How to Apply for a British Passport Online

There are several ways to apply for a British passport. One of the most convenient methods is applying for a British passport online through the secure Identity and Passport Service (IPS) site which was formerly known as the UK Passport Service.

What Happens After the Application is Submitted?

Once an applicant has completed their online application for a British passport, the IPS will then print the information you have entered onto a paper application form. The IPS will then send you a copy of the printed application form so that you can sign and date the form and return it to IPS to be processed. According to IPS, if your online application form is received before 5:00 pm on a working day, your pre-printed application form will be sent out to you within 24 hours.

Dealing with High Demand

As the IPS online passport service experiences high demand, it can take longer than usual to send out your pre-printed British passport application. Applications are sent second class, which means it can take up to a week to receive your application. IPS recommends not using the online application process if you are planning to travel within the next four weeks. Rather, if your journey is imminent, use the Check & Send service which is available at some Post Office Branches.

Customer Privacy

The IPS takes customer privacy very seriously by strictly adhering to the Data Protection Act 1998. The information you submit in your online British passport application will stay on record for 28 days. After this date, your personal information will be destroyed. If you have any enquiries about your passport application after this period of time, the IPS will not be able to answer your questions.

When Does Processing Begin?

The passport application fee will only be charged upon receipt of your online passport application. At the time that the fee is charged, the processing will begin. The pre-printed forms that are completed online can also be used for the Check & Send service at selected Post office Branches, rather than sent back to IPS.

Applying for a British passport online from IPS is a convenient way to apply. Once you have submitted your application, the information you have entered will be pre-printed and returned to you for a signature and date. However, if your journey is imminent, the IPS recommends using the Check & Send service rather than applying online, as there are often delays due to high demand. Pre-printed forms can be sent back to IPS or submitted through the Check & Send service.

Source:

Identity & Passport Service, IPS online passport application.