2
Read the information in this section to find out
which type of passport you need to apply for
and what sections you need to fill in. There are 5
different types of application; these are explained
on pages 2-4.
The Child box is for under 16s.
The Adult box is for those 16 or over and those
turning 16 within the next 3 weeks.
Adult passports are normally valid for 10 years
and child passports are normally valid for 5 years.
How to fill in each section of the paper application form
Top tips before you fill in your form
1
Get it right
̐ Don’t book travel until you have your
passport.
̐ We cannot accept responsibility for travel
you book before it arrives. We do our best,
but cannot guarantee to return your
passport within a certain time.
̐ Go to www.direct.gov.uk/passports to find
out how long it is likely to take for your
passport to arrive.
̐ We won’t send you an acknowledgement
of your form.
̐ If you want to check progress with your
application please leave three weeks before
contacting us.
̐ We deal as soon as we can with applications
sent through Check & Send and post.
However, we don’t guarantee we will get the
passport back to you within a certain time.
Can I download a new application form?
No, but you can fill in an application form
online at www.direct.gov.uk/passports and
we will print and post it to you to sign and add
your photographs and supporting documents.
Some of the boxes are small, can I
write outside them?
No. See the example below.
First and middle names
Signature – (keep within the border)
NW
O
RBNHOJ
I’ve made a mistake on the form,
what should I do?
Cross out any mistakes. Do not use correction
fluid. If you make more than three mistakes
on any line or do not provide a clear signature
in section 9, you will need to fill in a new form.
Do I need to send in photos?
Yes, two photos. See page 16 for more advice.
Can I send in a photocopy of a
birth certificate or other supporting
document?
No, you must send in the original. See page 12
for the correct documents.
What is an ‘old blue’ passport?
This is a passport with a blue cover that was
issued in the UK up until 1989. You can’t renew
an expired ‘old blue’ style passport. You must
apply as a first-time applicant and send the blue
passport to us with your supporting documents.
I live abroad. Can I apply in the UK?
Visit www.fco.gov.uk and follow the link
for passports advice. If you do not have access
to the internet, contact your nearest embassy,
consulate or high commission. Do not use the
form that came with these guidance notes
unless you are visiting the UK and plan to replace
your passport while you are here.
I live abroad but I am visiting the UK,
can I apply during my visit?
Yes but you need a UK address we can deliver
your new passport to.
Will I need an interview?
Please see page 23 for more details.
When can I renew my passport?
You can renew your passport whenever you
want. You do not have to wait for it to run out.
We will add any period that your passport has
left to run (in whole months up to nine months),
to your new passport.
Do all applications need
a countersignatory?
No. Check page 10 to find out if you need one.
Things you need to know
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2
Get it right
̐ If you have previously held a British
passport as an adult or child that was
issued for five or ten years, it isn’t
damaged and you don’t need to change
any personal details, you need to apply
for a renewal.
̐ Put a cross in the Child box for under 16s.
Put a cross in the Adult box if you are
going to turn 16 in the next few weeks.
̐ Put a cross in the Adult box or Child box
in the Extension option if you are
applying for a full five- or 10-year
passport to replace a passport that was
issued for one year or less.
̐ Put a cross in the relevant ‘Changes
to your existing passport’ box. We will
send you a new passport and you should
pay the same as if you were renewing
your passport.
Adult application
An adult is 16 or over. If you are going to turn 16
in the next few weeks, put a cross in the Adult box.
Adult passports are normally valid for 10 years.
Child application
A child is under 16. Child passports are normally
valid for five years.
Renewal
This applies if your existing undamaged British
passport, your name and British national status
have not changed. If you are renewing a Child’s
passport, put a cross in the Child box if they
are under 16 or Adult box if they are 16 or over.
(Please see ‘Changes’ below if your appearance
has changed.)
First British passport
This applies if you have never had a British
passport before or you were previously
included as a child on someone else’s passport.
This includes those who were not British at
birth but have gained naturalisation or
registration as a British national and are
applying for their first British passport.
Replacement
This applies if you want to replace a British
passport that has been lost, stolen or damaged.
Extension
If your last passport was issued for one year
or less, put a cross in the Extension box.
Changes
This applies to a change in your name, photo
(including where you cannot be recognised
from your current passport photo) or British
national status.
What is a 48-page passport?
A standard passport is 32 pages. If you are a
frequent traveller and need extra space for visas,
select ‘48-page passport’ on the application
form. This is not available for children.
Section 1: What type of passport are you applying for?
How to fill in each section of your application form
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Complete your paper form in CAPITAL LETTERS
and BLACK ballpoint pen only.
Do not write outside the white boxes or outside
the signature borders.
AVOID DELAYS
If you make a mistake, cross it out. Do not
use correction fluid. If you make more than 3
mistakes on any line or do not provide a clear
fill out a new form.
If your form needs countersigning, your
countersignatory must also write in the
white boxes and sign within the signature
box at section 10.
TOP TIP
To help you find information quicker
throughout this booklet, we have given each
type of passport a logo. If you look through
this booklet you will see the logo at sections
that you need to be aware of.
Renewal
This applies if:
your existing British passport is not damaged
AND
your name, date of birth, place of birth, gender,
appearance and nationality has not changed
Renewal
Sections to complete
Adult
16 or above*
1 2 3 9
Child
Under 16
1 2 3 4 6
If aged
12-15**
9
* Or about to turn 16 in the next 3 weeks
** Or about to turn 12 in the next 3 weeks
Section 10 must be completed for:
all children aged 11 or under
everyone who is not recognisable from their previous passport photo.
The countersignatory must complete section 10 and correctly certify one of your photos.
See countersignatory section on pages 13-14.
Section 1: Which type of passport do you need and sections to complete