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LawSentis is a Level 3 IAA immigration specialist providing clear, practical support across UK visas and ILR/citizenship, asylum and human rights protection, family and student/work routes, sponsorship licences, and Innovator Founder visas with business plan preparation. We combine legal precision with hands-on case management to maximise success and reduce delays. Book a free consultation to discuss your case today.

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First British Passport

  • Innovator Founder Visa
  • Sponsorship Licence
  • Self-Sponsorship Visa
  • Skilled Worker Visa
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
  • EU Settled Status
  • Visa Processing
  • UK Ancestry Visa
  • Family Permit EU
  • Family Member Visas
  • Translation and Apostille
First British Passport
Indefinite Leave to Remain
10 Years Lawful Route
EU Settled Status

Completing your journey to British citizenship

Receiving your first British passport is the final step after obtaining British citizenship. This essential travel document confirms your status as a British national and secures your right to live, work, study, and rent in the UK. It also serves as official proof of identity and allows you to travel freely in and out of the UK without facing immigration controls.

1. First Adult Passport

Who can apply?

You may apply for your first adult British passport if you meet the eligibility requirements for an adult British passport.

  • You are a British citizen by birth, descent, or naturalisation.
  • You are aged 16 or over (or will be within three weeks).
  • You have never held a UK passport before.
  • Your last UK passport (if ever issued) was before 1 January 1994.

An adult passport is valid for 10 years. If you still hold a child passport after turning 18, you must apply for an adult version.

How long does it take?

It usually takes around 3 weeks to receive your first British passport. However, HM Passport Office advises applicants to allow up to 10 weeks during busy periods, so you should not book travel until you have received your passport.

Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview to confirm their identity.

How to apply?

There are several ways to apply depending on whether you are inside or outside the UK:

Inside the UK:

  • Online application: £94.50
  • Paper application via Post Office: £107
  • Optional fast-track services: 1-week service (~£178), 1-day premium service (£222).

Outside the UK

  • Online: £108
  • Paper: £120.50

You may also use the Post Office Check & Send service for an additional fee if you want your application reviewed before submission.

The passport interview:

First-time applicants may be asked to attend a short interview of around 20–30 minutes to confirm their identity. During the interview, HM Passport Office staff may ask questions about your background, address history, family, or other personal details. This process is designed to verify your information and prevent identity fraud.

If you have another passport:

If you are a dual national, the name and gender on your non-British passport must match those on your new British passport. Update your foreign passport before applying if details differ, to avoid delays.

2. Child Passport

Who can apply?

You may apply for a child British passport if your child is under 16. A parent or someone with legal parental responsibility must make the application. If details of one parent cannot be provided (for example, in cases of sole custody or adoption), you must explain this clearly with supporting evidence.

How long does it take?

Child passports are normally issued within around 3 weeks. However, HM Passport Office advises allowing up to 10 weeks during busy periods, so you should not book travel until the passport has been received.

Application process:

  • Online application (UK): £61.50
  • Paper form (Post Office): £74.00
  • Children aged 12–15 must sign the form themselves.

If applying from outside the UK, applications must be submitted online, and documents sent by courier to HM Passport Office.

Required documents:

To apply for a child passport, you must provide:

  • The child’s full birth or adoption certificate.
  • Evidence the child is a British national.
  • Any previous foreign passport belonging to the child.
  • Proof of parental responsibility (e.g., marriage or adoption certificates).

All documents must be original or official copies. Photocopies or uncertified copies will not be accepted.

How LawSentis can help

At LawSentis, regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), we provide specialist support for clients applying for their first British passport.

Our services include:

  • Eligibility checks — confirming you meet requirements.
  • Document verification — ensuring you submit the correct originals.
  • Application guidance — completing online or postal forms without mistakes.
  • Interview preparation — helping you prepare for HM Passport Office questions.
  • Child applications — supporting parents in gathering the right evidence.
  • Urgent cases — guiding you through fast-track or premium services.

With LawSentis, your passport application will be error-free, professionally managed, and stress-free.

Final thoughts

Your first British passport is not just a travel document; it is proof of your new status, identity, and rights as a British citizen. The process may seem simple, but delays are common if applications are incomplete or documents are incorrect.

At LawSentis, we make sure your application is accurate, compliant, and processed as quickly as possible. From adults applying for their first passport to parents securing travel documents for their children, our team is here to support you at every stage.

Book a consultation with LawSentis today to complete the final step of your British citizenship journey.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.

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You can apply for a first British passport once you have become a British citizen. This may happen automatically at birth in the UK if your parents were settled or citizens at the time, or through naturalisation or registration later in life. Children born abroad may also qualify if they acquired British citizenship by descent.

When applying for your first passport, you must provide evidence of your British citizenship such as a naturalisation or registration certificate, or a UK birth certificate if you qualify through birth. In addition, you will need proof of identity, parental documents if relevant, and two compliant passport photographs. In some cases, a countersignature from a recognised professional is also required.

Processing times for a first passport are generally longer than renewals, usually around six to ten weeks. Because urgent and fast-track services are rarely available for first passport applications, it is important to apply well in advance, especially if you are planning to travel.

Yes, children under 16 can apply for a first British passport, but the application must be made by a parent or legal guardian. The documents required will depend on how the child became a British citizen, whether through birth in the UK, parental nationality, or through registration or naturalisation.

At LawSentis, we provide complete guidance on applying for a first British passport. Our advisers can confirm whether you or your child are eligible, prepare the necessary evidence, and assist in more complex cases such as children born overseas, dual nationality, or adoption. We ensure your application is presented correctly, reducing delays and increasing the chance of approval the first time.

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