How to Get a UK Passport: Apply and Prepare

What You’ll Need

Requirements vary with your circumstances and the kind of application. Use the official GOV.UK passport service to check the current instructions before submitting anything. In general, prepare:

Your personal details, including your current address and details of any previous passports.
A digital passport photo for an online application, or printed photographs that meet the stated rules for a paper application.
Documents HM Passport Office requests to establish your identity, British nationality, or entitlement to a passport. The documents depend on how you became a British citizen and your application history.
A suitable payment method for the application route. Check the official service for the current fee before you apply; do not send cash unless the instructions specifically say to.
Access to a person who can confirm your identity, if the service asks for a countersignatory. This is not required for every application.

Documents may need to be originals, and some may be returned separately from your passport. Do not send documents until you have checked the application instructions for where and how to submit them.

Step-by-Step

Check that you can apply. A UK passport is for people who hold British nationality with the relevant entitlement. Having a UK address, living in the UK, or being born there does not by itself establish eligibility in every case. If your nationality or status is unclear, follow the GOV.UK guidance or contact the Passport Adviceline before applying.
Choose the right application. Select first adult passport, child passport, renewal, replacement for a lost or stolen passport, or a change to passport details, as appropriate. A first passport generally requires more evidence than a straightforward renewal. Do not treat a lost or stolen passport as a routine renewal: report it using the official procedure, even if it has expired.
Use the official application service. Start from GOV.UK and follow the links to apply online or download the relevant paper form. Avoid unofficial websites that imitate government services or charge extra for completing a standard application. Read each question carefully and use your details as they appear on your supporting records.
Fill in all requested information. Provide accurate names, dates of birth, addresses, nationality details, and information about previous passports. Explain differences in names or records when asked. If a question does not fit your circumstances, use the service’s guidance rather than guessing or leaving a required field blank.
Provide an acceptable photo. For an online application, upload a recent digital image that follows the official photo rules. For a paper application, use photographs that meet the printed instructions and write identifying details on the back only if instructed. Avoid filters, shadows, glare, head coverings that are not permitted by the guidance, and images where your face is obscured.
Arrange identity confirmation if requested. Some applications require another person to confirm your identity and may ask that person to complete a declaration or respond to HM Passport Office. Check the current eligibility rules for the confirmer; being a friend or relative is not automatically enough. Do not assume that every applicant needs one.
Submit the requested evidence. Send only the documents specified for your case, in the format and to the address given. If applying online, follow the instructions for posting originals; if applying by post, include the requested items with the form. Keep copies or a record of what you sent, but do not send extra paperwork “just in case” unless asked.
Pay and submit your application. Check the amount and accepted payment method on the official service, then complete payment as directed. Fees and processing arrangements can change, so rely on the live GOV.UK page rather than old forms, search snippets, or advice from a third-party site. Save the application reference and any confirmation.
Track progress and respond promptly. Use the tracking details supplied with your application. HM Passport Office may contact you for more information, an interview, or further evidence. Reply through the method and within the timeframe stated in its message; check that messages are genuine if anything seems suspicious.
Check the passport when it arrives. Confirm that your name, date of birth, photograph, and other printed details are correct. Follow the enclosed guidance for signing the passport, if required, and keep it in a secure place. Do not book travel on the assumption that an application will be completed by a particular date unless you have verified the current processing advice and allowed for possible delays.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong application type: A first passport, child application, renewal, and replacement can require different evidence. Choose based on your actual circumstances, not just whether you have held any passport before.
Assuming birth in the UK guarantees eligibility: Nationality rules can depend on a parent’s status and other details. Check official guidance instead of relying on birthplace alone.
Sending a non-compliant photo: Cropping, lighting, background, expression, and image quality all matter. Follow the current photo checker and instructions rather than editing a casual picture.
Leaving out evidence or sending the wrong version: An incomplete application can be delayed. Read the checklist generated for your specific application, including instructions about originals and translations.
Applying through an unofficial site: Start at GOV.UK so you use the correct forms, contact details, and payment process.
Booking travel too soon: An application may take longer if checks or extra documents are needed. Do not rely on a hoped-for arrival date.

Tips

Begin with the GOV.UK passport pages and make a checklist tailored to your application before completing the form.
Check that your photo and supporting documents are ready before you start, and enter names exactly as shown on relevant records.
Use a secure, trackable postal service if the instructions permit or recommend it, and retain proof of posting.
Keep your application reference, copies of the form where available, and a record of messages from HM Passport Office together.
If you need to travel urgently, check the official urgent-service options and eligibility. Availability and appointment arrangements can vary, and an urgent service is not suitable for every case.

Troubleshooting

Your application is delayed: Check its status using the official tracking route and look for requests for additional information. Processing times are estimates, not guarantees; avoid sending duplicate applications unless HM Passport Office tells you to.

You made a mistake on the form: If you have not submitted it, correct the answer before continuing. If it has already been sent, contact HM Passport Office using the official contact information and explain the error. Do not submit another application to try to fix it.

Your photo or documents are rejected: Follow the specific instructions in the rejection message, which may ask for a replacement photo or further evidence. Check that any replacement meets the stated format and deadline.

Your passport is lost or stolen: Report it through the official GOV.UK process as soon as possible. You will generally need to apply for a replacement, and reporting it helps prevent the document being used by someone else. If it is found later, follow the official instructions rather than trying to use it.

You cannot establish eligibility or obtain a document: Contact the Passport Adviceline or follow the relevant nationality guidance on GOV.UK. Explain what evidence is unavailable and ask what alternatives, if any, are accepted; do not substitute unrelated documents without confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a UK passport?

Processing times can change and vary with the application and any extra checks required. Check GOV.UK for the current estimate, and avoid making travel plans that depend on an unconfirmed completion date.

Can I apply for a UK passport from outside the UK?

Yes, eligible British nationals abroad can apply, but the process and document instructions may differ by location and application type. Start with the GOV.UK guidance for overseas applicants.

Do I need someone to countersign my passport application?

Not always. HM Passport Office asks for identity confirmation for some applications; the application service explains whether it applies and who can act as a confirmer.

Can I renew my passport before it expires?

Yes. You can apply for a renewal before expiry, and the remaining validity on the old passport may not simply carry over in all circumstances. Check the official renewal guidance before choosing when to apply.

What should I do if my passport is lost abroad?

Report it using the official GOV.UK process and follow the instructions for a replacement or emergency travel document. Contact the relevant British consular service if you need help while overseas.

Can I travel while my passport application is being processed?

You may need to send in your current passport as part of the process, and you cannot use a passport that has been cancelled or reported lost. Check your application instructions and travel-document requirements before making plans.

Further reading: HM Passport Office. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.