How to Apply for a British Passport for My Child Over 16

Look up the fee and time tables for the passport application process so you will have an idea how long the process will take. Open your web browser and type www.homeoffice.gov.uk. Select "Immigration & Passports" from the blue bar. Scroll down the page and select "Passport, immigration, and visa applications." Select the link related to applying for a passport. Maximize the new window that opens and click on "Passport fees, how long it takes and urgent passport applications." You will be directed to a page that contains links to the timetable and the table of passport application fees. The times represented in the timetable are estimates. "First adult passports" are estimated to take six weeks.

Fill out the first adult passport application online. Open your web browser and type www.homeoffice.gov.uk. Select "Immigration & Passports" from the top blue bar. Scroll down the page until you see "Passport, immigration and visa applications" and select the link related to applying for a passport. A new window will open. Maximize the window and click on "Applying for your first adult passport" and follow the page. Select "The application form, fees and supporting documents for a first adult passport." Scroll down to the "Application Form" section and select "Complete the application form online." A new window will open. Scroll to the bottom of this new window and select "start application process." Complete the online application form.

Check your mail regularly for a completed application form from Identity and Passport Services.

Have your child sign the application form.

Take your child to a photography studio to have passport photos taken for the application.

Check guidelines for who can countersign a passport by going to www.direct.gov.uk. Select "Passports" from the "Most Popular" table at the right. Select "Applying for your first adult passport" and then click on "The application form, fee and supporting documents for a first adult passport" link. Scroll down the page and select the "Who can countersign your application?" link.

Find someone who is qualified to countersign section 10 of your child's passport. Use the criteria found on the "Who can countersign your application?" web page.

Have the same person certify a passport picture of your child by writing the following statement on the back of a photograph: "I certify that this is a true likeness of Mr. [your child's full name]." Then have the person sign and date the statement.

Place all supporting documents, the completed application form and the certified photograph in an envelope.

Mail the envelope to "Identity and Passport Service Globe House" at 89 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PN.