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Everything You Need For A Successful Passport Application

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In 2014 British residents who submitted their passport applications faced severe delays. According to the government the problem stemmed from the increase in the number of passport applications. According to the unions the delays were down to the jobs cuts (315 people or one tenth of the Passport Office employees have lost their jobs) and closing of the interview and processing offices. To make the matters worse, it is still unclear whether British residents who fell victim to the delays are eligible to collect travel insurance in case they had to cancel their holidays because their passports were not issued on time.

Be as it may, delays happened. And they might happen again. While you might have little or no control over how the government functions, you can avoid any additional delays by ensuring you submit everything necessary for your passport application to be successful. Here is our fuss free guide on how to gather everything you need for a successful passport application.

Passport application form

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One of the main reasons why passport application gets rejected is the incorrectly filled out application form.

While the application form cannot be downloaded, it can be filled out online at gov.uk where you can also pay for the passport. Prices are as follows: Ł72.50 if you are applying for your passport for the first time or if you are renewing your passport, Ł82.25 if you use the Post Office’s Passport Check and Send service. Jumbo passport (48 pages) will cost Ł85.50 or Ł95.25 if you use the Post Office’s Passport Check and Send service.

Sections to be filled out include:

  • First adult passport: Sections 1,2,3,4,5 and 9. Countersignatory fills out section 10.

  • Adult passport renewal: Sections 1,2,3,5 and 9.

  • Extension of the passport: Sections 1,2,3,4,5 and 9.

  • Change in the existing passport: Sections 1,2,3,5 and 9. Sections 4 and 6 if applicable.

  • Replacement passport: Sections 1,2,3,4,5 and 9. Sections 6 and 8 if applicable. Countersignatory fills out section 10.

Additional documents

Depending on your situation you might have submit additional supporting documents together with your passport application. When you apply to have your passport renewed you only need to submit your existing passport, two photos of yourself and the filled out passport application form. For all other situations, the list of supporting documents is available at the gov.uk website. If you are applying for a passport from outside of the UK, the list of supporting documents can be found at the gov.uk website. Keep in my mind – only original documents can be submitted and no copies are accepted. Once the staff at the Passport Office has examined the supporting documents, they will be returned to you by second-class Royal Mail post. Alternatively you can opt for a special or recorded delivery, which will incur an additional cost. You might want to consider this option for your peace of mind and to ensure your original documents will not get lost in the post.

Photos

Together with the incorrectly filled out passport application form, photos that do not meet the requirements of the Passport Office are the main reason why passport application gets rejected.

To submit photos that will be accepted by the Passport Office the photos should fulfil the following requirements:

  • 45×35 mm in size.

  • White or light grey background.

  • Sharp and clear image. Head not too far away or too close to the camera.

  • No sunglasses or tinted glasses. Normal glasses are acceptable as long as there is no glare in the photo.

  • Head should not be covered unless for religious or medical purposes.

  • Neutral facial expression.