Qualifying for a free passport

If you were born on or before 2 September 1929 and are a British national, you could be eligible for a free passport. You'll need a full ten-year passport if you want to travel abroad, even if it is for just one day. It must be valid throughout the whole of your trip.

Applying for your passport

If you're a British national born on or before 2 September 1929 you can apply for a free standard 32-page ten-year passport from the Identity and Passport Service (formerly the UK Passport Service). This passport will be free whether it is a renewal of an existing passport or your first one.

You can apply for a refund of the standard passport fee if both the following apply, you have:

• applied for a passport since 19 May 2004
• you are eligible for a free passport

The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) can answer any questions about obtaining your free passport or applying for a refund on the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000. The line is open between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am and 5.30 pm on weekends and public holidays.

• Cost of contacting 03 and 08 telephone numbers (contacts section)

You can find full information about all aspects of passports and how to apply in the travel, transport and roads section.

• Passports (travel, transport and roads section)

If you wish to travel on an Irish passport for information about Irish passports and to check if you are eligible for a free passport visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

• Irish passport application forms - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website

How to apply: the basics

There are several ways you can apply. First you need an application form. You can either complete the form online or get a paper copy of the form by:

• sending an online request to IPS who will then send you a form
• collecting it from a Post Office Branch that offers the Check & Send Service
• calling the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000 to request one
• Cost of contacting 03 and 08 telephone numbers (contacts section)

If you live outside the UK you can only apply for a free passport in person when visiting the UK, or through your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. You cannot apply online or by post.

• Identity and Passport Service (contacts section)
• Replace or apply for a passport online (do it online section)
• Request a passport application form on the Directgov website
• Post Office Check & Send service - Post Office website

Online application

You can complete a passport application online on the Identity and Passport Service website. Once you have completed and submitted the online form (which includes full instructions), it will be returned to you to sign and date. You will then need to enclose the right photos and documents, before returning it to the Identity and Passport Service for processing.

• Replace or apply for a passport online (do it online section)

Passport Office

There are seven regional Passport Offices in the UK, which can provide extra assistance when contacted.

• Northern Ireland Regional Passport Office - (travel, transport and roads section)
• Regional Passport Offices - Directgov website

Help on the high street

Many Post Office branches provide a 'Check & Send' service. For a handling fee, they will check your passport application and forward all the relevant paperwork for the passport directly to the Identity and Passport Service.

• Post Office Check & Send service - Post Office website

How long does it take to get a passport?

Depending on how quickly you need your passport there are different ways you can get it:

• Standard applications: for standard service by post IPS recommends you allow at least three weeks for passport renewal
• Urgent applications: IPS can process urgent applications faster and offers a one-week and a same-day service at its Regional Passport Offices. If you use the faster non-standard services you may be able to get a free passport, but you will still have to pay a fee. There is also a small handling fee for the Post Office Check & Send service
• Timetable for passport applications (travel, transport and roads section)
• Table of passport fees, how to pay and refunds (travel, transport and roads section)

Travelling with your passport

When you're travelling with your passport, it's a good idea to:

• note your passport number, place of issue, issue and expiry dates in a safe place
• keep a photocopy of your passport detail page separate from your passport
• leave a photocopy with a friend or relative at home
• write the full details of your next of kin in your passport
• keep your passport in a safe place when you're abroad

If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate immediately.

• Find an Embassy - Foreign and Commonwealth Office website  

More useful links

• Passports (travel, transport and roads section)
• Replace or apply for a passport (do it online section)