British Passport Applications

Wishing to apply for a British passport? Here's some guidance and advice.  British passports are issued only to British citizens and other British nationals. The applicant must satisfy HM Passport Office that he or she is a British national. The application forms needed when applying for a British passport are available free of charge from HM Passport Office.

If the claim to nationality is complex, such as through ancestry or colonial links, then a first-time passport application may require a status trace or Status Letter. Occasionally this may be needed for renewal.

A Status Letter is a letter from the Home Office confirming that they are satisfied that the person is a British national. If you seek a status trace or Status Letter or wish to find out if you are a British national or could become one, then request an evaluation.

Normally, we only assist with passport applications if a previous application was refused on the basis that an applicant does not possess the required citizenship. In these circumstances, we can help you prove your British citizenship before you reapply for a new British passport.

We do not assist with passport renewals.

If you are applying for a British passport (first time or renewal), you may find the information below useful.

Applying from the UK

Applications for British passports from within the UK can be made by applying directly to HM Passport Office. You do not have to use an agent or checking service.

If you are in the UK and you need some help with submitting your application for a British passport, you may wish to use the Check and Send service from a local Post Office.

Alternatively, for simple cases, you may wish to make use of the Citizenship Checking Service from a local council.

HM Passport Office

For simple queries from within the UK relating to applying for, renewing or replacing your British passport, HM Passport Office can be contacted on:

Tel: 0300 222 0000

Monday to Friday: 8 am to 8 pm.

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9 am to 5:30 am.

Or visit the HM Passport Office website.

Check and Send

The Post Office offers the Check and Send service from most branches in the UK. They will check the application form, and supporting documents and that you have paid the correct fee. Your application is then sent to HM Passport Office by Special Delivery.

The Check and Send service is free if you are eligible for a free British passport, i.e. if you are a British national and were born before 3rd September 1929.

Find my local UK post office offering Check and Send.

Citizenship Checking Service

Some local councils in the UK offer a Citizenship Checking Service which in some cases includes advice. The service is provided on a not-for-profit basis. This extent of this service varies from council to council.

Applying from outside the UK

If you are applying for a British passport from outside the UK, and outside a British overseas territory or the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, then applications are made online here: Overseas British Passport Applications

A form has to be completed online and submitted, and the declaration printed. An address of the passport office to which the paper application should be sent will be displayed and should be noted. This address will depend on the country from which you are applying.

HM Passport Office UK locations

You may still be able to obtain an emergency passport of limited duration from your nearest British representative (High Commission, Embassy or Consulate).

Applying from a British Overseas Territory outside the British Isles

If you are applying for a British passport from a British Overseas Territory, and you are a British Overseas Territories citizen or are seeking an emergency passport, you may apply to the relevant department of the government of that territory. You should be able to find details of this on the government website or your local post office. The British passport will be issued in the name of the territory.

If you are not a British overseas territories citizen then you should apply online here:

Overseas British Passport Applications

A form has to be completed online and submitted and then printed. An address of the passport office to which the paper application should be sent will be displayed – you must note this address down or print it. The printed form with signatures is sent with the documents requested to the address in the UK supplied. Note that a passport issued in the UK will be a United Kingdom passport and not a passport identified with the territory.

Applying from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands

If you are applying for a British passport from in the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands and resident there you may apply to the relevant department of the government of the Isle of Man, Jersey or Guernsey. You should be able to find details of this on the government website or your local post office. The British passport will be issued in the name of the territory. If you are not locally resident and not seeking an emergency passport then the process is the same as if you were in the UK, see above.

HM Passport Office UK locations

HM Passport Office, Belfast
Law Society House,
90 – 106 Victoria Street,
Belfast,
BT1 3GN

HM Passport Office, Liverpool
101 Old Hall Street,
Liverpool,
Merseyside,
L3 9BD

HM Passport Office, Durham
Millburngate House,
Durham,
County Durham,
DH97 1PA

HM Passport Office, Peterborough
Aragon Court,
Northminster Road,
Peterborough,
PE1 1QG

HM Passport Office, London
Globe House,
89 Eccleston Square,
London,
SW1V 1PN

HM Passport Office
Nexus House, Mission Court,
Newport,
NP20 2DW,

HM Passport Office, Glasgow
Cowcaddens,
Glasgow,
G4 0BT

To find out if you qualify for British nationality and may apply for a British passport, please complete the form below!

PASSPORTIA IS

  • A citizenship law specialist
  • Successful with complex claims
  • Supporting multiple countries
  • Fast, flexible and precise

I am very grateful for all your excellent work on my complicated case for British citizenship. My British passport arrived last week, and will make a huge difference to my life. I publicly recommend you to others. Thank you again.

F.J. - London, UK