How to Apply for a British Passport: Step-by-Step Application Guide
Congratulations on achieving British citizenship! Now it's time to obtain your British passport—the document that confirms to third parties your status as a UK citizen.
Whether you've recently been granted citizenship through naturalisation, registration, or automatic acquisition, this guide walks you through the complete passport application process. At MGBe Legal, we've helped hundreds of clients complete their citizenship journey. Let us guide you through this final step.
Who Can Apply for a British Passport?
Before applying, you must hold one of these types of British nationality:
- British citizenship
- British overseas territories citizen
- British overseas citizen
- British subject
- British national (overseas)
- British protected person
You must be 16 years old or over (or turning 16 within 3 weeks) and never have held a UK passport before.
When Can Your Passport Application Be Refused?
Even with British nationality, your application may be refused in these situations:
- You're suspected of a serious crime with an arrest warrant issued
- A court order restricts your travel or passport issuance
- Bail conditions prevent you from leaving the UK
- EU or UN travel restriction orders apply to you
Always check your eligibility before applying. If you're uncertain, MGBe Legal can review your circumstances during a consultation.
British Passport Application Methods: Choose Your Ways
1. Online Application
The fastest and most convenient option. Complete the form on gov.uk, upload a digital photo of yourself, and track your application online. Payment by debit or credit card only.
2. Paper Application
Request and post the application form with physical photographs. Slightly longer processing time but accepts various payment methods.
3. Post Office Check and Send Service
Visit your local Post Office for document verification support. Staff check your application before submission. Different procedures apply if you're applying from overseas.
What Documents Do You Need?
1. Essential Documents
If you weren't born British, you must include your original Certificate of Naturalisation or Registration. Those born outside the UK should include the passport used to enter the UK.
Depending on when and where you were born, you may need to provide details about your parents and grandparents, including their immigration status.
2. Additional Documents
You'll need your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate if you've changed your name. For child applications, full birth certificates or other evidence of parental responsibility may be required.
Important Rules
You must send original documents— generally photocopies are not accepted. Documents not in English must have certified translations. Keep copies of everything before submitting.
Understanding the Countersignatory Requirement
For your first British passport, someone must confirm your identity. This person is your countersignatory.
Who Qualifies
Your countersignatory must have known you personally for at least 2 years and be over 18. They must work in a recognised profession, hold a current UK passport, and live in the UK.
They cannot be related to you by birth or marriage, live at your address, work for HM Passport Office or UKVI, or be in a personal relationship with you.
Their Role
For online applications, they receive an email from HM Passport Office to confirm your identity digitally. For paper applications, they sign the back of one photograph and complete the countersignatory section on the form.
Accepted Professions
Common examples include accountants, lawyers, teachers, civil servants at executive officer level or above, magistrates, and other professionals. The gov.uk website provides a comprehensive list of accepted occupations.
Passport Photograph Requirements
For online applications, upload a digital photograph that meets gov.uk standards. Your countersignatory will confirm your identity online.
For paper applications, provide 2 identical printed photos. One must be signed by your countersignatory. Photos should be 45mm x 35mm.
Your photograph must be recent (within the last month), taken against a plain light-coloured background, show a neutral expression with you facing forward, and have no hats or sunglasses (religious headwear permitted if it doesn't obscure your face).
Dual Citizenship Considerations
At present, the UK accepts dual citizenship. However, the name and gender on all your passports must match exactly.
If your foreign passport shows different details than what you want on your British passport, you must change the details on your non-British passport first before applying.
Processing Times and Validity
Standard processing takes 3 weeks from when HM Passport Office receives your documents. It may take longer if additional information is needed. Most first-time adult applicants over 16 will need to attend an identity interview.
1. Expedited Services
The 1-day Premium Service costs £207.50 with the earliest appointment 2 days after application. This is only available for adult passport renewals. Dual nationals cannot use this service.
The 1-week Fast Track service costs £166.50 for adults and £135.50 for children. Your passport is delivered by courier within a week of your appointment. . This service is available for renewals, personal detail changes, replacements, and child passports.
Note: Fees and services listed above are based on current UK Government guidelines. Prices may change, and availability can vary. Please seek professional advice before applying, especially if you have a complex situation involving change of name or if you are applying for your first passport unde the “Treaty rights” route, for applicants born in the UK by EEA parents.
2. Validity Periods
Adult passports are valid for 10 years. Child passports are valid for 5 years.
Application Fees
Adult passports: £88.50 for online applications and £100 for paper applications (standard 34-page passport).
Child passports (under 16): £57.50 for online applications and £69 for paper applications.
The Post Office Check and Send service has an additional service fee. Online applications only accept debit or credit card payments, while paper and Post Office applications accept multiple payment methods.
Applying for Your Child's First British Passport
When applying for a child's passport, you need to provide both parents' details. The person applying must have parental responsibility for the child. If you cannot provide the other parent's details, you must explain why.
Children aged 16 or over (or turning 16 within 3 weeks) who have never had a British passport should apply for a first adult passport instead.
Step-by-Step British Passport Application Process
Follow this clear roadmap to ensure a smooth application:
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check you hold British nationality and meet age requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect citizenship certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other supporting documents.
Step 3: Choose Your Application Method
Decide between online, paper, or Post Office Check and Send based on your preferences.
Step 4: Find Your Countersignatory
Identify someone who meets all requirements and ask them to confirm your identity.
Step 5: Prepare Your Photographs
Take or have professional passport photos taken to exact specifications.
Step 6: Complete the Application Form
Fill out all sections accurately and honestly. Double-check for errors.
Step 7: Submit Original Documents
Send (or bring) all required original documents—no photocopies.
Step 8: Pay the Application Fee
Complete payment using your chosen method.
Step 9: Attend Identity Interview (if required)
Most first-time adult applicants will be invited to confirm their identity.
Step 10: Track Your Application
Monitor progress online (if you applied online) and wait for processing to complete.
Step 11: Receive Your British Passport
Your passport will arrive by secure delivery. Original documents are returned separately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't send photocopies instead of originals. Ensure your countersignatory meets all requirements—many applications are delayed because people choose relatives or flatmates.
Submit high-quality photographs that meet specifications. Complete all sections of the application form accurately. Include certified translations for foreign documents.
For child applications, provide both parents' information. Ensure names are consistent across all passports if you hold dual citizenship.
After You Submit Your Application
Online applicants can track their application progress using their reference number. Most first-time adult applicants will be invited to an identity interview by phone or in person. This usually takes 10-30 minutes and simply confirms your identity. You must be in the UK when you attend your passport interview, even if the interview is online.
Your original documents are returned separately from your passport, typically within the standard 3-week processing time.
If HM Passport Office needs additional information or clarification, respond promptly to avoid delays.
Conclusion
Applying for your first British passport completes your journey to full British citizenship. Success requires thorough preparation—understanding requirements, gathering original documents, choosing the right application method, and avoiding common mistakes.
Whether you've just received your Certificate of Naturalisation or acquired British nationality through another route, your British passport is within reach.
MGBe Legal is here to support you from your initial immigration application through to citizenship and beyond. Our experienced lawyers provide the expert guidance you need to achieve your UK immigration goals.
Book your consultation today and complete your citizenship journey with confidence.
