If British citizens are planning on traveling outside of the United Kingdom, it is important for them to have a passport while the passport is in date. In the UK, there are 2 options for British citizens to apply for or renew passports, which are through the UK Government’s Website or Post Office’s in-branch service. Preparing for the application documents and renewal material may be a daunting task for you. Fortunately, in this article, we will fully discuss how to apply for or renew a passport via Post Office branches to assist applicants in completing the process. Let’s dive into it!
Part 1: Post Office Passport Application
There are two ways to process passport applications by post office service. The first is that you can send all the documents independently, and the second is to use the Post Office Check & Send services. Let’s find out what the difference between the two methods, and you can choose one according to your case.
Method 1: Post
1. British citizens can obtain a passport application pack at a Post Office branch or by calling the Passport Adviceline.
2. The applicant should use the envelop that came with your pack to send the completed application documents to the following address:
HM Passport Office
PO Box 767
SOUTHPORT
PR8 9PW
United Kingdom
3. Keep in mind that you must attach the correct postage to your envelope.
4. The passport fees should be paid before sending the application, there are 2 options to complete the payment process.
- Debit/credit card with a related form completed and attached to the application.
- Cheque or postal order addressed to HM Passport Office.
Method 2: Post Office Check & Send Services
There are 2 options to cover your needs, the one is Digital Check & Send, and the other is Paper Check & Send. Now, let’s introduce how they work one by one.
Important! Before trying this method, you should find your nearest branch Post Office Branch Finder and see which of one can provide the Check & Send service that is right for you.
- Digital Check & Send
Features
1. Help you complete and submit your application digitally.
2. No paper form needs to be filled out.
3. Available at 1100 branches.
4. £16 Check and Send fee.
Preparing for your first-time passport applications
1. Birth/Adoption certificate or naturalization certificate.
2. Parent’s passport details (if applicable).
3. Date of Parent’s marriage (if applicable).
4. Grandparent’s documents (if applicable).
5. Countersignatory’s details (name and email address).
Steps to using the Digital Check & Send
1. Find your nearest branch that offers the Digital Check & Send service.
2. Book an appointment.
3. Go to the branch and ask the Post Office staff for this service.
4. Take a biometric photo compliant with HM Passport Office guidelines at the branch location.
5. Check your supporting documents to make sure they meet all the necessary requirements.
6. The Post Office will submit your application digitally and send your supporting documents to HM Passport Office by Royal Mail Special Delivery (this is included in the additional fee, which is charged by the Post Office).
7. The Passport Office will send the regular processing status of your passport application through email or text.
- Paper Check & Send
Features
1. Applications checked to meet requirements.
2. Submit your own photos that have been certified.
3. Available at 2,500 branches.
4. £16 Check and Send fee.
Preparing for your first-time passport applications
1. Birth/Adoption certificate or naturalization certificate.
2. Parent’s passport details (if applicable).
3. Date of Parent’s marriage (if applicable).
4. Grandparent’s documents (if applicable).
5. Countersignatory’s details (name and email address).
Steps to using the Paper Check & Send
1. Find your nearest branch that offers Paper & Send service。
2. Take a passport application from the branch and complete the form at home or wherever is convenient for you.
3. Book an appointment.
4. Take 2 (two) color biometric photos (35 x 45mm) that have been certified and submit.
5. Bring all of the supporting documents and materials to your local branch (all documents need to be original versions, photocopies will not be allowed and accepted), and then give them to the Post Office staff and ask for a Paper & Send service.
6. Post Office staff will check your supporting documents to ensure that meet all the necessary requirements.
7. After completing the checking process, your supporting documents will be sent to HM Passport Office by Royal Mail Special Delivery (this is included in the additional fee, which is charged by the Post Office).
| Note: If you are applying for a first-time UK passport you need to provide details of someone who can confirm your identity. Additionally, the person must meet: 1) Have known you personally for at least 2 years; 2) Be a professional person; 3) Live in the UK and have a current UK passport; 4) Must not be related, in a relationship with or living at the same address as the applicant or the person making the application; 4) Be 18 or older. |
- Total Fee for the Digital Check & Send and Paper Check & Send
| Type | Fee |
| Digital Check & Send | £91.50 (£75.50 online passport fee + £16.00 Post Office fee) |
| Paper Check & Send | £101 (£85.00 passport fee +£16.00 Post Office fee) |
Part 2: Post Office Passport Renewal
The procedure for renewing the British passport is the same as the first-time applications, which also covers 2 options for you (you can see from the “Part 2” section). Additionally, these documents need to be provided for renewal that differ from first-time applications:
1. Old passport (actual document, not a photocopy)
2. Proof of any changes (if applicable)
3. Countersignatory’s details (if the passport was lost/stolen)
Part 3: Take Your British Passport Photos with AiPassortPhotos
With UK adult passports having a validity of 10 (ten) years, most people want to look best in their passport photos. If you choose Paper Check & Send or want to send your application via post, the photos must be taken by yourself. Now, you have a great and simple option to convert your photo to one that meets the UK Passport Photo Regulations.
We recommend experiencing the AI technology – AiPassportPhotos, which is a professional passport photo editor. There are a lot of detailed requirements and instructions for passport photos on AiPassportPhotos, Follow the steps, it will ensure photo compliance and save you from the stress of a rejected passport photo! Therefore, try it! You will have plenty of time to take multiple photos and then choose the best one to become your perfect passport photo.
Steps to Make Good Quality Passport Photo
Step 1: Open the AiPassortPhotos website on your devices.
Step 2: Create an account and log in.
Step 3: Select “UK digital passport photo” from the list.
Step 4: Follow the steps listed on the website and start uploading!
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take for passport applications?
A1: According to the UK Passport Office, the standard processing time is up to 10 (ten) weeks and there may be delays for some reasons. In general, paper applications will also take longer to process, as application delivery via post service would take extra time.
Q2: How long does it take for passport renewal?
A2: According to the UK Passport Office, the standard processing time is up to 4 (four) weeks and there may be delays for some reasons. In general, paper applications will also take longer to process, as application delivery via post service would take extra time.
Q3: How to apply for or renew a children’s passport at the Post Office?
A3: The procedure for applying for or renewing a British children’s passport is the same as the first-time adult application. However, there is a need to be noted that children aged 12-15 must sign the application form in person. Therefore, there should be 3 signatures: the child’s, the parent’s, and the subsignatory’s.
Q4: Where do I get a passport application form?
A4: These forms are available at all branches of post offices that accept passport applications.
Q5: Can you go to the post office to get a passport?
A5: Yes. You can go to the Post Office to ask the steps to get it.
Part 5: Conclusion
After reading this article, you may know how to apply for and renew a passport in the UK. With the help of the Post Office Check & Send services, it makes it easier to handle the process. Only need to fill out accurate forms and follow the steps as described in the article, and the passport will come to you!
In addition, if you want to meet the standards and look perfect in passport photos, you not only need to carefully understand the requirements of passport photos but also utilize the recommended AI tool AiPassortPhotos, with powerful features that make it easy to achieve a perfect passport photo. Finally, hope you find this article helpful.
Erin Lo