Obtain an application form. They are available at Check and Send Post Office branches in the UK or by filling out a request form on the IPS website. Check the Post Office branch finder on their website to find a Check and Send location.
Fill out the application form in capital letters using a black ballpoint pen. Specific advice on completing each area of the application is available at the IPS sister site, www.direct.gov.uk, or at the Check and Send branches of the post office.
Take passport photos at a photo processing center. They should be passport-sized with a cream or off-white background.
Sign section 9 of the application, enclosing your application fee and photos, and give the unsealed envelope with your application to your countersignatory.
Instruct the countersignatory, a British or Irish passport holder who has known you for two years or more, to fill out and sign section 10 of the application. This person must also sign and date one of your passport photos with the remark stating that the photo represents your true likeness.
Take your completed application documents to a Check and Send location or a Regional Passport Office to apply in person. They will send your application for you after checking to make sure it has been completed correctly.
Pay the appropriate passport fee. The fees are listed on www.direct.gov.uk. At Check and Send locations you can pay by cash, check, debit or credit. If you apply in person at a regional passport office (available in Durham, Glasgow, London, Peterburough, Newport and Liverpool), a postal order is an additional accepted method of payment.
Wait for the IPS to contact you to schedule an interview. If you are applying for your first passport, an interview will most likely be mandatory. Be yourself and your identity will usually be confirmed.
