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Online passport application form explained

You can fill in and submit your application online, but it's not complete until you have signed and returned the form with supporting documents. Before you start, check that the online form is suitable for you.

Who can use the online form

You can use the online form to apply for any type of individual UK passport. However, you should not use the online application form if you:

  • live outside the UK
  • need your passport within four weeks
  • need a collective (group) passport

If you live outside the UK, you need to apply through the UK consulate in the country where you live. Follow the link below for more information about how to apply for your passport from outside the UK.

If you need your passport within four weeks, you should look at the services set out in ‘Timetable for passport applications’.

For information on collective passports, see ‘Collective (or group) passports’.

Instructions for filling in the online form

The form includes help and detailed instructions at every stage.

When you have filled in and submitted the form, it is sent online to IPS. IPS then prints it and posts you the printout.

You should check your details and sign and return the form to IPS with:

  • your photographs
  • any supporting documents needed for your application

For information about what supporting documents you need to include, follow the link below for the type of application you are making.

Why IPS prints out the application form for you

IPS prints your application for you, because a standard home printer does not provide prints of good enough quality. If you printed it yourself, it is likely that your completed form would be unusable.

Why the whole application is not done electronically

In theory, you could email IPS your application form details, digital photos, scanned documents and a scanned or electronic signature. However, this service is not available for a variety of reasons, including:

  • most ordinary scanners are not able to send data that is accurate enough for IPS’s highly specialised equipment
  • there is an increased risk of fraud, especially identity theft, associated with the use of digital photos

Returning the form and noting your barcode number

Fees and how to pay

For advice on how much your passport will cost and how to pay, follow the link below

If you return the form to IPS by standard post, you should make a note of the application barcode number. This is the 10-digit number at the top of the front page of the application form. You will need to quote this if you make enquiries about your application.

If you return the form using the Post Office Check & Send service, you will be given a receipt when you hand over your application. Please keep the receipt as you will need it (or your application barcode number) if you make enquiries about your application.

For more information, see 'Checking the progress of your passport application'.

Useful contacts

Do it online