British Passport

You can request your passport via one of the following methods:

• Online. This is the cheapest and easiest way to apply since the application wizard will guide you through each step of the process.
• Post Office Check & Send Service. Your local Post Office will take care of checking your bundle of documents, and they will send it to HM Passport Office by Special Delivery. You will be charged an additional fee for this service.
• Post. You can directly send your application, along with your supporting documents, to the UKVI. You must not forget to attach the correct postage to your envelope.
• By appointment. The 1-day Premium and 1-week Fast Track services are only available upon appointment.

If you are applying from abroad, you must follow a different procedure. The process you will have to go through will depend on the particular rules of the country you are applying from.

For the application process to be successful, it is important to note that the passport application requires certain documents that need to be in English, so if your paperwork is not in English, you’ll have to get it translated. It is important that they are the original documents and photocopied versions are not acceptable.

These are the five years of documents required to apply for your first British passport:

• Your birth certificate or adoption certificate (only applicable if you were born in the UK before January 1983)
• Evidence of a parents details and immigration status (if you were born in the UK after January 1983)
• Your certificate or naturalization or registration (only applicable if you were born outside the UK)
• Passport application supporting documents
• Someone who can confirm your identity (if relevant). This is someone who can confirm your identity and must know you for at least two years and can confirm that your passport application information is accurate. They must be someone who holds UK citizenship, currently living in the UK, is a professional, not a family member, not in a relationship, not living with you, not working at the home office.

You are required to submit original documents, and they will be returned from the passport office upon the application being completed.

You will be asked to provide a valid UK address where your documents and passport will be returned to you.

There are fees associated with getting a passport from the HM passport office. The cost of your British passport will depend on the type of application and from where you are submitting your form.

The cost of your British passport will vary depending on the type of application you are making, and from where you are submitting your form.

If you are making your British passport application from inside the UK, the fees will be:

• Online applications: £82.50
• Paper applications: £93

These prices are correct as of February 2023.

For a new adult passport (applicants 16+) the wait times vary and you should really give it 10 weeks. You should not make travel arrangements without your new valid passport.

The wait times are:

• To apply for a first adult passport takes approximately 5 weeks
• To renew a passport takes approximately 4 weeks
• To replace a damaged passport, it takes approximately 4 weeks
• To replace a lost or stolen passport, it takes approximately 4 weeks
• To change your personal details, it takes approximately 4 weeks

For a new child passport (applicants under 16) for example, the wait times vary and you should really give it 10 weeks. You should not make travel arrangements without your new valid passport.

The wait times are:

• To apply for a first passport, it takes approximately 4 weeks
• To renew a passport, it takes approximately 4 weeks
• To replace a damaged passport, it takes approximately 4 weeks
• To replace a lost or stolen passport, it takes approximately 4 weeks
• To change your personal details, it takes approximately 4 weeks

All your documentation will be returned separately from your passport once your application is completed. If you wish, you can pay an additional charge for a secure delivery, that will let you track your package. You will be responsible for providing a valid UK address where your documents and passport will be delivered.

Any personal information used for security, or provided during your interview will be destroyed after your passport is issued.

If you need support with your passport application, you can get in touch with our London, Manchester, or Birmingham immigration lawyers, or alternatively, use the office finder to find the closest branch to you.

For children under 16, a carer with parental responsibility for children must apply for the passport on their behalf.

The children’s passport application needs to give both parents’ details when you apply. If you cannot provide the other parent’s details, you need to explain the reason.

Per UK immigration rules, the child passport costs £49 for online applications and £58.50 for paper form applications from the Post Office. A child passport is valid for 5 years.

Similar to adult passports, the application can be done either online or by post.

The documents you need to for a child British passport application are:

• 2 passport approved photos of your child
• The child’s birth certificate or adoption certificate (which confirm the person with parental responsibility on it)
• Evidence of the child’s British nationality – like a British registration certificate, parent’s passport details or parent’s birth certificates, etc.
• Any passports from a different country belonging to the child
• Any relevant court orders pertaining to custody

Depending on your individual circumstances, there are situations when it may be refused.

• If Her Majesty’s passport office cannot verify the details on an application, they can refuse to issue a passport
• If an applicant person is being investigated for citizenship deprivation purposes
• Incomplete application or Inaccurate information
• Unsettled application fees
•  Investigations that the applicant intends to use the passport for terrorism-related or serious, organized criminal activities

Having a British passport application refused can be frustrating. As such you should ensure you meet the following criteria:

• You can provide accurate proof of your identity
• You are eligible for a British passport based on your citizenship status
• There are no other reasons why your passport should be refused