How to apply for first British passport: the simple guide
Newly naturalised and ready to travel? This practical, updated-for-2025 guide shows exactly how to apply for your first British passport without delays.
In 10 clear steps, you will learn what to do after your citizenship ceremony, the documents to prepare, how the online application works, countersignature rules, realistic timelines, and urgent options. Use the checklists and pro tips to avoid costly mistakes.
Updated for 2025: What to know before you start
If you have just become a British citizen, you can start your first passport application as soon as you receive your naturalisation certificate. HM Passport Office (HMPO) must be satisfied of your identity, nationality and entitlement before issuing a passport, which can involve additional checks for first-time applicants.
Important: Do not book non-refundable travel until you receive your passport. First-time applications can take longer due to security and entitlement checks, and you may be invited to an interview.
Eligibility context: Naturalisation typically requires lawful residence, freedom from immigration time restrictions, passing the Life in the UK Test, and meeting language and good character requirements. If you are still on your journey, see our complete guide to British citizenship.
Post-ceremony essentials: Return your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within five working days of receiving your certificate and update records promptly. See our post-ceremony checklist.
Security checks: HMPO validates identity, nationality and entitlement before issuing a passport. Extra evidence can be requested if something is unclear.
When to apply after your citizenship ceremony
You can apply immediately after your ceremony once you have your naturalisation certificate. Typical processing aims are within several weeks, but allow up to 10 weeks for a first passport. Do not make travel plans until your passport is in hand and you have checked it for accuracy.
Returning your BRP and updating records
If you held a BRP, you must return it within five working days of receiving your naturalisation certificate. Failing to return it can lead to a penalty. Returning your BRP does not affect your passport application timeline, but it is a legal requirement and avoids record conflicts that may trigger checks.
Want a deeper dive on BRPs? Read: Your biometric residence permit: work, rent, travel rights.
Documents checklist for a first passport application
Prepare your documents before you start to avoid delays. HMPO can ask for more evidence if anything is unclear. Send originals where requested and keep copies for your records.
Naturalisation or registration certificate (original).
Your current foreign passport (original), even if expired since ceremony.
Two identical passport photos that meet UK standards (one may need a countersignature).
Name change evidence, if applicable: marriage or civil partnership certificate, Deed Poll, gender recognition certificate.
Proofs of identity/address if requested, such as utility bills, bank statements or government letters. Certified translations for non-English documents.
Any previous travel documents or IDs that support your identity history.
Identity and nationality evidence
Your naturalisation certificate proves British nationality. Pair it with your current foreign passport to establish identity history. If names or details differ between documents, include bridging evidence and translations by a certified translator where needed.
Supporting documents should connect you to key life events (for example, name changes) and clearly link your identity. HMPO can request additional documents if standard proofs are not available.
Name changes and matching details
Ensure the name on your application matches across your certificate, foreign passport and any name change evidence. If your name changed after naturalisation, include the Deed Poll or marriage certificate. If you want the passport in your new name, provide originals showing the change.
All names, dates of birth and places of birth should be consistent.
Provide certified translations for non-English documents.
Explain discrepancies in the additional information section.
Photo and digital photo code rules
UK passport photos must be recent, in colour, plain light background, neutral expression, and without shadows or glare. If applying online, you can use a digital photo code provided by participating photo services.
Common rejection reasons: shadows, incorrect size or crop, head coverings without a medical or religious reason, tinted glasses or glare, outdated photos, or excessive editing/filters.
Step-by-step: Apply online in minutes
Most first-time applicants find the online route on GOV.UK fastest and easiest. Follow these steps to avoid mistakes.
Create or sign in to your HMPO account on GOV.UK.
Enter personal details exactly as shown on your naturalisation certificate.
Provide address history, previous passports or IDs, and travel history if requested.
Upload a compliant digital photo or enter a digital photo code.
Nominate a countersignatory when prompted.
Pay the fee and choose the service speed.
Post any required originals promptly via tracked delivery.
Track your application online and respond to HMPO messages quickly.
Create/Sign in to your HMPO account
Start from GOV.UK and select the first British passport option. Use the same name order and spelling as your naturalisation certificate. Save as you go so you can double-check before paying.
Complete personal details and travel history
Provide your address history (usually up to 5 years). If you had other travel documents, include those details to strengthen continuity of identity. Small inconsistencies (for example, different middle-name formats) cause the most avoidable delays—keep it identical across all fields.
Countersignature: who qualifies and how it works
Definition: A countersignatory confirms your identity for HMPO. They must have known you for at least 2 years, be a professional or person of good standing, and not be related to you, your partner, or living at your address. For online applications, they confirm via email; for paper, they sign a photo and form section.
Choose someone likely to respond quickly and check their email spam folder.
Using a relative, housemate, or someone who has not known you long enough will invalidate your application.
Paying fees and choosing service speed
Standard online service suits most first-time applicants. Limited urgent services exist, but HMPO may require extra checks or an interview for a first passport, which can limit availability. Fees change—verify the latest costs on GOV.UK before paying. Applying by post costs £107 according to GOV.UK at time of writing; online is typically cheaper and faster. If speed matters, apply online and submit any requested originals immediately.
