Like applying for any official document of identity, there is specific criteria to determine your eligibility. Additionally, you will need to supply identification documents to prove your identity at the time of application. A UK Birth Certificate or Adoption Certificate are some of the documents that you will need.

Firstly, let’s take a look at what are the criteria to apply for a British Passport.

Eligibility for British Passport

If you’re a British citizen with the right status, then applying for your own passport should be easy. But there are some situations in which an application could be declined – let’s explore these now!

You may not be eligible for a new British passport or your existing passport may be retained if:

• Your travel has been restricted by a court order or the court order prevents you holding a valid passport
• You have bail conditions preventing you leaving the UK
• You currently have a EU or UN order that prevents your travel
• You are the suspect in a serious crime and an arrest warrant has been issued

When you apply for your passport, criteria such as above shall be considered as a routine part of determining if you are entitled to being issued one.

British Nationality

As an applicant for a new British passport or to renew an existing one, your nationality is another essential factor. You must be one of the below:

• British Subject
• British Citizen
• British Overseas Citizen
• British Overseas Territories Citizen
• British National – Overseas
• British Protected Person

Official Documents you will need to apply:

Criteria for the documents you supply:

• Your supporting documents must be original documents. Photocopies are not accepted
• If you do not have your original birth certificate, then you will need to Apply for a Official Copy of your Birth Certificate.
• If your birth certificate or other documents are not written in English or Welsh you will require a Certified Translation.

How to get your first adult passport UK:

If you were born BEFORE 1st January 1983:

You will need to submit a Original Birth Certificate or an Official Replacement Birth Certificate or your original Adoption Certificate or an Official Replacement Adoption Certificate

If you were born on or after the 1st of January 1983:

You will need to submit an Original Birth Certificate or an Official Replacement Birth Certificate or your original Adoption Certificate or an Official Replacement Adoption Certificate

You will also require one of the below documents:

• An official copy of your mother’s or father’s Full UK birth certificate, or the Home Office Certificate of registration or naturalisation.
• A British passport in the name of one of your parents that was valid at the date of your birth
• Or a British passport number for one of your parents.
• Evidence that supports one of your parents’ status of immigration into the UK at the date of your birth (example – a foreign passport in the name of your father or mother which was valid on the date of your birth

It is important to note that if you use documents relating to your father, a copy of your father and mother’s marriage certificate will also be required to be produced.

Applying online for your first Adult Passport UK

When you apply online you will require additionally:

• A digital photo of yourself
• A person who can confirm your identity
• The above-supporting documents outlined
• A credit or debit card

Once you have everything in order to commence your application you proceed to the Official Government Secure website to commence your online application.