Your first UK passport
Adults and children apply by different routes. Here is who can use each one and what to have ready.
First adult passport
You can use the first adult passport route if you are a British national, you are 16 or over (or turn 16 within 3 weeks) and you have never had a UK passport. You must also use it if your last UK passport was issued before 1 January 1994. An adult passport is valid for 10 years.
It costs £102 online or £115.50 on a paper form, if you are applying from the UK. Applying from overseas is a different process with a different fee.
If you hold another country's passport, its name and gender must match the ones you want on your British passport.
Documents for a first adult passport
Which documents you need depends on where and when you were born. In summary, as GOV.UK sets it out:
- Born in the UK before 1 January 1983: your full birth certificate or adoption certificate.
- Born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983: your full birth or adoption certificate, plus evidence about a parent, such as their full UK birth certificate, Home Office registration or naturalisation certificate, a valid British passport, or evidence of their UK immigration status when you were born. If the documents relate to your father, send your parents' marriage certificate as well.
- Born outside the UK: the documents depend on how you became British, for example a naturalisation or registration certificate, plus the passport you used to enter the UK or the foreign passport you are included on.
You must send original documents: photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have an original, get an official copy. Documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation. Laminated documents are accepted if that is the only format issued. The online application tells you exactly what to provide.
Countersignature and photos
A paper application and one of the two printed photos must be countersigned for a first adult passport. See who can countersign and the photo checklist.
Urgent first passports
Fast Track and Premium are not available for a first adult passport; GOV.UK says to use the standard service. Do not book travel until you have your passport. See urgent services.
First child passport
A child passport is for someone under 16 who has never had a British passport. Someone with parental responsibility must apply. You have to give both parents' details, or explain why you cannot, for example because you are the only parent on the birth certificate or you are adopting alone. A child passport is valid for 5 years.
It costs £66.50 online or £80 on a paper form from a Post Office offering Check and Send. Online, after you pay, you ask someone to confirm the child's identity online.
Posting a child application
- Two new photos of the child, the child's full birth or adoption certificate showing parent details, proof of British nationality, any valid foreign passports and any relevant court orders.
- Originals or official copies only: photocopies are not accepted, even certified copies. Documents not in English or Welsh need certified translations.
- Someone with parental responsibility signs the form. Children aged 12 to 15 must sign too.
- A countersignatory completes section 10 and certifies the child's photo.
- If the name on the documents does not match the name wanted: a signed, dated letter from everyone with parental responsibility, a deed poll, and at least one record showing the new name in use.
- Secure return of your original documents costs an extra £5; otherwise they come back free by second class post.
Once a child turns 16, they use the adult routes. A child passport can still be used until it expires, even after the age of 18.