Preparing for citizenship? If you or a friend are still pre-ceremony, the Life in the UK Test App makes passing the test simpler with a readiness score, 650+ practice questions and mock exams with hard mode. Download on App Store or Google Play.
Send and track your documents
After you submit the form and pay, HMPO will tell you what originals to post. Package documents carefully and use a tracked service. Keep copies of everything.
What to send and where
Naturalisation certificate (original).
Foreign passport (original), plus any older passports if requested.
Name change evidence (originals) if applicable.
Two compliant photos if HMPO requests paper photos, with one countersigned where required.
Use a secure service such as Royal Mail Special Delivery and keep the tracking receipt. HMPO will return your originals securely once checks are complete.
Track status and respond to HMPO requests
Use your application reference to check progress online. Monitor your email (and spam folder) for requests like a new photo, extra evidence, or an interview. Respond within the deadline to prevent your application from pausing.
How long it takes: realistic timelines in 2025
Plan for up to 10 weeks from submission to passport delivery. First-time applications often include additional identity checks, and some applicants are invited to a short interview to verify details. Turnaround can be faster in quiet periods but build in buffer time.
Week 0 to 1: Apply online and post originals.
Week 1 to 4: HMPO receives and reviews documents; may request more information.
Week 2 to 6: Possible interview request for first adult passports.
Week 6 to 10: Decision, printing and delivery. Check the passport immediately for accuracy.
Avoid these common mistakes
Inconsistent names or dates across documents. Make sure all details match exactly and include bridging evidence.
Photo non-compliance (shadows, glare, wrong size, filters). Use a reputable provider or GOV.UK-compliant digital code.
Invalid countersignatory (relative, not known you 2 years, non-professional). Pick a valid professional who will respond fast.
Late posting of originals after paying online. Post immediately using tracked post.
Booking travel too soon. Wait until the passport arrives and you have checked it.
Photo issues and name mismatches
Most rejections stem from photos or name discrepancies. If names differ across your certificate and foreign passport, include the Deed Poll or marriage certificate. For photos, avoid shadows and ensure the correct crop and background; do not use filters.
Wrong countersignature or incomplete forms
Using a relative, someone at your address, or someone who has not known you for 2 years can invalidate your form. Make sure every required field is complete and the countersignatory responds promptly to HMPO.
Urgent travel: fast-track and premium options
HMPO offers urgent services in limited circumstances. For a first adult passport, availability can be restricted because additional checks or an interview may be required. If you can book an appointment, bring your naturalisation certificate, foreign passport, name change evidence, compliant photos, and your application reference.
Appointments are limited and may not be offered for first-time adult applicants during busy periods.
Bring all originals and arrive early—missing evidence can mean rescheduling.
Even with urgent services, do not assume same-day or next-day issue for a first-time passport.
When your passport arrives: final checks
Open your envelope carefully and verify details immediately:
Name (spelling and order), date of birth, place of birth.
Duration and type: British Citizen.
Chip and photo quality appear correct; no printing defects.
If something is wrong, contact HM Passport Office straight away and be prepared to return the passport for correction. Keep your passport and naturalisation certificate in different safe places and do not carry both at once.
For families: children and spouse next steps
Planning for your family too?
Child passports: Extra evidence of parental responsibility may be required. Expect a countersignature and original birth certificates. Processing can vary; start early.
Spouse planning: If your partner is still on the journey, review the routes to ILR and citizenship, timescales and costs.
Helpful reads: UK Immigration Roadmap and ILR vs citizenship costs 2025.
Pro tip: Share the Life in the UK Test App
Most first passport applicants have already passed the Life in the UK Test. Help friends or family still preparing: the Life in the UK Test App reduces overwhelm and boosts first-time pass rates with smart study features.
Smart learning assistant that prioritises weak areas.
Readiness score to know when you are truly test-ready.
650+ questions with explanations and mock tests with hard mode.
Offline access for flexible study.
Download links
Download on App Store or Google Play. Share these links with anyone aiming for citizenship in 2025.
FAQs
When can I apply for my first British passport after my ceremony?
As soon as you receive your naturalisation certificate. Prepare documents first and allow up to 10 weeks before travel.
Do I need an interview for a first adult passport?
You may be invited to an interview to verify your identity and entitlement. Attend promptly to avoid delays.
What originals will HMPO keep?
Your originals are checked and returned. Expect to send your naturalisation certificate and foreign passport, plus any name change documents.
Who can countersign my application?
A professional who has known you for 2+ years, not related to you or living at your address. They confirm your identity online or sign your photo for paper forms.
Can I use fast-track or premium services?
Urgent services exist but are limited for first-time adult passports due to extra checks. Do not rely on same-day issue.
Next step: If you or someone you know still needs to pass the Life in the UK Test, try the Life in the UK Test App today: App Store | Google Play.