Can I apply/renew a Passport without parents details?

First time adult passport

For first time adult passport applications, the applicant must provide the details of both parents, including their full name, date of birth and place of birth. If the applicant's parents are not British citizens, then the applicant must also provide their parents' passport numbers.

First time child passport

For first time child passport applications, the applicant must provide the details of both parents, including their full name, date of birth and place of birth. If the applicant's parents are not British citizens, then the applicant must also provide their parents' passport numbers.

Lost, stolen or damaged passport

For lost or stolen passport applications, the applicant must provide the details of both parents, including their full name, date of birth and place of birth. If the applicant's parents are not British citizens, then the applicant must also provide their parents' passport numbers.

It is important to note that parents' details are not required for all passport applications. For example, if the applicant is renewing an existing passport then parents' details are not required (unless it is lost, stolen or damaged).

When applying for a British passport, it is important to make sure that all the required information is provided. If parents' details are required, then it is important to make sure that all the necessary information is provided accurately and completely as if you miss any information from the sections or make a mistake on the passport form this can cause delays.

How do I get a passport if I don't know my parents?

If you are applying for any of the passport application types above, then you will need to provide the details of both parents. This includes their full names, dates of birth, and nationalities.

(!) However, if you are applying for a passport for a child who has only one parent listed on their birth certificate, then you will only need to provide the details of that parent.

It is important to note that if you are applying for a passport for a child who has two parents listed on their birth certificate, then you will need to provide the details of both parents. This includes their full names, dates of birth, and nationalities.

(!) If you are unable to provide any information even in regards to parents' place of birth, passport number etc that are also on the birth certificate, please refer to Section 8 or provide a letter addressed to the passport office stating the reasons as to why, explain in as much details as possible.

Do I also need to provide grandparents details?

If both parents were born after 31 December 1982 or were both born abroad you must also provide the grandparent's details in Section 8 or on a separate piece of paper.

The same also applies to the previous paragraph in relation to only needind to provide the grandparents details of the parents listed on your/the childs birth certificate, so in this case from one side of the family only.

(!) If both parents names are on the birth certificate then both Maternal grand parents and Paternal grand parents details will need to be provided, if the parents age meets the above requirements.

Adopted parents and passport forms

In the United Kingdom, when a child is adopted, nationality can be acquired through either parent. If the adoptive parents are of the same gender, the parent listed first on the adoption document should fill out the 'mother or parent 1' section, while the second parent should complete the 'father or parent 2' section, regardless of their sex.

For nationality purposes, the law defines 'mother' and 'father' as parents. Nationality cannot always be acquired through the national status of either parent, regardless of their sex. Therefore, it is essential that the appropriate boxes for 'mother' and 'father' are filled in correctly. No one in a parental role (including step-parents) that is not defined by 'mother' or 'father' should enter their details in Section 4.

More common questions in regards to child to adult passport applications

Can a 16 year old get an adult passport?

Once an individual turns 16, they are eligible to apply for an adult passport with HM Passport Office. An adult passport is a 34 page passport that is valid for 10 years. It is important to note that a child passport is only valid for 5 years, so if you are 16 or over, you can still use your old passport until it expires, but you may wish to obtain an adult one if you child passport is running low on pages or due to expire soon.

(!) Important, if you child is 15 and about to turn 16 within 2 weeks of applying for a new passport, HM Passport Office will not allow them to proceed with the child renew service or first time child passport. This is due to the fact that it is too close to the individuals birthday and due to the application and processing time of the passport and passport printing process they will not allow this if it it within the 2 week period.

Age for adult passport

To confirm you must be 15 years and 50 weeks to renew or 16 years of age in order to apply for a 10 year adult passport.

Who can apply for a first adult passport?

In order to apply for a first adult passport you must be over the age of 15 years.

(!) When applying for your first time passport as an adult you are not able to use any of the fast-track or premium one-day service.

When applying for your first time passport you will need the following:

Additional steps you need to complete if this is your first ever passport

• You need to fill in all sections of the passport form, including parents/grandparents details.

• You will need to provide supporting documents such as your original birth/adoption certificate and your current foreign passport (if applicable)

• You will need to either upload (if applying online) or send off two passport-sizes photographs, these must be taken within the last 30 days.

• You will need to find someone who can countersign your passport photos and form