A UK passport is an important identity and travel document for people who hold British nationality. However, being eligible for a British passport and applying successfully are two different steps. Applicants may need to prove their nationality, identity, personal details and, in some cases, their family history.
This guide explains who can apply for a UK passport, which documents may be required, how to apply, what the application costs, and what happens after submission. The information below reflects current GOV.UK guidance available in September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Passports
Who is eligible to apply for a UK passport?
You must have British nationality to apply for or hold a British passport.
Eligible nationality categories include British citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British overseas citizens, British subjects, British nationals (overseas), and British protected persons.
Having British nationality does not automatically guarantee that a passport will be issued. Certain legal circumstances can affect whether a passport is issued, renewed or retained, including some court orders or restrictions on international travel.
For most people, the first step is therefore to establish that they have the appropriate form of British nationality before starting a passport application.
Can a British citizen apply for a UK passport?
Yes. A British citizen can apply for a British passport, subject to the normal passport application requirements.
For a first adult passport, GOV.UK states that you can apply if you are a British national, are aged 16 or over (or will turn 16 within three weeks), and have never previously held a UK passport.
There is also a specific process for applicants whose previous UK passport was issued before 1 January 1994.
What is a first adult UK passport?
A first adult passport is generally the first UK passport issued to someone applying as an adult.
You can apply for a first adult passport if you meet the nationality and age requirements and have never had a UK passport before.
You may continue using a child passport until it expires, even after turning 18. An adult passport is normally valid for 10 years.
What documents are required for a first UK passport?
The exact documents depend on your circumstances, particularly where you were born, when you were born, and how you obtained British nationality.
For a first adult passport, GOV.UK requires original supporting documents. Photocopies are generally not accepted for the standard UK application.
If an original certificate has been lost, you may need to obtain an official replacement. Documents that are not in English or Welsh normally require a certified translation.
Possible supporting documents
- Full birth or adoption certificate
- Evidence of a parent’s British nationality
- Parent’s British passport information
- Naturalisation certificate
- Registration certificate
- Previous or foreign passport
- Parents’ marriage certificate where applicable
- Other documents establishing nationality or identity
The exact list should be checked against the applicant’s individual circumstances rather than assumed from another person’s application.
What documents are required if I was born in the UK?
The requirements can vary according to your date of birth.
If you were born or adopted in the UK before 1 January 1983, GOV.UK states that you generally need your full birth or adoption certificate for a first adult passport.
If you were born or adopted in the UK on or after 1 January 1983, you generally need your full birth or adoption certificate plus evidence relating to a parent.
Depending on the circumstances, this can include a parent’s UK birth certificate, naturalisation or registration certificate, or British passport information, together with evidence of the relevant parent’s immigration status when you were born.
This is why applicants born in different periods can be asked for different supporting evidence.
What documents are required if I was born outside the UK?
People born outside the UK may need additional evidence showing how they acquired British nationality.
For example, someone who became British through naturalisation or registration may need their naturalisation or registration certificate and the passport they used to enter the UK or the foreign passport in which they were included.
Other applicants may need birth certificates, parents’ documents, marriage certificates or evidence of a parent’s British nationality.
The requirements can be particularly detailed where British nationality is being established through a parent.
Do I need my parents’ documents for a UK passport?
Sometimes, yes. Parents’ documents can be important when British nationality is being established through a parent.
For example, applicants born outside the UK may need evidence of a parent’s British nationality and other family documents depending on their date and place of birth.
Applicants should therefore gather relevant parental documents before starting the application if their nationality is based on their family connection.
Do I need my grandparents’ information?
In some applications, information about grandparents may be required.
GOV.UK guidance for first adult passport applications notes that additional family information may be required where parents were born after 1982 or outside the UK.
This does not mean every applicant needs grandparents’ documents. The requirement depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the nationality evidence needed.
Can I apply for a UK passport online?
Yes. Online applications are available for many UK passport services, including first adult passports, renewals, replacements and updates.
Requirements for a first adult online application
- A digital passport photograph
- Personal information
- Supporting documents
- A person who can confirm your identity
- A credit or debit card for payment
After submitting the application and paying, the person confirming your identity will receive instructions from HM Passport Office.
How much does a UK passport application cost?
For a first adult passport applied for online in the UK, the current listed fee is £102.
A paper application costs £115.50.
The standard online renewal or replacement fee for an adult passport is also currently £102, while a paper application costs £115.50.
Fees can change, so applicants should check GOV.UK immediately before submitting an application.
What photo do I need for a UK passport?
Online applications require a digital passport photograph.
You can use a suitable device to take a digital photo or have someone take one for you, subject to the official photo rules.
For paper applications, you generally need two identical printed passport photos. One photo must be signed and dated by the appropriate countersignatory where required.
Passport photographs have specific requirements, so applicants should follow the official GOV.UK photo guidance rather than using an ordinary portrait photograph.
Does someone need to confirm my identity?
For a first adult online passport application, yes, you need someone to confirm your identity.
After you submit and pay, HM Passport Office sends that person instructions for completing the identity confirmation online.
They do not normally need to sign a printed photograph for an online application.
Paper applications have a different process. A countersignatory may need to complete part of the application and sign and date one of the photographs.
Can I apply for a UK passport by post?
Yes. You can apply using a paper application form.
For a first adult passport, the paper process requires a completed application form, two identical printed passport photographs, a person who can confirm your identity, and supporting documents.
Paper applications generally take longer than online applications. The current standard paper fee for a first adult passport is £115.50.
What happens after I submit my UK passport application?
After submitting an online first adult application, you may be asked to provide supporting documents after your identity has been confirmed.
You may also be asked to attend an interview to confirm your identity. HM Passport Office says video interviews can take place online.
