Author: Steve Williams
Applying for a First Adult passport can be a trying and lengthy process, but one can reduce the length of time spent waiting and reduce the stress by either making sure all of the documents that must be sent are in order and ready for review or by simply using a pre-check service.
Source: Wikipedia
Necessary Documents
Depending on the date of birth of the applicant, the requirement for documents may change. A major requirement is that any sent documents must be originals, not photocopies and not certified copies. If date of birth is before (not on) the 1st January 1983, then only a birth or adoption certificate is required. If date of birth is on or after the 1st January 1983, then there is a choice of documents to send. A UK citizen is required to send a parent’s birth certificate, with a Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation, and either a British passport belonging to one parent that was valid on the date of birth, or a parent’s British passport number (the application form contains instructions for where to write this).
In addition to this, a passport application must be acquired, either online (one will be mailed to you once you apply), from a Post Office that offers the appropriate service, or by ordering one from the Passport Adviceline. With the application, there must be two photos of the applicant included, the photos must follow the rules about passport photos. A countersignatory (someone who signs your application and one photo as a declaration) is only required if it is a first adult passport, a replacement, a renewal for a child aged 11 or under or if the applicant’s physical appearance has changed greatly since the previous application.
The UK passport certification process can take some time, at least 3 weeks is to be expected if you do not use the services for urgent delivery. Be aware that, there is also a 30-minute interview process after documents are sent off where you will be asked questions to verify your identity.
Passport Renewal
The most standard interaction with HM’s Passport Office is to request a renewal of a passport. For an adult, you only have to follow the standard steps for the renewal (send documents and application form) and ensure that if you meet any criteria for a countersignatory then to obtain one. For a child’s application for renewal, the standard application form must again be filled in, there are no extra requirements beyond what is already outlined.
Same Day and Urgent Passports
If there is a rush to travel away then a speedy passport delivery can be requested, the requirements for this is that an appointment must be booked with HM’s Passport Office (formerly Identity and Passport Service), this appointment can be up to 3 weeks from the day of booking after which you need to order either a Premium or Fast-Track application. To use these, you must bring all necessary documents with you, and there is a fee for either service. Premium guarantees the passport within 4 hours, while Fast-Track guarantees it within 1 week.
Please note that the Premium service is unavailable for replacing a lost adult or child passport, and is unavailable for a child’s first passport.
As long as the rules described here are followed, then the UK passport certification experiences should be stress and trouble-free.
