Want to travel? If you’re a British citizen aged 16 or more, a British overseas territories citizen, a British subject, a British national overseas, or a British protected person, you need a valid UK adult passport to go abroad.

The process of applying for a UK adult passport for the first time is very straightforward. You just need to submit a properly completed application form with photos and supporting documents, and – as a first-time applicant – you may be asked to attend an interview at an office of Her Majesty’s Passport Office, which used to be known as the Identity & Passport Service.

It’s important to allow enough time for your passport to arrive. This generally takes between three and six weeks. But, to be on the safe side, it’s best not to book any travel until you’ve got your passport. Here’s a step by step guide on how to get your UK adult passport

How can I apply for a UK adult passport?

If you’re applying for a passport from within the UK, you can get an application form in one of three ways.

 

Apply online

You can apply for a passport online, by filling out an application form. Her Majesty’s Passport Office will then post it back to you to check and sign. You should allow at least a week for the form to be delivered.

 

Get a form from a Post Office

You can obtain a passport application form from any Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service. Find your nearest Post Office here.

 

Ask the Passport Advice Line

You can contact the Passport Advice Line at telephone 0300 222 and ask that an application form be posted to you. The Passport Advice Line operates from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 5:30pm on weekends and public holidays.

What do I need to include on the application form?

You’ll need to provide key information about yourself. You’ll have to cover things like your date and place of birth, address, spousal details, length of time living in the UK and eligibility details. You’ll also have to date and sign the application, and provide original supporting documentation – such as your birth certificate.

How much does a UK adult passport cost?

A passport costs £75.50 if you apply online, or £85 if you apply on a paper form through the Post Office. But, if you need to get a passport urgently, it may cost more.

What are the photo requirements?

With your application, you need to provide two identical photos of yourself. Both photos – and your passport application – will need to be countersigned by a member of a recognised profession, such as a doctor or a teacher, who can confirm that the photos are a true likeness of you.

There’s a strict criteria for passport photos. They have to be:

  • Professionally printed in color on plain white paper
  • 45 millimetres high by 35 millimetres wide
  • No older than a month
  • Taken against a plain cream or light grey background
  • Free of any creases or damage, and unaltered by computer software

Don’t wear a hat or sunglasses, make sure your hair isn’t covering your eyes, and keep a neutral expression. If you use the Post Office’s Passport Check & Send service, they’ll be able to check that your photos meet the requirements.

How long is a UK adult passport valid for?

A standard 32-page adult UK passport is valid for 10 years.

Will I be interviewed?

After receiving your application, Her Majesty’s Passport Office may write to you to request that you schedule an interview with one of its offices. But this is nothing to be anxious about. You can choose which office, based on where you’re located. During the interview, which generally lasts for about half an hour, you’ll be asked various questions just to confirm your identity.

After you schedule an appointment, try to ensure that you don’t miss the interview. If you do, you may have to start the application process again and pay another fee.

When will I get my new passport?

Your passport will be posted to you by courier or Royal Mail Recorded Delivery.

Once you receive your first adult passport, you’ll be able to apply for visas and travel outside the UK. Then the world really will be your oyster.

Once you’ve got your passport, you can start planning. Find a cheap flight and jet off somewhere exciting.