Once the passport is issued, the new passport and supporting documents may arrive separately.
Will I need a passport interview?
Not everyone needs an interview.
HM Passport Office may ask some first-time applicants to attend an interview as part of the identity-checking process.
If an interview is required, the applicant will be contacted after the application has been processed.
The purpose is to help confirm the applicant’s identity and ensure that the passport application is genuine.
Can I renew an existing UK passport online?
Yes. Adult passport renewals can be completed online.
For an online renewal, you generally need a digital photograph, a payment card and your existing passport.
GOV.UK currently lists the online adult renewal fee as £102.
You may also need to provide other passports if you hold valid passports from another country.
What documents do I need to renew my UK passport?
For a straightforward adult renewal, GOV.UK says you need your old passport and any valid passports you have from another country.
Depending on the circumstances, you may send a colour copy of every page of another valid passport or the physical passport.
If your name, personal details or circumstances have changed, additional documentation may be necessary.
What if my UK passport is expired?
An expired passport can be renewed, but you should not rely on an expired passport for travel.
GOV.UK advises applicants to check how much passport validity their destination requires before travelling.
The amount of validity required varies between countries.
It is sensible to check your passport’s expiry date well before booking international travel.
Can I renew my passport before it expires?
Yes. You do not necessarily have to wait until your passport has expired.
You may need to renew before travelling if the passport does not have sufficient remaining validity for your destination.
Entry requirements differ by country, so travellers should check the rules applicable to their destination.
What if my passport is lost, stolen or damaged?
Lost, stolen and damaged passports have different procedures from a straightforward renewal.
The GOV.UK passport service provides separate routes for replacing passports depending on what happened to the document and whether personal details also need to be changed.
Applicants should use the official replacement process rather than submitting a standard renewal if their passport has been lost or stolen.
Can I apply for a UK passport while living outside the UK?
Yes. British nationals living overseas can apply for or renew a British passport, but the supporting-document requirements can differ from applications made inside the UK.
GOV.UK publishes separate guidance for passport applications made from outside the UK.
The requirements can include photographs, current or previous passports, identity evidence, proof of address or residency, nationality documents and family documents depending on the application.
Applicants overseas should therefore follow the specific instructions for the country where they are applying.
What happens if I forget to send a required document?
Missing supporting documents can delay an application.
For overseas applications, GOV.UK states that applicants may be contacted for missing or additional documents.
If the requested information is not provided within the specified period, the application can be withdrawn without a refund.
For this reason, applicants should carefully review the document checklist before sending anything.
Do I need original documents?
For many first adult passport applications made in the UK, original supporting documents are required.
Photocopies are not accepted where the guidance specifically requires originals.
If an original certificate is unavailable, an official replacement may need to be obtained.
Different rules can apply to applicants outside the UK, so overseas applicants should follow the relevant country-specific guidance.
What if my documents are not in English or Welsh?
If your supporting documents are not in English or Welsh, GOV.UK says you need to provide a certified translation.
Applicants should make sure that both the original document and the required translation meet HM Passport Office’s requirements.
Can I travel while my passport application is being processed?
You should not assume that you can travel using a passport that is being replaced.
GOV.UK advises applicants not to book travel until they have a valid passport.
A new passport will also have a different passport number from the old one.
Anyone with upcoming international travel should therefore check their passport status and processing arrangements before making non-refundable travel plans.
Is there an urgent UK passport service?
Yes. GOV.UK provides information about urgent passport services, including the Online Premium and 1 Week Fast Track services.
Eligibility and availability depend on the type of application and circumstances.
If an urgent passport is needed, applicants should check the current official requirements rather than assuming that every passport application qualifies for expedited processing.
How can I avoid delays in my UK passport application?
The most effective approach is to provide accurate information and all required documents the first time.
Before submitting your application
- Confirm that you have the appropriate British nationality.
- Check whether you are applying for a first passport, renewal or replacement.
- Prepare the correct passport photograph.
- Check your personal and family information carefully.
- Gather the required original documents or other documents specifically accepted for your application.
- Make sure translations meet the requirements if applicable.
- Respond promptly if HM Passport Office asks for additional information.
- Avoid booking travel before your valid passport has been issued.
For online applications, the system provides instructions about the supporting documents required for your particular circumstances.
What is the easiest way to apply for a UK passport?
For eligible applicants in the UK, online application is a straightforward option because the process can be completed digitally and the system provides instructions about photographs, identity confirmation and supporting documents.
The current online fee for a first adult passport is £102, compared with £115.50 for a paper application.
However, the best application method depends on your circumstances.
Applicants with unusual nationality situations, lost documents, changes of personal details or overseas residence should carefully review the relevant GOV.UK guidance.
UK Passport Application Checklist
Before starting your application
- Eligibility: Confirm that you hold British nationality.
- Application type: Decide whether you need a first adult passport, renewal, replacement or another type of application.
- Photograph: Prepare a compliant digital photograph for an online application or printed photographs for a paper application.
- Identity: Be prepared to provide identity confirmation if required.
- Nationality evidence: Gather birth, adoption, naturalisation, registration or parental documents relevant to your circumstances.
- Previous passports: Keep your existing UK passport or other relevant passports available when required.
- Name changes: Prepare supporting evidence if your name or personal information has changed.
- Translations: Arrange certified translations for documents that are not in English or Welsh when required.
- Payment: Have a suitable debit or credit card available for online applications.
- Travel plans: Do not book travel based solely on an application being submitted; wait until you have a valid passport.
Final FAQ: Where should I apply for a UK passport?
The safest place to start a UK passport application is the official GOV.UK passport service, because requirements, fees and application procedures can change.
For current information, GOV.UK provides separate guidance for first adult passports, renewals, replacements, child passports and applications made from outside the UK.
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