British Citizenship: Guide on Applying for a UK Passport

A passport is our key to out of the country and travels the world. For a British Citizen, you can go to 174 countries and territories without getting a visa. With Brexit, the UK withdrawing from the European Union, there will be changes in the passport, there’s no more “European Union” mark (started March 30, 2019) and it’s back to dark blue (October 2019). Rules regarding traveling to the EU are different too, however, we will make an article on that later on.

You can apply online or personally when getting a UK Passport. However, for new applicants, you will be interviewed to verify your identity and avoid fraud. UK Passport is travel-friendly too as you can have a 50-paged passport. Check out how to get your UK Passport now!

Who can get a UK Passport?

The following persons can apply for a UK Passport as per the UK Government Website:

British Citizen

British overseas territories citizen

The following territories are: 

• Anguilla
• Bermuda
• British Antarctic Territory
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• The British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Falkland Islands
• Gibraltar
• Montserrat
• Pitcairn Islands
• Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands

British overseas citizen

British subject

British national (overseas)

However, the following reasons as per the UK Government Website may not allow you to have a UK passport:

• Suspected of a serious crime with an issued warrant of arrest
• Court order not allowing you to travel
• On bail 
• Been brought back to the UK and haven’t paid expenses shouldered by the government
• EU or UN restrictions

UK Passport Fees

Passport fees are dependent on your age, the pages of the passport and how you will apply:

How to pay UK Passport Fees

• Debit or Credit Card
• Cash – for post office passport check and service only
• Cheque or Postal Order – by post payable to “Her Majesty’s Passport Office”
• Postal Order – for post office passport check and service payable to “Post Office Ltd”

Documents Needed for UK Passport Application

An original or official copy is needed

Born Before January 1, 1983

• Full Birth Certificate or Adoption Certificate

On or after January 1, 1983

• Full Birth Certificate or Adoption Certificate
• Either of the following documents from one of your parents:
  • Full UK Birth Certificate
  • Home Office Certificate of Registration or Naturalization
  • British Passport valid when you were born
  • British Passport Number
• If neither of the parents is a British Citizen, either of the following from one of your parents:
  • Immigration Status in the UK when you were born (e.g. valid foreign passport)
• Additional parent’s marriage certificate if you will be sending your father’s documents

Born outside the UK

Naturalized Citizen

• Certificate of Registration or Naturalization
• Passport used to come to the UK

Born before January 1, 1983, at a British overseas territory 

• Birth Certificate
• Current Passport
• Passport Used to come to the UK

Born before January 1, 1983, and father was born in the UK

• Birth Certificate with your parent’s details
• Father’s Birth Certificate
• Parents’ Marriage Certificate
• Passport Used to come to the UK

Born on or after January 1, 1983

• Birth Certificate with your parent’s details
• Passport Used to come to the UK
• Evidence that one of your parents is a British citizen
• Additional parent’s marriage certificate if you will be sending your father’s documents

How to Apply Online for a UK Passport

Additional Requirements:

• Digital Picture or a camera
• A person who can confirm your identity
• Application documents (mentioned above)
• Debit or Credit Card for Payment

Step 1: Online Application for a UK Passport

1. Go to this website. 

2. Answer the questions asked and click continue after.

• Do you live in the UK?
• Date of Birth
• Have you had a UK passport before?
• Do you have a naturalization or registration certificate?
• Do you have any passports from other countries?

3. You will be given instructions on what to do.
Click continue if you want to proceed.

4. Prepare your details as well as your parents and grandparents.
If you are ready, click continue.

5. Upload a passport photo of yourself or take a picture using a gadget.
You will either take or upload a photo or enter a code from a photo booth.

It will automatically check if your picture is good to use.

6. Enter the details asked.

Click Continue and a series of questions will be asked.

• Have you used any other names?
• Gender
• Were you born in the UK? If yes, enter the town of your birth.

7. Your family’s details will be asked to confirm your nationality.
Click “Continue” and answer what is asked.

8. Enter your address for passport or documents return.

9. Type also your contact details.

10. Choose which passport to get.
The next page will be about signing your passport.

11. Double-check the details you have given.
If it is correct, click “Continue.”

12. You will be reminded of the following:

• You need someone to confirm your identity
• The requirements you need to send

13. Choose the delivery option.

14. Double-check your UK passport fees and proceed to payment.

15. After payment and submission of the application, you need to put the details of someone to confirm your identity.

Step 2: Identity Confirmation

Who can confirm your identity? (All must apply)

• 18 and over
• Living in the UK with a current UK passport
• Have known you for at least 2 years
• Is your close friend, neighbor or colleague
• With a “recognized profession” (e.g. accountant, engineer, civil servant, etc.)

Who can not confirm your identity? (either:)

• Someone related to you by birth or marriage
• In a relationship with you or you live together
• Works at Her Majesty’s passport office, UK Visa and Immigration on British citizenship
• A doctor, unless s/he is a really close friend

What to do?

