How to apply for a UK passport
Make sure you download and complete the correct application form. We accept forms printed in black and white. Use the guidance notes to help you with filling the form, and download IPS Guide to taking a good photo for your passport. Please note that when you are making an application for a British passport overseas, the background of the passport photograph required can be white. The photographs also do not have to be printed on plain white photographic paper. This differs from IPS requirements, but otherwise the information in the link is correct.
C1 Form
Only use this form if you are:
- aged 16 or older and
- a UK Citizen applying overseas or
- a British Overseas Territories Citizen or
- a British Overseas Citizen or
- a British Protected Person.
Do not use this form if you are if you are a British National (Overseas) with a close connection with Hong Kong.
Download C1 Form (PDF, 205KB, opens in new window)Download C1 Notes (PDF, 120KB, opens in new window)
C2 Form
Only use this form if you are:
- aged 15 or younger and
- a UK Citizen applying overseas or
- a British Overseas Territories Citizen or
- a British Overseas Citizen or
- a British Protected Person.
Do not use this form if you are a British National (Overseas) with a close connection with Hong Kong.
Download C2 Form (PDF, 70KB, opens in new window)
Download C2 Notes (PDF, 34KB, opens in new window)
BNO-A
Form
Use this form if you are:
- aged 16 or older and
- a British National (Overseas) with a close connection with Hong Kong.
Download BNO-A Notes (PDF, 40KB, opens in a new window)
BNO-B Form
Use this form if you are:
- aged 15 or younger and
- a British National (Overseas) with a close connection with Hong Kong.
Download BNO-B Notes (PDF, 40KB, opens in a new window)
All passport applicants must provide 2 identical passport photographs that meet the standard set out in the
Identity and Passport Service Guide to taking a good photo for your passport
All first time applicants
Born before 1 January 1983 in the UK
If you were born before 1 January 1983 in the UK you must provide:
- a photocopy of your current ID and
- your full UK birth certificate
Born before 1 January 1983 outside the UK
If you were born before 1 January 1983 outside the UK you must provide:
- a photocopy of your current ID and
- your original consular birth certificate or
- your original registration certificate or
- your father’s UK birth certificate and marriage certificate
Born after 1 January 1983 in the UK
If you were born after 1 January 1983 in the UK you must provide:
- a photocopy of your current ID and
- your full UK birth certificate and
- your mother’s full UK birth certificate or
- your father’s full UK birth certificate or
- your father’s birth certificate and marriage certificate
Born after 1 January 1983 outside the UK
If you were born after 1 January 1983 outside the UK you must provide:
- your full foreign birth certificate and
- a photocopy of your current ID or your previous travel document and
- your mother’s full UK birth certificate or
- your father’s birth certificate and marriage certificate
Children born after 1 July 2007 outside the UK
If the passport is for a child born after 1 July 2007 outside the UK you must provide the child’s:
- full foreign birth certificate and
- mother’s full UK birth certificate or
- father’s full UK birth certificate
Renewing your passport or changing information in your passport
If you are applying to renew your passport or change information in it, in addition to the documents, you must also provide:
- your current passport or
- your old passport - the passport that has expired.
Changing to your husband’s last name
If you are married and wish to change to your last name to your husband’s last name or want your passport to have the observation ‘the holder is also known as’ you must provide:
- your original marriage certificate and
- your old passport.
Changing back to your maiden name
If you are divorced and wish to change your last name back to you maiden name you must provide:
- your original birth certificate and
- your original divorce certificate.
Changing your name
If you have changed your name by Deed Poll you must provide:
- your original Deed Poll.
Information on how to apply for a British Passport