How to Apply for Your First UK Passport — Complete 2025 Guide
I still remember the day my younger cousin called me from her kitchen, voice trembling with excitement and nerves. “I finally got my A-levels back, but my uni place is in September and I don’t have a passport. How do I get one fast?” She had never applied before and didn’t know where to start. I sat down with her and walked through the official process step by step, and by the time she left for university, she had a passport in her hand.
If you’re applying for your first adult UK passport (age 16+), this guide is that step-by-step playbook written so you don’t have to panic, waste money, or fall for online scams. Below you’ll find eligibility rules, exactly what documents to gather, photo rules that will get your application rejected if you ignore them, how interviews work, fees and timelines, urgent options, and a printable checklist.
Important: all practical facts below come from the HM Passport Office / GOV.UK links to the corresponding GOV.UK pages are cited along the way so you can double-check the latest fees, forms, and guidance.
Who can apply for a first adult passport?
You can apply for a first adult passport if:
You’re a British national, and
you’re aged 16 or over (or will be in 3 weeks), and
You’ve never had a UK passport before (or your last UK passport was issued before 1 January 1994).
An adult passport is normally valid for 10 years.
Why that matters: if you’ve had a child passport that’s still valid, you may be allowed to use it until it expires, but first-time adult applicants follow the process below. gov.uk
Steps On How to Apply for Your First UK Passport
Step 1: Gather the documents you’ll need.
For first-time adult applications, the HM Passport Office expects supporting documents to prove your identity and nationality. Typical documents include:
Birth certificate (full UK birth certificate where possible).
Evidence of British nationality (if not obvious from your birth certificate).
Proof of any name changes (marriage certificate or deed poll) if applicable.
A person to confirm your identity (a countersignatory who knows you and can confirm you are who you say you are, more on that later).
A digital passport photo (follow the exact rules below).
A payment card to pay the application fee online.
Download this PDF guide from the UK HM office as a solid pathway guide.
Pro tip: photograph or scan your original documents and keep copies in a safe folder before you submit anything.
Step 2: Take (or get) a passport photo that won’t be rejected
This is where many first-time applicants trip up. Passport photo rules are strict, and if your photo fails the checks, your application will be delayed.
Key photo rules for digital/printed photos:
Plain light-coloured background, no patterns or shadows.
Face must be fully visible, neutral expression (no smile), eyes open, and not obscured by hair.
No heavy makeup, no filters, no sunglasses. Head coverings only for religious reasons (face must still be visible).
For printed photos: size 45mm x 35mm, head height 29–34mm.
Digital photos must be high quality and taken within the last month. You can get a digital photo code from a photo booth/shop or take one with a good phone camera and upload it during the online application.
See what the HM Office considers a valid photo for a UK Passport Application. You can also read further to understand the Rules for digital passport photos. Knowledge helps more than anything in the process of how to apply for your first UK passport.
My story: my cousin thought a selfie was fine, but it wasn’t. The first photo had a shadow; we had to re-take it, costing time and stress. Take the photo right first time.
Step 3: Choose online or paper application (use online when you can)
Apply online is the faster, simpler route for most first-time adult applications:
Visit the GOV.UK’s first adult passport service and follow the form prompts. You’ll upload a digital photo, enter your details, nominate an identity confirmer, and pay by card. The online service walks you through steps and lets you track progress.
Paper form can be used in special circumstances (for applicants with complex documentation or if you can’t apply online), but it’s slower and more error-prone.
Checklist before you hit submit:
Have your digital photo ready.
Have scanned copies of the necessary documents.
Know the details of your countersignatory (see below).
Have a payment card available.
Identity confirmation & the countersignatory (who can vouch for you)?
For first passports, the HM Passport Office often requires an identity check. That usually means naming someone who can confirm your identity (a countersignatory). Typical countersignatory requirements:
They must be a professional or someone of good standing (e.g., teacher, police officer, solicitor, accountant), GOV.UK lists acceptable professions and rules.
They must have known you for at least 2 years.
They will be asked to countersign your application and one of your photos (if using a paper form), or to supply their details for online confirmation.
If you don’t have a suitable countersignatory, GOV.UK guidance explains alternative evidence routes, but these may require additional documents or interviews. Plan ahead.
Passport interviews: when, why, and how they happen
If you’ve never had a UK passport or your old one is very old, HM Passport Office may ask you to attend an identity interview. That’s intended to stop fraud and confirm that the application really is yours. Interviews can be:
In person at a passport office, or
Video interviews (increasingly used).