1. Inform your friend that they will receive an email from the HM Passport office
2. They need to ready their passport details and your birthday and address
3. As soon as the e-mail is received, let them follow instructions and confirm your identity. It will be less than 10 minutes

Note that you can’t proceed if your identity has not been confirmed yet.

Step 3: Send your documents

An email will be sent to you with instructions on what to send and where to send your documents. They need to be original.

Step 4: Go for an Interview

Those who will apply for a UK Passport for the first time will need to be interviewed

1. Find a passport office near you.
2. Schedule an appointment for your interview.
3. During your interview, you will be asked personal questions so answer then honestly. It will be 30 minutes, more or less.

Step 6: Receive your Passport

After your application, you will receive your new passport in about 6 weeks via delivery. The supporting documents you have passed will also be returned. Don’t forget to sign in.

How to Apply on Paper for a UK Passport

Additional Requirements:

• Application form
• 2 Printed Passport Photos
• A person who can confirm your identity
• Application documents (mentioned above)
• Payment

Step 1: Application Form

1. Go to a Passport Adviceline or a Post Office with Passport Check and Send Services to get a form. An additional £ 9.75 will be paid if getting from the latter.
2. A guide will also be given to you, that’s why this is more expensive than online application.
3. Answer sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9. The booklet will help you with answering.
4. Review your application.

Step 2: Countersignatory

You need someone to countersign your passport to prove your identity

Who can be your countersignatory? (All must apply)

• Have known you for at least 2 years
• Is your close friend, neighbor or colleague
• With a good standing in the community and works or is retired from a “recognized profession” (e.g. accountant, engineer, civil servant, etc.)
• Live in the UK
• With a current British or Irish Passport

Who can not be your countersignatory? (either:)

• Someone related to you by birth or marriage
• In a relationship with you or you live together

What to do?

1. Let the countersignatory read the guide for section #10.
2. Let the person fill in section 10.
3. At the back of your picture, let the person write at the back “I certify that this is a true likeness of (your name),” let him/her sign it with the date.

Step 3: UK Passport Payment

Debit or Credit Card

Fill in Page 26 of your Application Form

Cash

Go to Post Office Passport Check and Send service and pay in cash

Cheque

Application is by post – Go Write a cheque payable to “Her Majesty’s Passport Office,” at the back of the check write the barcode number found in your application form

Postal Order

Application by post – Application is by post – Write on the postal order “Her Majesty’s Passport Office” at the back of it, write the barcode number found in your application form

If Application is at Post Office Passport Check and Send service – postal order is named to “Post Office Ltd” however, you will be given another application number.

Step 4: Send your Documents

Send the application form, documents, photos, and payment by post using the envelope that is with the form.

If you want Post Office Passport Check and Send service, bring all your documents to the post office with that service so that your application is checked before it is sent. An additional £ 9.75 will be paid. They will send it to HM’s Passport office.

Step 5: Go for an Interview

Those who will apply for a UK Passport for the first time will need to be interviewed. You will be contacted for an interview.

Find a passport office near you.

Schedule an appointment for your interview.

During your interview, you will be asked personal questions so answer then honestly. It will be 30 minutes, more or less.

Step 5: Receive your Passport

After your application, you will receive your new passport in about 6 weeks via delivery. The supporting documents you have passed will also be returned. Don’t forget to sign in.

How to Apply for a UK Passport if you are outside the UK

1. Follow the instructions on How to Apply Online for a UK Passport above.

2. Answer the questions, and you will be given a computation of your passport fee as well as courier fee.
This will depend on your country, I have chosen the Philippines as an example.

3. You will be given a personalized declaration pack to print. Do this within 90 days of your application.

4. If in the declaration form, it says you need a countersignatory, then find one.
They must be:

• A professional Person
• Know you personally for at least 2 years
• Hold a British (#1Choice), Irish, EU, US, or Commonwealth (#5 Choice) Passport.
  Note that British and Irish Citizens might get your application to process faster.
  They must not be:
• related to you by birth or marriage
• in a relationship or live with you
• an agent helping passport applications
• works at HM Passport Office

5. Send original documents stated in the declaration pack.

6. Wait for a call or get interviewed at the Embassy or Consulate.

7. Wait for your passport to get delivered or claim it at the Embassy or Consulate.

8. Sign your passport when it has arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions on UK Passport

1. How to apply if you are below 16 years old?

Your parent or guardian will be the one who applies for you.

2. How is my passport delivered?

Your passport will usually be delivered by courier or Royal Mail Special Delivery after 6 weeks on Mondays to Saturdays, 8 am to 6 pm.

3. Can I track my passport?

Yes, go to this website to check where it is.

4. Is the visa fee refundable?

No, you can’t get it back.

5. I have complaints, where can I give them?

Contact the Customer Service management team at ww.gov.uk/passport-adviceline and complete our online inquiry form. Or you could text 0300 222 0222 or phone 0300 222 0000.

Getting a UK Passport is convenient; you can do it online or personally. It is also safe and secure. So get your UK Passport now and start going to places all around the world. Start with these visa-free countries with your British Passport. Don’t forget to browse our blog for more articles. Happy Travels!