What supporting documents are required for a UK passport?
The exact documents you’ll need depend on your unique situation. We’ve grouped them accordingly so you always know what you need at any given time.
General documents (Required for most applications)
These are the core documents you’ll need regardless of the application type;
Proof of identity: This confirms who you are (e.g., birth certificate or previous passport).
Proof of British nationality: Shows your eligibility for a UK passport (e.g., birth, adoption, or naturalisation certificate).
Passport photo: A recent photo that meets HM Passport Office requirements (digital or printed).
Name change documents (if applicable): Evidence of any name changes, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.
Supporting identification (if requested): Additional ID may be required in some cases to verify your identity.
Certified translations (if applicable): Required if any document is not in English or Welsh.
Documents required by application type
1. Applying for a UK passport for the first time
If this is your first UK passport, you’ll need more detailed documentation to prove your identity and nationality. This includes;
Full birth or adoption certificate (showing parents’ details)
Proof of British nationality (e.g., naturalisation or registration certificate, if applicable)
Evidence of parents’ nationality (if claiming through them)
Additional identity documents (if requested by HM Passport Office)
2. Renewing a UK passport
Renewing your passport is pretty straightforward, especially if your details haven’t changed. You’ll typically need:
Your current or most recent UK passport
New passport photo (if applying by post or if your appearance has changed significantly)
Name change documents (if your name is different from your previous passport)
3. Replacing a lost or stolen passport
If your passport has been lost or stolen, you’ll need to provide extra verification:
Completed loss or theft report (e.g., LS01 form or equivalent declaration)
Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or other official ID)
Additional documents to confirm your identity (if requested)
4. Replacing a damaged passport
For damaged passports, you must submit:
5. Applying for a child’s UK passport
Child applications require documents for both the child and the parent(s):
Child’s full birth or adoption certificate
Proof of British nationality (if not automatically clear from the birth certificate)
Details and consent of parents or guardians
Parents’ proof of identity (e.g., passports)
Any relevant court orders (if applicable, e.g., custody arrangements)
Note: Your foreign birth certificate must be the full or long-form version, not a short-form extract. Short-form certificates, which show only the child's details without parental information, are not accepted. If your country of birth only issues short-form certificates, contact HM Passport Office for guidance before applying.
Recommended Reading
UK Certificate of Naturalisation Application – Documents & Requirements
Which passport documents need to be in English?
All supporting documents that are in a foreign language need to be translated to English. Whether it's a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any other document, if it’s in a foreign language, you will need to translate it before your application can be processed.
According to the UK Home Office, any supporting document that is not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified English translation. You must also submit both the original document and the translation together, the translation alone is not sufficient, and the original alone will not be accepted.
What is a certified translation and does your passport application need one?
If you have been told that your documents need a certified translation, you may be wondering exactly what that means, and whether it is different from a standard translation you might get online or from a bilingual friend. It is, and the difference matters.
A certified translation is a complete and accurate English translation of a foreign-language document, accompanied by a signed statement from the translator confirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original. It must include the translator's name, qualifications, contact details, and the date it was completed.
The key word here is “certified.” The translation itself is not what makes it official, it is the accompanying statement of accuracy, signed by a professional translator, that gives the document its legal standing. Without that statement, even a perfect translation will be rejected.
What a certified translation must include
For a certified translation to be valid for use, it must include the following;
A statement of accuracy; a signed declaration confirming the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document.
The translator's full name
The translator's qualifications or professional membership
Contact details
Date of translation
Translator's signature
Note: The translation must also be complete. Every part of the original document should be translated, including stamps, official seals, handwritten notes, and marginal annotations. Omitting any element, even one that seems minor, can raise questions about the integrity of the translation and delay your application.
Recommended Reading
What is Certified Translation? Requirements, Process, and Certification Guide
Does the translation need to be notarised?
For a UK passport application, your translation does not need to be notarised. A certified translation is enough on its own.
There are limited situations where you may need notarisation of documents such as during parental dispute or unusual citizenship claims, but these are the exceptions, not the rule. If you are unsure whether your specific situation requires it, contact HM Passport Office before requesting it.
Who can provide a certified translation for a UK passport?
You can use any of the following:
Professional translation agencies: Established companies that provide certified translations for official documents, such as Translayte. This is the most reliable option.
Qualified freelance translators: Independent translators with verifiable credentials and experience in official or legal documents.
Accredited translators or linguists: Members of recognised bodies such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) or Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL).
Can a translator outside the UK provide the translation?
Yes, the translator does NOT need to be based in the UK. HM Passport Office accepts certified translations from overseas, as long as they meet the required standards.
However, to avoid delays or rejection, make sure:
The translation is fully certified (not just translated text)
The translator includes verifiable contact details
The format clearly matches the original document
The service is experienced with UK official requirements
We recommend that you use a trusted provider, such as Translayte that regularly handles UK passport applications.
Who cannot provide a certified translation?
To protect the credibility of your translation, the following people cannot provide translations for UK passport purposes;
You (the applicant)
Friends or family members
Unverified or informal translators
Machine translations (e.g., Google Translate) without certification
Recommended Reading
How Much Does Translation Cost in the UK?
Common document mistakes that delay or reject UK passport applications
Submitting a translation without the original document.
Using an unaccredited translator, which is one of the most common and costly mistakes.
Providing a translation that doesn’t include a signed certification statement or the translator’s credentials.
Submitting a short-form birth certificate instead of the required long-form version.
Having name inconsistencies across documents (e.g. a missing middle name on one document).
Sending documents that are damaged, torn, or have faded or unclear details.
Providing photocopies instead of original documents, which are not accepted.
Submitting a marriage certificate that does not show both parties’ names exactly as they appear on other documents.
Including adoption documents that do not confirm the full legal transfer of parentage.
Providing court orders that are missing an official court seal or a judge’s signature.
.png)
