British Passport First Time Application Requirements

Requirements for First Time Applications – British passports or birth registrations through descent

• Applicant’s original full birth or naturalisation – See Explanation of certificates here.
• Applicants born in South Africa – See Explanation of certificates here.
• Applicant’s current passport or an Identity Document or driver’s license, as long as the applicant’s details and photograph are on the document.
• Father of applicant’s original full birth or naturalisation certificate – See Explanation of certificates here.
• Mother of applicant’s original full birth or naturalisation certificate – See Explanation of certificates here.
• Parents of applicant’s original full marriage certificate – See Explanation of certificates here.
• Father and/or Mother of applicant’s British passport/s if available (a colour photocopy of the photo/biometric page will be accepted)

Additional Documents needed – if applicable

• Name change – An official original name change document from the relevant department (or deed poll) must be submitted if the applicant uses a different first and/or middle name or a different last name/family name to the one on the birth certificate.
• If the name change is through marriage, provide an original full marriage certificate*. If the applicant was married more than once, provide all original relevant divorce, death and marriage certificates – *See Explanation of certificates here.
• Dual Citizenship – Applicant must submit a full colour copy (every page including blank pages) of any current or expired passport/s (non – British passport) from other countries that haven’t been cancelled. The United Kingdom allows dual citizenship.
• Naturalisation – If anyone was naturalised inside the UNITED KINGDOM (applicant/father/mother) submit an original certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen or as a citizen of the United Kingdom.
• Parents of minors – any court orders (for example that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements).
• If an application is submitted from a country that is not the country where the applicant was born, provide the passport or travel documents used to enter the country where applying from. Also provide an explanation why not applying from the country of birth (if this applies).
• Proof of identity – ONE of the following that has your photo on it:

Non-British passport that hasn’t expired, national identity card (a colour photocopy will do), any government or local government produced document.

Each new application is unique with different requirements; therefore, an applicant will be advised what documents will be needed when submitting a completed application form.