What documents are required to renew or get a new passport in UK?

You need a passport to travel the world. Only the Queen is permitted to travel abroad without a passport, as she issues them. With Brexit just around the corner, UK residents will need a passport to visit more countries. What documents are required to obtain a passport?

List document requirements for UK passport application

All documents below must be originals and not photocopies. While we often assist with obtaining certified documents, the rules for passport applications are more complicated. You will need either original documents or 'official copies'.

For documents not in English or Welsh, we offer a notarized translation service.

You will need if you were born in the UK or adopted there before 1983.

• Original full birth certificate or official copy
• OR your original adoption certificate (or an official copy).

The full birth certificate should include information about your parents as well as your personal details. You can order an official copy of your birth certificate from here. Prices will vary depending on your situation.

You will need if you were adopted or born in the UK after 1983.

• Original full birth certificate or official copy
• OR your original adoption certificate (or an official copy).

To get your passport, you will need the following documents:

• The full UK birth certificate of your mother or father
• Their Home Office certificate of naturalization or registration
• A British passport, belonging to one parent and valid at the time you were born
• For one of your parents, a British passport number
• You will need to provide evidence that your parents were legal immigrants in the UK at the time you were born. A foreign passport that was valid when you were born, if it is not owned by one of your parents.

You must also send your parents' marriage certificate to send documents to your father.

If you were born outside the UK and have a certificate or naturalization/registration, you will need...

• Naturalization or registration certificate
• Your passport is used to enter the UK or your foreign passport.

Original copies of both the above documents are required. When a person is granted British citizenship, they receive a naturalization certificate. You may be able to obtain a replacement.

If your parents were not born in the UK and you are a citizen of a British overseas nation but were born before 1983...

• A copy of your birth certificate or an official copy from your country
• Your current passport and the passport you used for entry to the UK

Original copies of each of the documents listed above are required. British Overseas Citizens (or BOCs), are British citizens and Commonwealth citizens. They do not have the right to be called British citizens. If you are a British citizen, the nationality grants you a preference but not an automatic right to abode. There are approximately 12,000 BOCs currently holding British passports.

If your father was born outside of the UK and you were born prior to 1983...

• A complete birth certificate with information about your parents
• Official copy of your father's birth certificate
• The marriage certificate of your parents or an official copy
• You're including the passport you used to enter the UK.

You can get a copy of your parents' marriage or birth certificate.

If your birthdate is not within the UK during or after 1983 you will need

• A complete birth certificate with information about your parents
• You can prove that one of your parents is British. Their birth certificate
• You're including the passport you used to enter the UK.

You must also send your parents' marriage certificate if you are sending documents about your father. It will show the year your father married your mother. This is because 1983 saw new immigration rules relating to marriage.

The official guidebook will provide more information if none of the above applies to your situation.

What documents are required to renew my passport?

The renewal of a British passport is much easier than getting a new one.

Digitally renew your passport

To renew your passport digitally you won't need any documents. However, you will need a current photo of yourself, your passport, and a credit card or debit card. The official government website can be used to renew your passport.