16] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
You cannot use the Passport Check and Send service if you filled in the form online. [17] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
You are less likely to be rejected if you use the Check and Send service. [18] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

An adult 34-page passport costs £94.75
An adult 50-page passport costs £104.75
A child’s passport costs £68.25.
Cash is only accepted at the Post Office. Do not send cash in the mail.
Debit and credit cards are accepted at the Post Office or in the mail. If paying with a card through the mail, fill out the following form and submit it with your application: http://www.britishpassportservices.co.uk/payment-form.pdf
Make out all postal orders to “Her Majesty’s Post Office”. [19] X Research source

If you filled out your application online, print the final form once it’s completed. Mail the printed application, along with your photos and identification documents, to the address listed on the form.
If you had an application form mailed to you, use the included pre-printed envelope to mail your documents.

You can track the status of your application at https://www.gov.uk/track-passport-application.
Applications will take longer if you are asked to supply additional documents or the photos you submitted are unacceptable.
Using the Check and Send service is usually faster than mailing the application yourself. [21] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Community Q&A

My UK passport is lost and expired and I live in the USA. How do I get a new UK passport? Community Answer If you want to get a new passport, go to the British embassy and apply for one there.

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I don't have British nationality and have a Sudanese passport. Can I get a British passport? Community Answer

You can, provided that you live in the UK for at least a few years. If you are married to a UK citizen, you'll be able to get a British passport faster.

I was born in the UK. Parents both born in UK. Have an old British passport expiry 1983. Live in United states, became citizen. Would like to apply for British passport again. How can I do that.?

Maura Behan Community Answer

To regain your British passport, verify your eligibility based on being born in the UK to British-born parents. Gather essential documents including your old British passport, US naturalization certificate, and birth certificate. Complete the application form available online or at a British embassy, providing passport-sized photos meeting UK specifications. Submit your application along with required fees to the UK authorities, then await processing which typically takes several weeks. Once approved, your British passport will be issued, either delivered by mail or available for pickup at the embassy, allowing you to reclaim your British citizenship documentation.