Applying for your first adult passport can be pretty confusing with all of the forms and documents you need to fill out and send.
This article will take you through how to apply for a passport, countersignatories, passport photos and identity interviews.
Filling out the form
The easiest way to apply for a passport is online but you can also complete a form which is available from your local Post Office. However, it is cheaper to do it online.
You will need to fill out some information about yourself including:
- Your personal information such as name, date of birth, address and place of birth
- Your parent’s details
- Details of any previous passports
Countersignature
If you are applying for your first child or adult passport, replacing a lost or stolen passport, renewing a child passport, extending a passport or you cannot be recognised from your photograph you will need someone to countersign your passport to confirm your identity. This person is known as a ‘countersignatory’.
A countersignatory will confirm that your details are correct and that the person in the photograph is you. They will need to read over your passport application and provide their name, address, passport number and contact details.
A countersignatory must have known you professionally for 2 years, live in the UK, have a valid British passport and be a professional person:
Examples of professional occupations include:
- Accountant
- Solicitor
- Social Worker
- Teacher
- Member of Parliament
- Lawyer
- Civil Servant
- Company Director
- Minister of a recognised religion
A countersignatory cannot be a member of your family or work for HM Passport Office. Your GP cannot sign the form unless they know you extremely well I.e they are a friend.
Passport Photos
When applying for a passport you will need to supply two photos that have been taken within the past month.
In the photo you must be:
- Facing the camera
- Have a neutral expression I.e no smiling, laughing or frowning
- If you are wearing glasses there must be no reflection or glare. The frames must not cover your eyes. HM Passport Office actually recommends that you take your glasses off.
- Not wearing any head covering unless for medical or religious reasons.
- Not wearing anything that covers your face. You must also make sure your hair is not hanging over your face.
The photo must be on a plain white/cream background, have no shadows or objects in the background and be printed on high-quality paper.
You can get a passport photo taken at photo booths (you can usually find them in supermarkets or shopping centres) or taken by a photographer.
How long does it take and how much does it cost?
An adult passport costs £75.50 if you apply online and £85 if you apply using the paper form. The process usually takes around 3 weeks but this can increase to 6 weeks if it is your first passport.
However, if you need to get a passport quickly I.e for compassionate or work reasons you can get an urgent passport although these cost more.
Identity Interviews
People over 16 years old who are applying for a passport may be asked to attend an identity interview to confirm that the information provided in your application form is genuine.
This will take place at a passport office and usually lasts around 30 minutes.
You will be asked a series of questions about yourself such as an address, place of birth, your family or your career. If you are not sure of an answer say so or ask them to clarify the question. Do not make anything up as this could impact your application.
A passport interview can be nerve-wracking but remember they are there to help you and stop fraudsters trying to use your identity to get fake passports.
