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FCO: British passport 'smart' application form launched

15th November 2011 The UK Foreign Office have released the following update:

A new British passport form has been produced with the aim of reducing the amount of applications rejected because the application is filled out incorrectly.

1 in 5 British passport applications are sent back to the applicant because the form has not been filled out correctly. To tackle this the Government has produced a new form which guides the applicant through the process. The new 'Smart' form suggests which boxes need to be filled out depending on the type of application selected. Each section has tips to help decide what information goes in each box.

Once the form is filled out online it can be printed, signed and posted along with supporting documentation, photos and payment for processing.

The new form can be used for adult, child and BNO applications.

The new form should not be used for:

gratis war veteran passports (those who were born before September 1929 and are otherwise eligible for such a passport should use Identity and Passport Services Form SE04 - available on request from your nearest British Consulate.

applications in the UK. These applications should go through the Identity and Passport Service.

Further information on how to apply and the ‘Smart’ Passport Application form is on our How to apply page. Just click on the country you are applying from.