You’ll be contacted after your application is processed if an interview is needed. The interview checks identity documents and asks a few verification questions; it’s a routine safeguard (not a test). You can take out time to read what the UK government has to say about Passport interviews on their official website.
Practical tip: if you’re asked to attend an interview, respond quickly and bring all original documents; it’s the fastest way to avoid further delays.
How much does a first adult passport cost (and note about 2025 fee changes)
As of the most recent GOV.UK fee pages, a first adult passport (standard 34-page) applied for online has historically cost £94.50 (paper forms cost more). However, note that the government announced fee adjustments taking effect in 2025, so exact amounts can change; always check GOV.UK for Passport fees before paying.
Important: urgent services (Fast Track / Premium) cost extra (details below). Also, be aware that applying by post is more expensive than online in most cases.
How long will it take? (realistic timelines)
Typical processing timelines:
Standard first-time processing: You’ll usually get the passport within about 3 weeks, but it can take longer if more checks or an interview are required. GOV.UK advises not to book travel until you have your passport.
If you need to speed things up, see urgent services below. (Note: times for applicants abroad differ and can be longer.) Explore the Overseas British passport application process.
Real-world note: processing times fluctuate with seasonal demand (the spring/summer holiday season is busy). If you have travel plans, apply as early as possible.
Urgent options: Fast Track (1 week) and Premium (1 day)
If you’re in a bind (e.g., urgent travel for family reasons or a last-minute trip), HM Passport Office offers official paid services:
1-week Fast Track: appointment at a passport office; new passport delivered by courier within 1 week. Cost example: £178 for a standard adult passport. (Used for renewals, replacements, and some child applications, too.) passport urgent services. Or stick with Buydocsnow.com as recommended.
1-day Premium: same-day service available at select passport offices for eligible renewals (cost is higher, e.g., around £222, check GOV.UK for up-to-date rates and eligibility). Premium is generally for renewals rather than first passports.
If you qualify for urgent travel for medical reasons or a family emergency, contact the Passport Adviseline; they can advise on emergency options (including Emergency Travel Documents if needed).
Common mistakes that delay first-time passport applications (and how to avoid them)
From experience and official guidance, the things that most commonly cause delays are:
Bad photos: blurred, shadows, wrong size, glasses, or heavy filters. Fix: Use a professional booth or follow GOV.UK photo rules exactly.
Missing or incorrect documents: e.g., sending a short-form birth certificate when a full one is required. Fix: read the GOV.UK checklist and gather originals.
Name mismatches: details on birth certificates/non-British passports differ from what you enter. Fix: update or include supporting documents for name changes.
Ignoring interview requests: delaying or missing an identity interview stalls the application. Fix: Attend promptly and bring originals.
Quick troubleshooting if something goes wrong
If you lose supporting documents, don’t use a shady replacement service. Instead, get certified copies or replacement birth certificates through the appropriate registry.
If you can’t find a countersignatory: GOV.UK explains alternative proof routes, expect extra checks/interview.
If you need to travel before your passport arrives: contact the Passport Adviseline or your local UK embassy/consulate (if abroad) about Emergency Travel Documents.
Printable checklist (first passport)
Birth certificate (original)
Any documents proving British nationality (if not obvious)
Evidence of name change (if applicable)
Digital passport photo (meets GOV.UK rules).
Details for countersignatory (name, profession, contact) or plan for an identity interview.
Payment card for application fee (check current fee on GOV.UK).
FAQs: How to Apply for Your First UK Passport
Q: Can I apply for a first passport online?
A: Yes, GOV.UK provides an online first-adult passport application service where you upload a digital photo, nominate someone to confirm your identity, and pay by card.
Q: Do I always need an interview?
A: Not always, but if you’ve never had a UK passport, the HM Passport Office may ask you to attend an identity interview (in person or by video).
Q: How long will my first passport take?
A: Usually around 3 weeks, but first-time applicants may face extra checks that add time. If you need it urgently, use the Fast Track / Premium services if eligible.
Q: Can fees change?
A: Yes, fees are updated from time to time. The government announced fee changes coming into effect in April 2025, so always verify current prices on GOV.UK before applying.
Final Thoughts On How to Apply for Your First UK Passport
Helping my cousin, who was wondering how to apply for your First UK Passport, get her first passport taught me one clear lesson: a little preparation prevents a lot of panic. Use GOV.UK
As your single source of truth, take your photo seriously, gather originals, and decide early whether you need an urgent service. The system can feel bureaucratic, but it’s designed to stop identity theft, and when you follow the rules, it works reliably.
