How can I get my passport right the first time

For this reason it is important to take the time to ensure that the form is filled out correctly the first time. Here are the main steps to ensure you fill in your passport form correctly and it does not get returned by HM Passport Office:

1. Get a passport form and read the instructions

Before you start filling out the form, make sure you read the instructions booklet that comes with the form carefully. This will help you understand what information is required and the format in which it should be provided.

We also advise to get two copies of the form, in case you make a mistake. You can get this form from your local Post Office branches (must be a main town office, not a corner shop small post office branch)

Or order a passport form by phone that will be posted to your address within 3-5 working days.

2. Gather the necessary supporting documents

For some types of application you will need to provide the correct supporting documents, see below for a guide to help with this:

Adult First Time Passport Application

• Sections [1],[2],[3],[4]

• Also Section [5] (If any of the applicants parents were born after 31st December 1982, or were born outside of the UK)

• Countersign is required, see more about who can countersign my passport?.

• Two passport-sized photographs, if you are applying online you can take this on your phone or upload via your computer during the application process, however you will need to follow the passport photo guide.

• Birth or Adoption Certificate (Must be original full version from a registry office, scans/photocopies not accepted)


Adult Renewal Passport Application

• Sections [1],[2],[3]

• Countersign is only required if: The passport is lost, stolen, damaged (beyond reasonable wear and tear) or you have changed drastically in appearance from your old photo, see more about checking if you need a countersign.

• Send off your existing passport (even if expired), this does not apply for lost or stolen passports


Child renewal passport form

• Sections [1],[2],[3],[4]

• Countersign is required, when choosing a counter-signatory for the childs passport, it is important to note that the individual must know of the child but they must have known the parent (who is applying on behalf of the child and who has signed the passport form) for 2 years and not the child. See more about who can countersign my passport?.

• Two passport-sized photographs, if you are applying online you can take this on your phone or upload via your computer during the application process, however you will need to follow the passport photo guide.

• Send off your existing passport (even if expired), this does not apply for lost or stolen passports


Child first time passport form

• Fill in Sections [1],[2],[3],[4]

• Also Section [5] (If any of the applicants parents were born after 31st December 1982, or were born outisde of the UK) If you need more information in regards to foreign parents and british passports.

Countersign is required, when choosing a counter-signatory for the childs passport, it is important to note that the individual must know of the child but they must have known the parent (who is applying on behalf of the child and who has signed the passport form) for 2 years and not the child. See more about countersigning passports

• Birth or Adoption Certificate (Must be original full version from a registry office, scans/photocopies not accepted)

3. Fill out the passport form correctly

Make sure you fill out all the required fields on the form. Double-check that all of the information is accurate and spelled correctly.

If you make a single letter mistake you can fill in the [box] in all black and continue to the next letter, however you are also only allows 3 of these character mistakes on the passport form, see mistakes on passport forms for more.

4. Sign the passport form in the box provided

Make sure you sign the form in the designated area. Your signature must match the one on your identity documents.

(!) Important: make sure you keep your signature within the box provided, if you go outside or even touch the outer edge your application will be rejected and sent back to you, which could delays your application for 1-2 weeks.

Also check in regards to the passport-counter-signer

5. Send the passport form via special delivery

Once you have filled out the form, make sure you submit it to the HM Passport Office, you can use the envelope provided with the form which is pre-addressed to HM Passport Office.

When sending the letter you can either send it standard post or:

Send Special Delivery, this way it will guarantee to get to the passport office within 24 hours and you can track its progress (!) Do not use only the recorded post service as this only tracks when it arrives and is not a guaranteed within 24 hour service.

Or you can use the Post Office check and send service (see below).



By following these steps, you can ensure that your passport application is filled out correctly the first time and is not rejected by the HM Passport Office.

Do you recommend the Post Office Check & Send?

If you are still ensure and want someone to double check the form prior to sending off you can use the Post Office Check & Send Service. However, there are a few important things that most of us don't know about this service that are worth considering before visiting your local Post Office.

(!) The Check & Send Service is not a Fast-Track Service

Contrary to popular belief, the term "Check & Send" is often confused with the term "Fast-Track" when people think of applying or renewing their passport. When using the Post Office Check & Send service, it is important to bear in mind that it is no different than filling in the form and posting it yourself via a post box. In reality, it will still take 3-4 weeks to process, and if your application is for a first-time passport, this can sometimes take 4-5 weeks to process.

In essence, the Check & Send service is just that - they will check your application form for errors and omissions, but will simply send it via 2nd Class Post once the service is provided. Therefore, please keep this in mind when using this service, it is simply a checking service nothing more.