British Passport Application

A British passport serves as an official document confirming both the identity and citizenship of UK nationals and is essential for international travel. It is also widely recognised as a reliable form of identification within the UK. An application for a British passport is necessary if you are a first-time applicant, or if your previous passport has expired, been lost, stolen, or damaged. Our specialist team of immigration solicitors can provide legal help and assistance with your application for first British passport or renewal of your British passport

Specialist Solicitors For British Passport

You can apply for British passport if you are already a British citizen by birth, naturalisation or registration. Our specialist team of immigration solicitors can expert legal advice and representations for your application for British passport. Ask a question to our immigration solicitors for free immigration advice or book an appointment for detailed immigration advice and consultation concerning your application for British passport.

Sunrise Solicitors offers expert support at every stage of the application process, helping to ensure accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind. Contact us today and begin your British passport application process with our expert passport application solicitor.  

Eligibility Criteria for a British Passport 

To apply for a British passport, the following requirements must be met: 

• British Nationality

The applicant must be a British citizen or hold another eligible form of British nationality, such as British Overseas Territories citizen or British Overseas citizen. 

• Minimum Age for Adult Passport

For an adult passport, the applicant must be at least 16 years old or turning 16 within the next three weeks. Children under 16 require a separate child passport application submitted by a parent or guardian. 

• Proof of Identity and Nationality

Applicants must provide valid documents proving their identity and British nationality. This may include a full UK birth certificate, certificate of naturalisation, or registration documents. 

• Passport Photo Requirements

A recent passport photo that meets the UK’s official photo standards must be provided. 

• No Legal Restrictions

There must be no legal barriers such as court orders or travel bans that would prevent the applicant from receiving a passport. 

How to Apply for a British Passport 

Applying for a British passport involves a few steps, whether you are applying for the first time, renewing an expired passport, or replacing one that has been lost or stolen. Following the process carefully helps ensure your application is completed smoothly and without delay. 

Select the Application Method 

Applicants may apply either online or using a paper form: 

• The online method is quicker and more convenient, allowing for digital form submission and payment. 
• The paper application can be obtained from the Post Office or requested through the Passport Advice Line. 

Both methods require the same documents and photographs. 

Gather the Required Documents 

Before completing the application, collect all the necessary documents. These may include: 

• Proof of British nationality (e.g. full UK birth certificate or certificate of naturalisation) 
• Proof of identity 
• Additional documents if applicable (e.g. for a name change or a child’s application) 

Ensure all documents are originals and meet the UK Passport Office’s guidelines. 

Complete the Application Form 

Provide accurate and complete personal details, including: 

• Full name, date of birth, and contact information 
• Current address 
• Relevant details about parents (for certain applications) 

Review all entries carefully. Mistakes or missing information may lead to delays or rejection. 

Provide Passport Photographs 

Submit a recent passport-style photograph that meets the official UK requirements. Photos must be: 

• Taken against a plain light background 
• Clear, in focus, and correctly sized 
• Free from shadows or reflections 

For online applications, a digital photo may be uploaded as long as it complies with the same standards. 

Pay the Application Fee 

Fees vary depending on the type of passport and application method: 

• Online applications are generally more affordable 
• Payment may be made online or by post, depending on the method selected 

Ensure the correct amount is paid, as underpayment will delay processing. 

Submit Your Application 

• Online applications are submitted instantly through the official website. 
• Paper applications must be posted to the address provided on the form. Use a tracked or signed-for service to ensure safe delivery. 

Keep a copy of the application reference number or postal receipt for tracking purposes. 

Documents Required  

British Passport Referees 

When applying for a British passport, some applicants will need a referee to help confirm their identity. A referee is someone who knows the applicant personally and can verify that the details and photograph provided are accurate. This adds an extra level of security to the passport application process. 

Who Can Act as a Referee 

To be accepted by HM Passport Office, a referee must meet the following conditions: 

• Must be a British citizen and hold a valid British or Irish passport 
• Must be 18 years or older 
• Must have known the applicant personally for at least two years 
• Must be able to confirm that the passport photo is a true likeness of the applicant 
• Must not be related to the applicant or live at the same address 

Referees should be professionals such as teachers, doctors, civil servants, engineers, or accountants. A full list of accepted professions is available on the UK Government website. 

What a Referee Must Do 

The referee will need to complete part of the application, depending on how the applicant applies: 

• For online applications, the referee will receive a secure email link to confirm their details and answer questions about the applicant. 
• For paper applications, the referee must sign the back of one passport photo and complete a declaration confirming they know the applicant and believe the information is correct. 

