British Passport After Citizenship: How to Apply

When to Apply

You can apply for your first British passport as soon as you receive your certificate of British citizenship at your citizenship ceremony. There is no waiting period. Many new citizens submit their application on the same day as their ceremony or within the first week.

While a British passport is not proof of citizenship (your certificate is), it is the most practical document for proving your identity and travelling. Your eVisa was proof of your immigration permission; as a citizen, your certificate and then your passport are the documents you use. Most new citizens want to apply as quickly as possible.

How to Apply

The application is made through the GOV.UK first adult passport page. The process is:

1. Apply online: Complete the application form on GOV.UK. You will need to provide personal details, details of your citizenship, and upload a digital passport photo.
2. Get a digital photo: You can take a photo using the GOV.UK photo tool on your smartphone, or use a photo booth that offers a digital code. The photo must meet passport photo requirements (plain expression, plain light-coloured background, no glasses unless you have to wear them).
3. Pay the fee: £102 for a standard online application.
4. Send your documents: After completing the online form, you will be told to send your citizenship certificate and any other required documents by post.
5. Wait for processing: You will usually get your passport within 3 weeks; it can take longer if more information or an interview is needed.
6. Receive your passport: Your passport and citizenship certificate are returned separately, so do not worry if one arrives before the other.

Documents You Need

For a first adult British passport as a naturalised citizen, you will typically need:

• Original certificate of British citizenship (naturalisation or registration certificate)
• The passport you used to come into the UK (or the foreign passport you are included on). GOV.UK lists this alongside the certificate, and originals are required
• A digital passport photo meeting the requirements
• A countersignatory: Someone who can confirm your identity. They must have known you for at least 2 years, hold a current British or Irish passport, and work in a recognised profession (or be of good standing in the community)

The exact documents required will be confirmed during the online application. You previously provided biometrics for your visa, but will need a new photo for your passport. Keep your citizenship certificate safe, as it is irreplaceable without a lengthy process.

Costs and Processing Options

The processing options for a first adult passport are:

• Standard online: £102, usually within 3 weeks
• Standard paper: £115.50, usually within 3 weeks (paper form from a Post Office)
• 1 week Fast Track: Not available for a first adult passport. GOV.UK says to use the standard service instead
• 1 day Premium: Not available for a first adult passport. It can only be used to renew an adult passport

The faster services only exist on the passport side. For the citizenship application itself, see our guide on priority services.

The Countersignatory

Because this is your first British passport, you need someone to confirm your identity. This person is called a countersignatory. They must:

• Have known you for at least 2 years
• Hold a current UK or Irish passport and live in the UK
• Work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession, or be a person of good standing in the community
• Know you personally as a friend, neighbour or colleague. Someone who only knows you professionally (your solicitor, for example) cannot confirm your identity
• Not be related to you by birth or marriage, in a relationship with you, or living at the same address
• Not work for HM Passport Office or UK Visas and Immigration

GOV.UK gives accountants, teachers, solicitors, nurses and police officers as examples of recognised professions. Friends or colleagues who meet the criteria can act as countersignatories.

Your Name on the Passport

Your passport will be issued in the name on your citizenship certificate. If you changed your name as part of the citizenship process, your passport will reflect the new name. You will no longer need to worry about ILR status or visa renewals. If you want a different name on your passport, you will need to complete a deed poll or statutory declaration before applying.

If your citizenship certificate name differs from the name on your foreign passport or other identity documents, be prepared to explain the discrepancy and provide supporting evidence (such as a marriage certificate or deed poll).

Travelling Before Your Passport Arrives

Until you receive your British passport, you can continue to travel on your existing foreign passport. Your citizenship certificate is not a travel document and cannot be used to enter or leave the UK.

The urgent passport services cannot be used for a first adult passport. If you need a passport to travel urgently for medical treatment, or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, GOV.UK says to call the Passport Adviceline. See the current position on GOV.UK.

Your Old BRP

Biometric residence permits (BRPs) have all expired and were replaced by eVisas. The Home Office no longer publishes a return address for them. If you still hold an expired card, GOV.UK says it can be used only until 31 December 2026 at the latest, and only to sign in to your UKVI account or to apply to extend permission, neither of which you need once you are a British citizen.

If your expired BRP is lost or stolen, GOV.UK still says you must report it.

Passports for Your Children

If your children are also British citizens (either born in the UK after you gained settled status, or through their own citizenship applications), they can apply for British passports too. Child passports cost £66.50 online and are valid for 5 years.

For children, someone with parental responsibility must apply, and both parents' details are asked for. The process is similar to the adult application but uses a different form. See our visa fees guide for information on passport costs.

What Your Passport Means

A British passport is one of the most powerful travel documents in the world. In 2026, it provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries and territories. It also serves as proof of your right to live and work in the UK. The full journey from visa to passport is covered in our citizenship application guide.

For more on the travel benefits, see our guide on citizenship travel benefits. For information on your new voting rights and other entitlements, explore our citizenship guides.

Questions and answers