The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has one standard form for all types of individual passport applications. It comes with full instructions, whether you fill in the paper version or complete it online. Learn how to get the form and what fee and supporting documents you need to send IPS.
It costs £77.50 for a standard 32-page ten-year adult passport. If you were born on or before 2 September 1929 your passport is free of charge. You can find more detailed information in the section 'Passport fees, how long it takes and urgent applications'.
You can get the form in four ways. You can:
You need to sign the form yourself and should also get it countersigned at section 10.
The person you ask to countersign should be someone who has known you for at least two years. They must:
They should work in a recognised profession or otherwise have good standing in the community. You can find a list of suitable professions by following the link below to 'Who can countersign your application?'
You should ask the same person to certify one of your photographs. They do this by writing on the back:
They must then sign and date the statement.
IPS needs to see original documents that prove you are British. IPS does not accept photocopies of documents.
IPS normally accepts laminated documents for change of name purposes only, but documents that are laminated for Braille labelling are acceptable for all types of application.
A birth certificate is not considered absolute proof of identity. Even if you were born in the UK, IPS may ask to see further documents.
You may need to supply extra documents in this case. You should check by following the link below.
If you were born in the UK before 1983, IPS needs to see your UK national identity card or your birth or adoption certificate.
If you were born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983, IPS needs to see your UK national identity card or your full birth or adoption certificate showing your parents' details and one of the following:
IPS may ask for further documents relating to your parents.
In this case IPS needs two documents:
In this case IPS needs two documents:
In this case IPS needs four documents:
Note*: if you have a birth certificate issued by a British consulate or high commission abroad, you can send that instead of your parents' birth and/or marriage certificates.
If you were born before 1983 you cannot claim British nationality automatically through your mother.