First Time Applications for British Passports
Applying for a British Passport for the first time or replacing a lapsed UK passport can be overwhelming. We’re here to make the process simple, stress-free, and successful.
Who Can Apply for a British Passport?
You may qualify for a British Passport if you fall into one of the following categories:
- A British citizen born in the UK to British parents
- A person with a lapsed UK passport (expired for more than 10 years)
- Born outside the UK to a British-born father who was married to your mother
- Born to a British mother after 1 January 1983
- Hold a Certificate of Registration as a British Citizen
- Hold a Certificate of Naturalisation as a British Subject
- Children of naturalised British citizens, born after naturalisation
Note: HM Passport Office treats lapsed passports the same as first-time applications.
Our Passport Application Service
We offer a comprehensive start-to-finish service for first-time and lapsed British passport applications. Here’s what we do:
1. Consultation & Document Sourcing
We guide you through the entire process and help you gather the required documents. We can assist in obtaining certificates from:
- The UK General Register Office
- South African Home Affairs
- Zimbabwe and Zambia civil registries
2. Application Submission
Once your documents are ready:
- We lodge your application online with His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO)
- We arrange secure courier delivery of your documents to the UK
3. Photo Requirements
You’ll need a colour passport photo. You can:
- Visit a Kodak or similar photo studio and email the image to us
- Take a photo with your phone (we’ll provide guidelines)
4. Courier Collection
We’ll send a courier to collect:
- Your old passport (if applicable)
- Completed forms
- Proof of address
5. Tracking & Delivery
We track your application and forward all HMPO correspondence to you. Once approved:
- Your new passport and supporting documents are couriered to your home in two separate packages for security
- You’ll receive tracking updates from DHL and from us
Why Choose Us?
- Expert guidance on eligibility and documentation
- Secure handling of sensitive documents
- Fast turnaround – passports are typically ready in 4 weeks
- Support until delivery – we’re with you every step of the way
Helpful Resources
- UK Passport Eligibility – GOV.UK
- Passport Photo Requirements – GOV.UK
- His Majesty’s Passport Office – GOV.UK
Registration of UK Citizenship through a UK Born Mother – Emigration Assist
Registration of UK Citizenship for People Born to UK Citizens by Descent – Emigration Assist
Get In Touch
Contact Emigration Assist today for more detail on our wide range of local and global services and how we can assist you.