Website of the UK government

About your free passport

If you are a British national born on or before 2 September 1929 you can apply for a free ten year passport from the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) - formerly the UK Passport Service. This passport will be free whether it is a renewal of an existing passport or your first one.

If you have applied for a passport since 19 May 2004 and you are eligible for a free passport, you can apply for a refund of the standard passport fee.

IPS can answer any questions about obtaining your free passport or applying for a refund on the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000. The line is open between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am and 5.30 pm on weekends and public holidays. You can find full information about all aspects of passports and how to apply in the travel and transport section.

• Passports (travel and transport section)

• Passport Adviceline (useful contacts section)

How to apply: the basics

There are several ways you can apply. First you need an application form. You can either complete the form online or get a paper copy of the form by:

• sending an online request to IPS who will then send you a form
• collecting it from a Post Office Branch that offers the Check & Send Service
• calling the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000 to request one

If you live outside the UK you can only apply for a free passport in person when visiting the UK, or through your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. You cannot apply online or by post.

• Request a passport application form (IPS) Opens new window

• Post Office Check & Send service (travel and transport section)

• Passport Adviceline (useful contacts section)

• Apply for a passport online Opens new window

Online application

You can complete a passport application online. Once you have completed and submitted the form (which includes full instructions), IPS will return it to you to sign and date. You will then need to enclose the right photos and documents, before returning it to IPS for processing.

• Apply for a passport online Opens new window

How long does it take to get a passport?

Depending on how quickly you need your passport there are different ways you can get it.

• Standard applications: for standard service by post IPS recommends you allow at least three weeks for passport renewal.
• Urgent applications: IPS can process urgent applications faster and offers a one-week and a same-day service at its Regional Passport Offices. If you use the faster non-standard services you may be able to get a free passport, but you will still have to pay a fee. There is also a small handling fee for the Post Office Check & Send service.

• Timetable for passport applications (travel and transport section)

• Passport fees (travel and transport section)

Travelling with your passport

When you're travelling with your passport, it's a good idea to:

If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate immediately.

• British consular offices (FCO website) Opens new window

More useful links

• Applying for your first adult passport (travel and transport section)

• Renewing or extending your adult passport (travel and transport section)