BA
Written by Brad Askew
Legal Tech Founder
Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
We’re not a law firm — we help you find the right legal support. For advice on your situation, speak to a legal adviser or find a solicitor.
Updated April 2026 · England & Wales
←
Part of
Employment Law
BA
Written by Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
Updated May 2026
·
England & Wales
A UK passport is more than a travel document. It's a recognised proof of identity, a record of your citizenship, and for most people the single most useful thing in the bottom of their bag when they leave the country.
Whether you're applying for the first time, renewing one that's about to expire, or sorting out a passport for a child, the process has become largely digital but still trips people up on the small things: photo specifications, countersignatory rules, and supporting documents. This guide walks through what to expect, what to prepare, and where the common hold-ups happen.
It's written for British citizens applying from within the UK, though many of the same principles apply to applications made from abroad through HM Passport Office.
Overview
A UK passport is issued by His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO), an agency that sits within the Home Office. It confirms that the holder is a British national and allows travel across international borders. There are several categories of British nationality that can give rise to a passport, including British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, British subject, British national (overseas) and British protected person.
Most applicants reading this will fall into the British citizen category. Standard adult passports are normally valid for ten years, while child passports last five. The physical document contains a biometric chip holding the holder's photo and personal details, which is why the photo standards are so strict.
You can apply online through gov.uk, or by requesting a paper form if you prefer or cannot apply digitally. Fees differ depending on whether you apply online or by post, and premium or fast-track services are available at a higher cost when you need a passport urgently.
Key steps
01
Check you're eligible and gather your documents. Before starting, confirm your British nationality status and pull together what you'll need: your old passport if renewing, your full birth certificate if applying for the first time, and evidence of any name changes such as a marriage certificate or deed poll. Having everything ready before you start saves a lot of back and forth.
02
Get a compliant digital photo. The photo rules are specific: plain light background, neutral expression, no glasses, nothing covering the face, and taken within the last month. If you're applying online, you can upload a digital photo or use a code from a photo booth. Most rejections happen at this stage, so it's worth taking time over it rather than rushing.
03
Complete the application on gov.uk. The online form asks for your personal details, parents' details (for first applications), travel history if relevant, and payment. You'll also need to nominate a countersignatory if it's your first adult passport, a child's passport, or if your appearance has changed significantly. The countersignatory must meet HMPO's rules on profession and how long they've known you.
04
Send in supporting documents. Once you submit online, you'll be asked to post your old passport and any other required documents to HMPO. Use a tracked service. Keep the reference number from your application safe, as you'll need it to check progress or contact the passport adviceline.
05
Track progress and collect your passport. Processing times vary and can be longer during peak travel periods. HMPO publishes current turnaround guidance on gov.uk. Do not book non-refundable travel until your new passport is in your hand. When it arrives, check every detail, spelling, date of birth, photo quality, before you rely on it.
Common questions
QHow long does a UK passport application take?
HMPO publishes current processing times on gov.uk, and these change depending on demand. Standard applications have historically taken several weeks, though it can be longer in busy periods such as spring and early summer. Premium and fast-track services are available for a higher fee if you need the passport sooner, but availability of appointments varies. The safest approach is to apply well before any planned travel.
QCan I travel while my passport is being renewed?
No. Once you've submitted your existing passport to HMPO as part of the renewal, it's no longer valid for travel even if the expiry date hasn't passed. You won't get it back until the new one is issued. For this reason, if you have imminent travel plans, wait until you're back or use the fast-track service where possible. Do not post your passport off before a trip.
QWho can countersign my passport application?
A countersignatory must have known you personally for at least two years, hold a current British, Irish or Commonwealth passport, and work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession. They can't be a close family member, live at your address, or be in a relationship with you. HMPO's guidance on gov.uk lists acceptable professions. Ask early, as a reluctant or ineligible countersignatory is a common source of delay.
QWhat if my name has changed?
If you've changed your name since your last passport was issued, you'll need to supply evidence. That's typically a marriage or civil partnership certificate, a deed poll, or a decree absolute together with your birth certificate. For a first adult passport applied for in a new name, the documents need to show a clear chain from the name on your birth certificate to the name you want on the passport.
QCan I apply for a UK passport from overseas?
Yes. British citizens living abroad can apply through the online service on gov.uk, which routes the application to HMPO. Processing times and document return arrangements can differ from applications within the UK. Check the country-specific guidance on gov.uk before applying, because some countries have local courier or verification steps built into the process.
QWhat happens if my application is rejected?
Most rejections come from photo issues, missing documents, or problems with the countersignatory. HMPO will usually contact you to explain what's needed rather than simply refusing outright. Respond promptly with what they've asked for. If your application is refused on more substantive grounds, such as a dispute over nationality, the reasons will be set out in writing and you can ask for the decision to be looked at again.
QDo children need their own passports?
Yes. Every child, including newborns, needs their own passport to travel internationally. A child passport is valid for five years rather than ten. The application is made by someone with parental responsibility, and both the child's photo and a countersignatory will be needed. First-time child applications also require the child's full birth certificate and evidence of the parents' identities.
BA
Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Brad has a background in civil and commercial law and founded LegalDocuments.co.uk to make clear, reliable legal information accessible to everyone. This site is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not solicitors. For advice on your specific situation, please consult a qualified solicitor.
Legal helpline
Stuck on something with your passport application?
Passport applications are usually straightforward, but name changes, nationality questions, lost documents or tight travel deadlines can all throw a spanner in the works. An experienced legal adviser can talk through your situation on the phone and help you work out your next steps based on what you describe.
One call gives you
✓Plain-English answers to your specific questions about the application
✓Practical perspective on your situation if documents are missing or complicated
✓Help thinking through timings if you have travel booked
✓Clarity on what to do next based on what you describe on the call
£49
personal call, fixed price
2hr callback
Talk it through
→
How it works
Provided by Law Express Ltd, experienced legal advisers giving general telephone guidance.
Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Sat–Sun 9am–12pm
SponsoredWe may earn a commission if you buy a template through Net Lawman, at no extra cost to you. How we fund this site.
Matching UK template
Children's nanny contract: live in as employee
Professionally drafted UK template, editable in Word.
Download template
→
✓Written by UK legal team
✓Plain English, easy to edit
✓Instant download, money-back guarantee
Other versions:
