Key Takeaways
- If you were born before September 2, 1929, your UK passport application is free
- UK Passport Office fees: £86 for a 34-page passport OR £110.86 for a 50-page passport
- No more OS paper applications for overseas passport holders. To use a paper application, you can use a third-party company. Click here to learn more.
- Renew your passport 6 to 12 months before the passport expires.
Don’t Let Passport Issues Hold You Back
Are you an elderly British citizen who is having trouble with your passport? Whether you’re trying to apply for a new UK passport, renew an existing one, or simply need some guidance on the process, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to British passports for elderly citizens, covering everything you need to know to get your passport and start travelling the world. From eligibility requirements to tips for a smooth application process, we’ve got all the information you need to navigate the world of British passports with ease. So don’t let passport issues hold you back – read on to learn more and get your passport today!
Eligibility requirements for a British passport for elderly citizens
You have to be at least 16 years old to apply for a first British passport. However, you also have to apply again for a first British passport if your current passport was issued before January 1, 1994, rather than renewing your passport. As a result, if your passport was issued earlier than 1994, you’ll have to apply for “first” British passport instead of renewing your passport.
All British nationals can apply for British passports. Please remember that according to UK nationality laws there are 6 types of British nationality, including British citizenship, as well as others (for example, a British Overseas Territories citizen). So, as an elderly British citizen, you are entitled to a passport as well as all the other rights and priviledges of UK citizenship. If you are a British national, for example who was born in a British overseas territory, (i.e. if you have a non-citizen British nationality), you may have to provide evidence of your British parents’ citizenship or nationality, including your parents’ birth certificates or their certificates showing UK naturalisation.
Always keep in mind that your passport is normally valid for 10 years, so you should plan ahead and renew it at least 6 months before it expires.
As an elderly British citizen you can apply for a passport by following these steps
The documents required depend on where and when you were born and whether you’re renewing your UK passport or are applying for the first time (which also includes those whose passport was issued before January 1, 1994). You will need your current passport even if it’s expired. If applying for a first passport, you’ll need to provide evidence of British citizenship (or British nationality if you are a British national), usually by providing a birth certificate or a certificate of naturalisation. You may also need evidence of your parents’ British nationality, including their passport or birth certificate. You’ll also need a digital photograph if applying online or 2 printed photos if applying on paper. All documents must be originals or official copies. Photocopies are not acceptable.
You can get a paper application form from any Post Office that has the Passport Check and Send service. To fill out the application form – whether on paper or online – you’ll need to provide personal details – name, date and place of birth. You’ll also have to provide details about your current passport. If applying online you’ll need to get someone to confirm your identity. If applying using a paper form, you’ll need to get a countersignatory. You have to provide all required supporting documents including photos.
You can also use the Digital Check and Send service at selected Post Offices where they will take your digital photo and complete an online application on your behalf. There are additional fees and you must ensure you bring all required supporting documents.
You can also apply in person at a Passport Office, if you need your UK passport urgently. You will have to pay an additional fee if you use urgent processing – Premium Service which has processing in 1 day; or Fast Track Service which has processing in 1 week. You need to book and pay online for these in-person appointments and bring a completed application form and 2 photographs, as well as all supporting documentation.
You can submit the paper application by post using a pre-printed envelope that comes with your paper form, or you can take your completed application form to a Post Office offering a Passport Check and Send service.
The fees for a British passport depend on whether you’re applying online or on paper (paper is slightly more expensive) and how quickly you would like your application processed. If you use the Post Office Check and Send service you can pay by debit or credit card, postal order, or by cash. If you are sending your paper application by post, you can also pay by cheque. Do NOT send your debit or credit cards by post. If you are applying online, use a debit or credit card to pay the fees online using your computer.
IMPORTANT: if you were born before September 2, 1929, your UK passport application is free. While serving UK military members have their passports paid for by the government, military veterans do not qualify for UK passport discounts. However, they can take advantage of this age exemption if they were born on or before September 2, 1929.
Ensuring a smooth UK passport application process
The first step is to gather all the necessary documents in advance. Make sure you have all the required documents, such as proof of British citizenship, identification, or any name change documentation. Please be aware that any missing document will mean weeks or months of delay.
Next you need to choose what type of passport you want – a standard 34-page passport or a 50-page frequent traveller passport. The 50-page passport costs more so don’t choose this option unless you will be travelling frequently over the next 10 years.
Double-checking the application form for errors is a must. Carefully review the form to make sure you’ve provided accurate and complete information. You can try contacting HM Passport Office if you need help completing the forms.
You can also try seeking assistance from a family member or friend if you are uncertain how to complete the form. However, a more reliable option is to use professional advice from a third party experienced in handling the UK passport application process.
Get your Passport Renewed with Ease: Tips for Elderly British Citizens
It’s always best to renew your passport if you have 6 months or less before it expires. Many countires require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months on the date you travel to that country. In fact, it’s best to renew it if you have less than 1 year left. Please remember not to book any trips until you’ve received your new passport.
When you want to renew your UK passport, you should consider doing it online, especially if you have difficulty getting to the Post, for example. A renewal generally involves less documentation and is simpler to do than applying for a first passport. You can always get a relative, or better yet, a third-party professional to help you with your online application forms. As we explain here, you answer a series of questions by choosing an option, upload a digital photograph, and pay the fees online. Then you send in your supporting documentation (generally your existing passport which you are renewing and if you have dual citizenship, the colour copies of all the pages of any other passport you may hold) to HMPO in Durham, UK.
Your fees for a British passport renewal are £75.50 for a standard 34-page passport online and £85.50 on paper. For a 50-page passport the fees are £85.00 online and £95.00 on paper. If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, your UK passport application is free of charge. Urgent renewals, however, cost extra.
Processing times for passport renewal are around 10 weeks and you will be notified when your passport is being sent to you. However, your supporting documents will be returned to you in a separate mailing that generally arrives a week or two later.
Frequently asked questions about British passports for Elderly Citizens
Can elderly citizens apply for a British passport online?
Yes, elderly British citizens can apply for a British passport online through the government’s passport application website. The online application process is generally faster, cheaper, and more convenient than applying in person at a passport office or at the post, especially if you have difficulty getting there. Additionally, it allows you to track the progress of your application and receive updates by email.
What if an elderly citizen has difficulty traveling to the passport office?
If an elderly British citizen is unable to travel to the passport office due to physical limitations or other reasons, they can apply for a British passport by post. This involves sending the necessary documents and application form by mail to the passport office, along with a signed letter explaining the reason for the postal application.
Can elderly citizens expedite their British passport application?
Yes, any elderly British citizen can request expedited processing of their British passport application for an additional fee. This will significantly reduce the processing time for the application down to a week or even a day or two, but it’s important to note that it does not guarantee that the passport will be issued any faster. However, you generally do receive your passport quickly with expedited processing, which is typically only recommended for urgent travel plans.
Can elderly citizens renew their British passport by mail?
Yes, elderly citizens can renew their British passport by mail if they meet certain eligibility requirements. To renew a passport by mail, elderly citizens must have a valid passport that was issued within the last 15 years and was issued in their current name (or with documentation of a name change). They must also be able to provide a new passport photo with their renewal application.
Are there any additional fees for elderly citizens applying for a British passport?
No, there are no additional fees for elderly citizens applying for a British passport. The fees for British passport applications are the same for all applicants, regardless of age. However, elderly citizens who are unable to travel to the passport office due to physical limitations may be eligible to apply for a reduced fee or a fee waiver. Not only that, as mentioned above, if you were born on or before September 2, 1929, your passport application is free.
Are there health and medical requirements when applying for UK passports?
No. There are normally no requirements that would impede you from obtaining a British passport. The only requirement is you may need a letter from a doctor or medical consultant if you have had a gender re-assignment. A physical or mental condition is never an impediment to getting UK passports.
You do have to plan any trip to make sure you have the required assistance and support if you have a physical or mental condition, but this has no effect on your ability to get a British passport.
If you have a disability and can’t sign your application, for example, you can send a letter explaining why with supporting evidence such as a doctor’s report. Use section 8 of the paper form to explain your condition and provide evidence. Use the box labelled Additional Information if you are applying online.
If you can’t complete your application form due to a physical or mental condition, you can apply through a representative, like a solicitor or third-party professional experienced in travel documents.
If you can’t provide a passport photograph according to UK passport rules due to a disability:
- If applying online, submit a digital photo anyway and explain why in the box for additional information (in the online form). You can include a letter from your doctor explaining the condition and how it affects your ability to take a correct passport photo, and whether your condition is temporary or permanent.
- If applying on paper, use section 8 of the form to explain why and include a letter from your doctor detailing your conditon and saying whether it’s temporary or permanent.
What are the British passport renewal options for elderly british citizens living overseas?
Overseas UK passport renewal applications are now done online. You will need to use the website for HM Passport Office as we explain above. You no longer have the option of using a Post Office or doing a paper application, nor can you submit a UK passport application through a UK diplomatic mission. However, you can use a professional service to assist you in completing, reviewing, and submitting your passport application.
Are the old blue passports back again?
Not quite. The new passports issued since 2020 have a similar design to the old blue passport that was discontinued by the UK government in 1992 and was replaced by the burgundy EU-style passport. However, the blue colour is slightly darker than the one original navy blue passports had and the design inside is slightly different than the original blue passport to reflect the fact that UK passports now have a biometric data component to improve security.
How does one apply for a British passport if you are an elderly citizen with a name change or identity document issues?
A British passport holder will need documentation to support any name change. The documents required will depend on the reason for your name change.
If you are changing your name due to marriage or a civil partnership, you will then need to provide a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate. If you are changing your name because of a divorce or a dissolution of a civil partnership, you’ll need to provide a decree absolute or final order.
However, if you are changing your name for any other reason, you should provide a deed poll or a statutory declaration. A deed poll is a British legal document that reflects your intention to permanently change your name and be known by your new name at all times. A statutory declaration is a written statement that you swear or affirm to be true.
Please keep in mind that you may also need to provide additional supporting documentation, such as proof of your identity, proof of your current name, as well as any documents showing a previous name change.
Finally, please note that you cannot change your name on your British passport if you are attempting to do so to avoid prosecution or to deceive others. In these types of cases, your application will likely be denied.
Are there special considerations for elderly citizens applying for a British passport while in a care home or assisted living facility?
You will still have to submit a complete passport application but as you will likely have difficulty getting to a Post Office or Passport Office, you will need assistance from a family member or friend or you will need to hire a professional service to help complete, check, and submit your application for a new passport or to renew your current passport.
What about using a British passport as an elderly citizen to travel to specific destinations, such as the European Union or the United States?
A British passport is one of the top passports for visa-free travel as we explain here. It gives you access to 187 countries and territories, either visa-free or visa on arrival.
Please keep in mind that …
It’s important to remember that in general there are no restrictions on elderly British citizens applying for a first passport or a new passport. You can even get assistance or be able to avoid having to provide a correct passport photo or sign your applicaion form if you give an explaination along with evidence like a doctor’s letter when applying about why you cannot provide the correct photograph or sign your form. And if you’re old enough, your application is free!
Final thoughts and advice for elderly citizens applying for a British passport
There’s simply no reason not to apply for British passports. Any assistance you may need is available – whether online or by contacting HM Passport Office or by hiring a third-party professional service to help you with your application forms. We’ve provided you the information. So, start today and get your new passport.
