How to Get a New UK Passport

passport image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com

Passports in the United Kingdom are issued by the Home Office's Identity and Passport Service. British citizens and those who are entitled to British citizenship or who are in a British overseas territory or protected country are eligible to apply for a new passport. Adult passports are issued for applicants who are over the age of 16. Applying for a UK passport is a multi-step process that begins with the actual application.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Passport application form Supporting documents--birth certificate, adoption certificate, certificate of naturalization, parents' marriage certificate, parents' birth certificates Passport fee
Passport application form
Supporting documents--birth certificate, adoption certificate, certificate of naturalization, parents' marriage certificate, parents' birth certificates
Passport fee

Step 1

Fill out the passport application online. This is the easiest way to complete the form as you will be sent the completed form in the mail to sign. You also can obtain the form from a Post Office branch that offers Check & Send service, requesting the form online or by dialing 0300 222 0000.

Step 2

Sign the form and have it countersigned by an eligible party. The person must be over 18 and hold a current British or Irish passport.

Step 3

Obtain two passport-sized photos. These photos must be 45mm by 35mm and signed on the back by the same person who countersigned your application.

Step 4

Gather your supporting documentation. Your birth certificate should be included and an adoption certificate if applicable. If you are claiming your citizenship through a parent, you will need to provide your parent's birth certificate. If you were born before 1983, you will need to provide your father's birth certificate and your parents' marriage certificate. The Identity and Passport Service may require more information after your application is made.

Step 5

Take the application form, photos, fee and documents to a branch of the Post Office which offers Check & Send service. You will be asked to pay the fee and submit your application. Applications also may be posted to the address on the passport application form.

Step 6

Attend your passport interview, if necessary. First time passport applicants may be asked to attend an interview before the passport is issued. This will help to verify the information on the supporting documents. After this, the passport may be issued.

Tips & Warnings

It can take six weeks for a first adult passport to be issued.

Article Written By Gwen Wark

Gwen Wark is a freelance writer working from London, Dublin, and New York. She has been a published writer since 1998 with works appearing in both university and local publications. Her current writing projects include SEO, web copy, print and advertising features. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in history from Rutgers University.

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