A passport is your ticket to exploring the world, and you won’t get very far from the UK without one. Only the queen is allowed to travel overseas with no passport (because, officially, she issues them), and with Brexit around the corner, UK residents now need a passport for even more countries. But what documents do you need to get a passport?
Whether you’re applying for your first passport or sorting out a passport renewal, getting your documents in order is the first step. This guide breaks down exactly what’s needed, from the documents required for a passport to tips on renewing your passport online. With the right info, you can avoid delays and get your application moving fast.
List of documents needed for a UK passport application
All the documents listed below must be originals, not photocopies. We often help with getting copies of documents certified, but the rules are different for passport applications – you will need original documents or ‘official’ copies.
We do however, offer a notarised translation service for documents that are not written in English or Welsh.
If you were born or adopted in the UK before 1983, you will need…
- Your original full birth certificate, or an official copy
- OR your original adoption certificate (or official copy)
A full birth certificate should have details about your parents, as well as details about yourself. If you need to order an official copy of your birth certificate, you can do so from here. Costs will vary depending on your circumstances.
If you were born or adopted in the UK during or after 1983, you will need…
- Your original full birth certificate, or an official copy
- OR your original adoption certificate (or official copy)
You will also need one of the below documents, as well as the above, to get your passport:
- Your mother’s or father’s full UK birth certificate
- Their Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation
- A British passport belonging to one parent, valid when you were born
- A British passport number for one of your parents
- If you don’t have the above, you will need evidence of a parents’ immigration status in the UK at the time of your birth e.g. a foreign passport belonging to one of your parents, which was valid when you were born
If you send documents relating to your father, you also need to send your parents’ marriage certificate.
If you were born outside the UK and have a certificate or naturalisation/registration, you will need…
- Your naturalisation or registration certificate
- The passport you used to come into the UK, or the foreign passport you’re included on
You will need original copies of both of the above documents. A naturalisation or registration certificate is given to a person when they are granted British citizenship. If you need a replacement, you may be able to get one from here.
If you were born outside the UK, are a Citizen of a British overseas country, and were born before 1983…
- Your birth certificate, or an official copy from the country of your birth
- Your current passport AND the passport you used to come into the UK
You will need original copies of all three of the above documents. British Overseas citizens (or BOCs) are British nationals and Commonwealth citizens, but not British citizens. The nationality gives favoured status if residing in the UK, but no automatic right of abode. There are currently around 12,000 BOCs with active British passports.
If you were born outside the UK, were born before 1983, and your father was born in the UK…
- Your full birth certificate, with details of your parents
- Your father’s birth certificate, or an official copy
- Your parents’ marriage certificate, or an official copy
- The passport you used to come into the UK or foreign passport you’re included on
If you need an official copy of your parents’ birth or marriage certificate, you can order one from here.
If you were born outside the UK, during or after 1983, you will need…
- Your full birth certificate, with details of your parents
- Evidence that one of your parents is a British citizen e.g. their birth certificate
- The passport you used to come into the UK or foreign passport you’re included on
If you send documents relating to your father, you also need to send your parents’ marriage certificate, showing what year he married your mother. This is because, in 1983, new immigration rules were introduced, relating to marriage.
If none of the above apply to your circumstances, you can read the official guidance booklet for more details.
What documents do I need to renew my passport?
Once you have a British passport, the passport renewal process is usually much simpler than applying for one for the first time. Depending on how quickly you need it and how comfortable you are with technology, you have two main options: renewing your passport online or using a paper application.
Renewing your passport digitally
Renewing your passport online is the fastest and easiest method. You won’t need to submit any physical documents, but you will need a digital passport photo, a credit or debit card, and your current passport to complete the application. You can renew your passport here on the official government website.
Renewing your passport the old-fashioned way
If you want to renew your passport without using a computer, with paper application forms, you can get these from any Post Office with a Check and Send service. Or, you can call the Passport Adviceline and ask them to send you a form.
You will need to fill in your card details in the form, or send a cheque, along with two printed passport photos.
Will I need extra documents for an emergency passport?
An emergency passport is also known as an “emergency travel document”, and can be applied for if you can’t get a new passport in time. They are often used by British nationals stranded outside of the UK, who have lost their passport, or have had it stolen. Passports take weeks to be given or renewed, so these documents are essential for emergencies.
Please note that emergency travel documents usually can’t be given if you’ve never had a UK passport before.
To get an emergency travel document, you will need the following documents…
- Proof of your travel plans, for example booking confirmations
- Detailed descriptions of where you plan to travel to and when
- Whatever documents are needed for the country you’re in
If you’re stranded in another country without a passport, you may need to visit the British embassy or consulate.
