Shabana Bukhari 
In today’s blog, readers will learn how to apply for a British passport or renew your existing one. Get the latest information on the application process, required documents, and expedited services to ensure a smooth and efficient passport acquisition or renewal experience.
Application process for a British passport.
If you have never had a British passport and wish to apply for one, follow the steps below:
- Ensure that you are eligible to apply for a British passport.
To be eligible for a British passport you must be a British national.
- Collate your supporting documents to send.
These supporting documents are necessary to test your eligibility for a British passport and can include marriage certificates, documents showing a change of name, birth certificates and proof of British citizenship.
- Fill out your application either online or paper form.
- Submit your application form and send this off via post or complete this online.
Pay the relevant fees depending on whether you have used post or online services.
- Send off supporting documents.
How to renew your British passport.
You may need to renew your British passport if your current British passport is encroaching towards its time for expiry you can do this online. Alternatively, your solicitor can help you with this in person. The UK Government website provides applicants with three easy steps to renew British passports which are set out below: Renew your passport online in 3 easy steps (accessible) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Ensure that you have your current British passport and a digital picture.
You can take a digital picture of yourself on your own device you have at home: Get a passport photo: Digital photos – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Alternatively, there are slightly different process for printed pictures of yourself: Get a passport photo: Printed photos – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Fill in the rest of your personal information and pay.
You can pay using either a debit or credit card: Apply online for a UK passport – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Send off your old passport.
Passport fees and expedited services.
Please note that applying or renewing your British passport online is cheaper than doing so through a paper form (by post):
Application fees for adults (those above the age of 16 years old) online or by paper form are around £80-£90. For children, these application fees are less and are around £50-£75. Those that are born on or before the 2nd of September 1929 can apply for free.
If you wish to use expedited services, such as the one week Fast Track or Online Premium services as you are worried that your passport will not arrive in time this will cost more: Get a passport urgently – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Finally, the supporting documents you must send as part of your application for a British passport will be sent back to you. If you wish to ensure they are returned via secure delivery this will incur a charge of an extra £5. Otherwise, they will simply be sent back to you free of charge via second class.
Processing times.
The Home Office advises that the processing times for both the renewal and first-time applicants for British passports are estimated to be around three weeks.
Refer to the above section if you wish to apply for expedited services making this standard turnaround of three weeks quicker.
FAQs
What is the application process for a British passport?
The application process for your first passport includes that you meet the eligibility criteria, collecting your supporting documents, filling out the application form either on paper or online, submitting this application and sending off your supporting documents.
When would I need to renew my passport?
You would need to renew your passport if it is encroaching the time of its expiry.
What ways can I apply or renew my British passport?
You can apply or renew your British passport via the post on a paper form or online.
How do I renew my British passport online?
You can renew your British passport online by firstly ensuring that you have your current British passport and a digital picture of yourself. Secondly, you must full in the rest of your personal information and pay. Finally, you must send off your old passport.
Will I get back my supporting documents after sending them off?
Yes, you will get your supporting documents back after sending them off. They will be sent free of charge to your address via second class post. However, there is also the option to pay an extra £5 to ensure these supporting documents are sent back to you visa secure delivery.
Is it cheaper to apply for a British passport online or via post?
It is cheaper to apply for a British passport online.
What are the standard processing times for a British passport?
The Home Office has stated that the standard processing times for a British passport is three weeks.
What happens if I wish to get my British passport quicker than the standard processing times?
If you wish to get my British passport quicker than the standard processing times then you can apply for either the one week fast Track or Online Premium services. However, please note that these services are more expensive than the standard processing times.
Summary
In this blog readers have learnt about how to apply or renew a British passport. We have focused on the application process, required supporting documents, and the ability to pay for expedited services.
Please contact our expert team at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for help and advice on British passport applications or renewals.
