What do you need to know for a UK passport interview?
After you have sent off your passport application form, you may be asked in for an interview.
(You won't be asked in for an interview every time you renew your passport, this will only happen under certain circumstances.)
Use this guide to help you understand why you have been or might be asked for an interview, along with what it involves and the questions you might be asked.
Most people won't need to be interviewed
Thankfully, there are only a few specific times when you'll be asked in for an interview, including when:you are applying for a passport for the first time and are over 16 years of age,or are an immigrant applying for your (first) UK passport.
The interview is used to confirm your identity
This interview is not to determine your citizenship status. That is done though many other ways, as outlined in our post British Passports: The Rules of Eligibility.The purpose of the interview is to confirm your identity.
This will be done through a series of questions, linked to the information and documentation you have supplied in your application.
Don't be nervous, this is an official interview but its not a high pressure situation. Cases where the Passport Office suspects fraud will be dealt with by fraud and police officials, not during the interview process.
Interviews will be held at local interview offices and last 10-20 minutes
There are around 69 local interview offices throughout the UK. This means that it will be easy for you to find a place near to you to have your short interview.Once you receive your UK passport interview letter, use the contact details to book in your appointment at a time that suits you. The whole interview process will only take about 10-20 minutes so you won't have to waste a whole day.
What kind of questions will you be asked?
During the interview, you'll be asked around fifteen to twenty questions. All these passport interview questions will revolve around facts about you and your life in the UK. These questions will all be taken from the information you provided during your application.You can expect to be asked:
• To spell your full name.
• Give your partner's date of birth (if applicable).
• Details of your current address & the length of time you have lived there.
• Your parent's marriage date (if applicable).
• Give the name, profession & age of the counter-signer of your application.
Need more help?
Talk to the Passport Office team
Lines open 8am-8pm
Need an urgent appointment?