Skip to content Accesskeys Newsroom

The application form, fee and supporting documents for a first adult passport

The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has one standard form for all types of individual passport applications. It comes with full instructions, whether you fill in the paper version or complete it online. Learn how to get the form and what fee and supporting documents you need to send IPS.

The cost of a first adult passport

It costs £77.50 for a standard 32-page ten-year adult passport. If you were born on or before 2 September 1929, your passport is free of charge. You can find more detailed information in the section 'Passport fees, how long it takes and urgent applications'.

The application form

How to get the application form

You can get the form in four ways. You can:

  • complete it online, in which case IPS will print out the completed form and send it to you to sign and return with supporting documents
  • collect it from a Post Office branch that offers the Passport Check & Send service
  • request it online and IPS will send you one in the post - allow up to five working days for delivery
  • call the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000 and ask IPS to send it to you in the post - allow up to five working days for delivery
  • The cost of contacting 08 and 03 telephone numbers (contacts section)

Who needs to sign it

You need to sign the form yourself and should also get it countersigned at section 10.

The person you ask to countersign should be a person you have known for at least two years. They must also:

  • be over 18
  • hold a current British or Irish passport
  • be willing to write their passport number on the form

They should work in a recognised profession or otherwise have good standing in the community. For a list of suitable professions, see 'Who can countersign your application?'

You should ask the same person to certify one of your photographs. They do this by writing on the back:

  • 'I certify that this is a true likeness of [Miss, Mr, Mrs, Ms or other title and your full name]'

They must then sign and date the statement.

Supporting documents

Order certificates online

Apply for for copies of birth, adoption or marriage certificates

IPS needs to see original documents that prove you are British. IPS does not accept photocopies of documents.

IPS normally only accepts laminated documents for change of name purposes. However, documents that are laminated for Braille labelling are acceptable for all types of application.

A birth certificate is not considered absolute proof of identity. Even if you were born in the UK, IPS may ask to see further documents.

If your name has changed or is about to change

If you've changed, or are about to change, your name, you may need to supply extra documents. See 'If your name has changed or is about to change - first adult passport' for more information.

If your name has changed or is about to change

If you've changed, or are about to change, your name, you may need to supply extra documents. See 'If your name has changed or is about to change - first adult passport' for more information.

If you were born or adopted in the UK

If you were born in the UK before 1983, IPS needs to see your birth or adoption certificate.

If you were born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983, IPS needs to see your full birth or adoption certificate. This has to show your parents' details. They also need to see one of the following:

  • your mother's UK birth certificate, Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation, or her passport that was valid at the time of your birth
  • your father's UK birth certificate, Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation, or his passport that was valid at the time of your birth and your parents' marriage certificate

IPS may ask for further documents relating to your parents.

If you were born outside the UK and have a certificate of naturalisation or registration from the Home Office

If you were born outside the UK and have a certificate of naturalisation or registration, IPS needs:

  • your naturalisation or registration certificate
  • the passport on which you entered the UK

If you were born before 1983 and are a citizen of a British overseas territory

If you were born before 1983 and are a citizen of a British overseas territory, IPS needs:

  • your birth certificate
  • your current passport

If you were born before 1983 but your father was born in the UK

If you were born before 1983 and your father was born in the UK, IPS needs:

  • your full birth certificate showing your parents' details
  • your father's birth certificate*
  • your parents' marriage certificate*
  • the passport on which you entered the UK

Note*: if your birth certificate was issued by a British consulate or high commission, send that instead of your parents' birth or marriage certificates.

If you were born before 1983, you cannot claim British nationality automatically through your mother.

Applying for an Irish passport

If you are an Irish citizen living in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland and you are applying for an Irish passport, you should fill out form APS 2. Use this form if applying for a new, renewal or replacement passport.

You can get the application form from the Irish embassy or consulate in the country where you live (or the closest embassy or consulate).  You can also request an application form APS 2 from the Citizens Information Board website.

A Passport Express service, including forms, is now available through more than 70 Post Office branches in Northern Ireland.

In all cases, you will need to return the appropriate application form with the correct fee as well as two approved-size passport photographs (one of which has been signed by the witness of identity identified on your particular form), proof of your Irish citizenship (where required) and your most recent Irish passport (if you have one).

Useful contacts

Do it online