Quick guide to filling in the passport application form :Cross Stitch – Travel and transport

There is one application form that is used for all types of passport applications except collective passports. The form comes with full instructions. This is a quick guide to getting the form and getting started. You can also download the guidance booklet that comes with the paper form.

For the paper form it is important to:

  • complete the form in CAPITAL LETTERS with a black ballpoint pen
  • write only within the white boxed areas
  • leave other areas of the form blank (do not strike through or otherwise mark them)

If you make minor mistakes you can black them out with a pen. Do not use correction fluid.

Section 1 of the form

Put a cross in the box to show what type of passport you are applying for. This is also where you can:

  • ask IPS to send your supporting documents back to you by Secure Delivery
  • apply for a 48-page ‘jumbo passport’
  • ask for a Braille identifying sticker to go on your passport

Section 2 of the form

This is for your current UK address and contact details. Please include phone numbers and an email address, if you have one, in case IPS needs to contact you.

Section 3 of the form

This is for details about all passports you hold, have held or have been included on in the past. This is also where you give details of a lost or stolen passport.

Section 4 of the form

Only fill in this section if:

  • you are an adult (16 or over) applying for your first passport (or a child who is likely to become 16 before IPS can issue the passport)
  • the application is for a child (under 16)
  • you were born abroad
  • you are applying to extend your passport or replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport

Section 5 of the form

Only fill in this section if you have a Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation.

Section 6 of the form

Only fill this in if the application is for a child aged 12 to 15 years.

Section 7 of the form

Leave this section of the form blank.

Section 8 of the form

Use this space to include any extra information you think IPS should know about, such as:

  • details of a previous or alternative address
  • your preferred method of contact if you are visually impaired
  • that you have already sent IPS form LS01 to report a lost or stolen passport

Section 9 of the form

You must sign and date your application here.

If you fill in the form online, IPS will send you the completed version to sign at section 9 and post back to them.

Section 10 of the form

This is the section that the person you have asked to countersign your form must fill in and sign. You only need to get your form countersigned if you are applying:

  • for a first passport
  • to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
  • to renew a passport for a child aged 11 years or younger
  • to renew a passport when your appearance has changed so much that it would be hard to recognise you from the photo in your last or current passport