Referees are expected to be honest and accurate. Providing false information is a criminal offence and may result in legal consequences. 

Choosing the Right Referee 

Applicants should select someone who meets all the requirements and is willing to complete the process. It is important to inform the referee in advance, provide them with the applicant’s full name and purpose of the application, and ensure they understand what is expected especially if the application is being submitted online. 

Cost of British Passport  

The cost of a British passport depends on the type of passport you are applying for and whether you choose to apply online or by using a paper form. 

• For adults aged 16 and over, the standard 34-page passport costs £94.50 when applying online and £107 when applying by paper form. If you need a 54-page frequent traveller passport, the cost is £107.50 online or £120 using the paper method. 
• For children under the age of 16, the standard 34-page passport costs £61.50 online and £74 by paper form. The 54-page frequent traveller passport for a child cost £74.50 online and £87 by paper form. 
• Applicants who were born on or before 2 September 1929 are eligible to receive or renew a British passport free of charge, regardless of the application method. 

If you apply from outside the UK or need an urgent passport, different fees will apply. 

How Long Does the Passport Application Process Take? 

Most British passport applications are processed within 3 weeks from the date your documents are received. However, it may take longer if additional information is needed or if you are asked to attend an interview. 

The processing time begins only after HM Passport Office has received all your required documents, not when you complete the online form or visit the Post Office. 

If you need your passport urgently, there are faster services available for an extra fee. These include: 

• The 1-Week Fast Track Service 
• The Online Premium Service 

These faster options are available for passport renewals, replacements, and child passport applications. However, they cannot be used if you are applying for your first adult passport, as those applications require more detailed identity checks. To avoid delays, it is recommended to apply well in advance of any planned travel. 

How to Track Your British Passport Application 

After submitting your British passport application, it is important to stay informed about its progress. Tracking your application helps you stay updated and respond quickly to any requests or issues that may arise during the process. The UK government offers reliable tracking options for both online and paper-based applications. 

Tracking an Online Application 

If you applied online, you will receive a unique application reference number once your submission is complete. This number allows you to log into the official HM Passport Office online tracking service, where you can view real-time updates on the status of your application. 

The system will show key stages such as when your documents have been received, when your application is being reviewed, and when a decision has been made. You will also receive email notifications at each stage to help you stay informed without needing to check manually. 

Tracking a Paper Application 

If you submitted a paper application, it is recommended to send it using a tracked postal service so you can confirm delivery to HM Passport Office. Once your application has been received, you can track its progress using the reference number included in your confirmation letter or application pack. To check the status of your paper application, you may need to contact the Passport Advice Line, where trained staff can provide updates based on your reference number. 

British Passport Validity and Renewal 

A British adult passport is valid for 10 years, while a child passport is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If your passport has expired, is due to expire soon, or has been lost or damaged, you can apply for a renewal or replacement.  

The fees for renewing a British passport within the UK are as follows: 

• Adult renewal (online application): £88.50 
• Adult renewal (paper application): £100 
• Child renewal (online application): £57.50 
• Child renewal (paper application): £69 

Please note that these costs apply to standard 34-page passports. Additional charges may apply if you choose a 54-page frequent traveller passport. 

You should also factor in any extra fees if you choose to use the Post Office’s Check and Send service, which helps in reviewing and submitting your application. Additionally, you may incur costs for new passport photographs, which must meet official UK standards. It is advisable to renew your passport well before you plan to travel, as some countries require at least six months of passport validity for entry. 

How Can We Help?

We can represent you in your application for British passport and carry out all the work on your application until decision is made by the HM Passport Office (HMPO) on your British passport application. The casework to be carried out by our immigration solicitors in relation to your application for British passport will entail the following:

• Assessing your eligibility to British passport by considering your nationality status;
• Advising you on the relevant laws, procedures and requirements for an application for British passport;
• Advising you on the relevant documents to be submitted in support of your British passport application;
• Completing the relevant  application form for British passport application;
• Preparing cover letter in support of your British passport application explaining in detail your eligibility for British passport;
• Submitting the application for British passport to HM Passport Office (HMPO) and liaising with the HM Passport Office until decision is made by the HM Passport Office on your British passport application.

How Much We Charge?

Unless your application is very complicated, our fees for an application for British passport are as given in the fee table below:

The agreed fixed fee will depend on the complexity of your application for British passport and the volume of casework involved in the application. In addition to our fixed fee for British passport application, the applicant will also have to pay the the passport application fee to HM Passport Office (HMPO).