Passport Application Forms & Ways To Apply

Many factors can have an impact on your method of passport application from if it is an adult or child application, if you are applying from the UK or abroad, if you have already booked your travel and it is within the next 4 weeks, has your passport been lost, stolen or damaged? Please be aware or all of these factors when applying to ensure you use the correct service for your requirements.

How to apply or renew my passport by POST

If you would like to apply for your new passport by post you will first need to obtain a paper application form from your local Post Office. Please ensure you use a larger Post Office branch as smaller branches will not stock these applications.

We recommend you collect more than one application in case of mistakes and errors on your application, you are only allowed 3 character mistakes per application otherwise it will automatically be rejected by The Passport Office.

Once you have completed your application in full using BLACK ink and in CAPITAL letters you will need to check if you require a countersignature on your passport. If you do and are unsure how to go about this you can see more information on countersigning your passport photos here.

Not every application will require someone to countersign their application but every application needs to have 2 passport sized photos included with your application you can view our full guide here

Another thing to remember is to ensure you have included all of the relevant supporting documents in with your application. If you do not have the correct documents this may lead to delays and more expense. Documents that may be required include birth certificates, marriage or civil partnership certificates or documents relating to any name changes.


Who can apply?

You can apply by post if you would like one of the following:

• First time adult/child passport
• Renew adult/child passport
• Replace lost, stolen or damaged passport
• Name changes

Please note: You can not apply by post if you are outside of the UK, you will need to apply for an emergency travel document


How much will it cost?

You may have recently read about the price increases to passport applications, postal applications is now the most expensive way to apply for your passport and will cost you £12.50 more than applying online.

You can find out more about the increase in passport prices here


How long will it take?

The average time scale for applications via post will be 2-3 weeks from date they are sent, please be aware that we are currently in peek season so this will increase to 3-4 weeks.

Please note: If you need your passport within the next 4 weeks we recommend using our urgent services as there is no guarantee on when you will receive it if you use the regular postal service.

How to apply or renew my passport ONLINE

Since the introduction of online applications, we are finding many more of our customers are now choosing this method over traditional postal applications. Not only is it is a fast and convenient way of applying or renewing your passport it is also allows you to apply on the go as and when you have time.

To apply online you must ensure you have all of the relevant information to hand, including all names, parent's details and grandparent's details if applying for a child as well as a credit or debit card along with a printer.

When filling out your details online please check all spelling before submitting as errors may cause delays and may incur additional costs.

Once your application has been submitted online you will be sent your Declaration Form via email, once you have received this you will need to print, sign and date this form and send it in the post (along with any required supporting documents such as photos, birth certificates and/or proof of name changes).


Who can apply?

You can apply by post if you would like one of the following:

• First time adult/child passport
• Renew adult/child passport
• Replace lost, stolen or damaged passport
• Name changes

Please note: You cannot apply by post if you are outside of the UK, you will need to apply for an emergency travel document


How much will it cost?

As we have previously stated there has been a price increase for all passport applications, however, whereas postal applications have increased by £12.50 online applications have online increased by £3.00 making applying online far more cost effective.

You can find out more about the increase in passport prices here


How long will it take?

The average time scale for applications via post will be 2-3 weeks from date they are sent, please be aware that we are currently in peek season so this will increase to 3-4 weeks.

Please note: If you need your passport within the next 4 weeks we recommend using our a href="https://www.passports-office.co.uk/booking.asp">urgent services as there is no guarantee on when you will receive it if you use the regular postal service. You cannot apply by online if you are outside of the UK, you will need to apply for an emergency travel document

Get a passport URGENTLY

If you require your passport quickly or you have booked travel within the next 4 weeks we would recommend using our urgent 1 week Fast-Track or 1 day premium services. This means that you will need to book an appointment in advanced at one of the local Passport Offices listed below:

• London
• Liverpool
• Birmingham
• Belfast
• Durham
• Glasgow
• Newport
• Peterborough


Services on offer include:

• 1 week Fast-Track service including Children (Renewal or First Time), Lost, Stolen or Damaged Passports
• 1 Day Premium Service only available for individuals aged 16 or over


Please note: Appointments are not available for adults (aged 16 or over) that have never had a passport before. If this is the case you will unfortunately have to use the postal service.

You can book an urgent passport appointment, to do so find a local passport office

Since 2016 HM Passport Office now requires all urgent appointments to be booked and paid for in advance, this reduces queuing times and missed appointments to avoid delays on the day.

Once your appointment is booked online, you will receive confirmation via email and text message this will include details of your appointment date and time, along with additional information on what to bring with you to the appointment.


How long will it take?

When attending the appointment it will last approximately 15-20 minutes, if you have opted for the 1 Day Premium Service then you will be given a receipt and will be asked to return after 4 hours to pick up your new passport. If you have opted for the 1 week Fast-Track Service then your new passport will be delivered to you within 7 days via secure courier service (please note that this 7 day period does include weekends however bank holidays may effect this timeframe).

Please note: You cannot use these urgent services if you are outside of the UK, you will need to apply for an emergency travel document


For more information on applying or renewing your passport you can get up to date information on a range of passport topics with our passport guides and information