An “emergency passport” may also refer to people in the UK needing to get a proper passport urgently. This is a separate thing from an emergency travel document. You can apply for a passport urgently if you need to travel for compassionate reasons (e.g. a funeral), travel urgently for work, or urgently need a passport to prove your identity.
To apply for a passport urgently, you will need the following documents…
If you’re in the UK and need a passport quickly, for example, due to a bereavement, work commitment, or identity requirement, you can apply for a 1-week Fast Track or Same Day Premium service. These are not emergency passports, but fast-tracked versions of the passport renewal or application process. You’ll still need to provide the standard documents required for a passport, including proof of identity, a recent photo, and your existing passport if you’re renewing.
Documents required for a change of name in a passport
If you change your name, you need to get a new passport. This also applies if you change your gender or your appearance through plastic surgery. The most usual for a name change is getting married – you will need to send your marriage or civil partnership certificate when you apply for a new passport. Or, send a ‘passports for newlyweds and civil partners’ form signed by the registrar, if you’re applying for a post-dated passport prior to getting married.
If you’re getting divorced
If you’re getting divorced, multiple documents are needed to change the name on your passport.
- Your birth certificate
- Your decree absolute
- Your marriage certificate showing your old and new names
- An official document showing you’re using your new name
- A statement saying you’ve returned to your previous name ‘for all purposes’, signed by you
If you’ve changed your gender
You will also need to get a new passport if you have changed your gender. You’ll need to send either:
- Your gender recognition certificate
- Your new birth or adoption certificate, showing your new gender
- A letter from your doctor, confirming the change is likely to be permanent
- If you’re sending the letter from your doctor or medical consultant and are also changing your name, you will also need to send a deed poll, and evidence that you are using your new name in documents
If you’re changing the spelling, or adding a title
Accepting a knighthood, or changing your name from Brian to Bryan? You’ll need to send two of the following:
- A bank statement showing your new name
- A driving licence showing your new name
- A letter from the government or council
- Your baptism or confirmation certificate
If you’ve changed your name for another reason
For any other reasons for a name change, you will need either a deed poll, a statutory declaration, or an affidavit. You will also need to send proof that you’re using your new name (such as a payslip), and any previous name changes.
Further information about changing your name or details can be found on the government website.
Why do passport documents need to be originals?
Passports are one of the most important documents you can carry, and not sending original supporting documents can delay the process of getting one. Whether you’re applying for your first passport or going through a passport renewal, if you have your original documents, you must send these, not photocopies, not even certified copies. If you have lost a document, such as your birth certificate, you need to order an official copy. This is one of the key documents required for a passport application.
Will I get my documents back after applying for a passport?
It’s natural to be reluctant to hand over your original birth or marriage certificate, or the original birth certificate or marriage certificate of a parent. If the document has sentimental value, you may wish to order a duplicate to use.
Documents are sent back separately from your passport. If they haven’t arrived a few weeks after renewing your passport online or by post, it’s a good idea to follow up with HM Passport Office.
Can a notary help with documents needed for a passport?
A notary can certify documents for use abroad, and can create a certified copy of your passport, but can’t help with certifying documents for a passport application itself. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.
Need a concrete example? Read our dedicated blog about moving to Russia from the UK.
Contact MSC Notaries for more information
While we don’t offer services or advice on applying for a UK passport, we can ensure your documents are properly notarised and authenticated to meet the requirements for foreign applications. Contact us today for more information.
Alternatively, you can give us a ring on our number at 0208 907 2699, where you will be able to speak with us directly. From apostilles to solicitor services, our team work around the clock to help with our customers’ issues and queries.
What document do I need for a passport FAQs
Can I use a digital photo for my passport?
Most passport agencies require a printed photograph if you are applying in person, or a digital copy if you are applying online. However, these must meet strict requirements such as a high-resolution, well-lit image. Also, a white background with no shadow is required with even lighting.
Do children need different documents for a passport?
The process for gaining a passport for a child, or under the age of 16, is more detailed compared to an adult application. You will need:
- Original birth certificate
- Completed passport application form (must show up in person at the passport acceptance facility)
- Both parents/legal guardians valid IDs
- A recent passport-sized photograph with the correct background and lighting
- Passport payment fee
See more on securing a passport in the UK for your child here.
What is the current wait time for a passport in the UK?
Usually, in the UK, it will take 3 weeks for your passport to arrive. However, there can always be delays or setbacks, but authorities should notify you of this within the 3 weeks. It’s also worth noting that if you are applying from another country, it’s likely it will take longer than 3 weeks.
