How to Get a New Passport in the UK

British citizens need passports. If you don’t already have one, you should get one. The process should be manageable, but you must do it right. You need to follow all the steps correctly and in order so you don’t have to repeat them. Certain aspects—such as obtaining a photo—can be done online through https://photogov.net/, making things a bit easier for you.

If you go through the process independently, you should allow sufficient time before making travel plans. Below, we will provide a guide on how to do so.

Eligibility

We should begin by qualifying who is and is not eligible for a British passport. You are considered a British national if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You are a British citizen
• You live in a British overseas territory
• You are a British subject
• You are a British protected person

To be eligible for a new (not renewed) passport, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be at least 16 years old
• You have a clean criminal history
• You do not have a UK travel ban on you
• You have not received an EU or UN order restricting your travel

How to apply

You can apply for a UK passport in different ways. You can apply online or by post with a paper application.

What you must include

Required documents vary depending on individual circumstances but can include one or more of the following:

• If you were born outside the UK, a certificate of naturalization and the passport that you had when you moved to the UK
• If you are a second-generation immigrant, the details of where your parents were born

All documents must be submitted in original form. You must include a certified translation if the original language is not English. If you are a dual citizen, you must ensure that your name is identical to how it will be written on your British passport.

Countersignatories

You will also need a countersignatory. This is a person who can confirm your identity. Whoever you use must meet the following criteria:

• They must be someone you have known for a substantial period – at least two years
• They must be a legal adult
• They must be a citizen of the UK
• They cannot be a relative
• They cannot be someone who works for the passport office
• They cannot be a significant other or someone you have a close relationship with.

The passport office includes a list of acceptable people, which you should review before selecting someone.

Photographs and additional documents

When you apply for your passport online, you must provide photographs so your countersignatory can verify your identity. As the requirements are identical to those in the US, you can conveniently use an online US-based service to help you out. Make it easier for yourself by going to https://photogov.net/documents/gb-passport-photo/. They know the requirements and can ensure you get the photo you need. After you submit the picture, you will receive an email confirming the photographs are acceptable. If you submit a paper application, you must mail two pictures by post.

You must also provide your original marriage certificate if you have changed your name. If you have a civil partnership, you must submit the certificate for it.

Processing time

As mentioned above, when you apply for a passport, you should leave sufficient time to process it before you make any travel plans. The standard processing time for new passports is three weeks from when the complete application is received at the Home Office. You will also have to go through an interview if you are over 16. If there are any problems or missing documents, the processing time will be delayed until the outstanding issues are resolved. Once your passport is issued, it will be suitable for ten years from the date of issuance.

People sometimes need to get a new passport urgently to travel shortly. This is possible, but you must pay an additional fee of £207.50 (on top of the usual cost of £88.50 online or £100 for print) for the expedited service. However, even in this case, you will have to wait at least two days following the receipt of your application. In addition, there is the “one week fast track” option, in which you will receive your new passport by post precisely one week after your interview. For this, the additional fee is £166.50.

Passports for children

The process of obtaining a new passport for a child is similar. You must submit the details to both parents, and the person submitting it must be a parent or someone who holds legal responsibility for the child. If any custody-related outstanding legal issues affect parental rights, the corresponding legal documents need to be included in the application and could affect the granting of the passport. A child’s passport fee is £57.50 online or £69 for paper applications. The photo can also be taken passport photo maker app.

Requirements and fees can change

Keep in mind that these are overall guidelines for obtaining a passport. With inflation and changing government laws, requirements can change. So if you decide to apply in a couple of years, go to the government’s website to ensure you have all the details correct. And when it comes time to renew your passport, you should similarly leave plenty of time for processing as there can always be a backlog of requests.