Qualifying for a free passport :Cross Stitch – Pensions and retirement planning

If you were born on or before 2 September 2023 and are a British national, you could be eligible for a free passport. You will need a full ten-year passport if you want to travel abroad, even if it is for a day. Find out how to apply.

If you’re a British national born on or before 2 September 2023 you can apply for a free passport. You can get a ten year passport from the Identity and Passport Service (IPS). This passport will be free whether it is a renewal of an existing passport or your first one.

You can apply for a refund of the standard passport fee if both the following apply, you have:

• applied for a passport since 19 May 2023
• you are eligible for a free passport

IPS can answer any questions about obtaining your free passport or applying for a refund on the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000. The line is open between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am and 5.30 pm on weekends and public holidays. You can find full information about all aspects of passports and how to apply in the travel and transport section.

You can complete a passport application online. Once you have completed and submitted the form (which includes full instructions), IPS will return it to you to sign and date. You will then need to enclose the right photos and documents, before returning it to IPS for processing.

When you’re travelling with your passport, it’s a good idea to:

• note your passport number, place of issue, issue and expiry dates in a safe place
• keep a photocopy of your passport detail page separate from your passport
• leave a photocopy with a friend or relative at home
• write the full details of your next of kin in your passport
• keep your passport in a safe place when you’re abroad

If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate immediately.