British Passport Application

Proof of Citizenship: The passport confirms your legal status as a British citizen.

Travel Benefits: Enables visa-free travel to many countries and unrestricted re-entry to the UK.

Eligibility: You must hold British citizenship (through birth, descent, naturalisation, or registration) to apply.

Eligible if you are a British citizen by birth, naturalisation, descent, or registration.

Holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status must first naturalise as British citizens before applying.

Children born in the UK may need registration first (if parents weren’t settled at the time of birth).

Standard adult passport (valid for 10 years, from age 16+).

Child passport (valid for 5 years, under 16).

Jumbo passport (frequent travellers – 50 pages instead of 34).

Emergency travel document (issued in urgent cases abroad).

Current or expired passport (if renewing).

Birth or adoption certificate (if applying for the first time).

Naturalisation or registration certificate (if you became British later in life).

Marriage/civil partnership certificate (if you changed your name).

Proof of parental details for children’s passports.

One or two referees to confirm your identity (first-time adult applicants).

Apply online via GOV.UK or use a paper form from the Post Office.

Upload or send supporting documents and passport photos.

Pay the application fee online or at the Post Office.

Provide biometric information (digital photo & signature, sometimes fingerprints).

Track your application online until your passport is issued.

Standard online adult passport: £88.50 (paper form: £100).

Standard child passport: £57.50 (paper form: £69).

One-week fast-track service: higher fee (appointment required).

Premium same-day service available for urgent renewals.

Normal processing: usually 3–6 weeks, but can be longer during busy periods.

Ensure name, date of birth, and personal details are correct.

Your old passport will usually be cancelled and returned separately.

Always sign your passport before use.

Store it securely as it is a valuable identity document.