andreae

Hi!
Please can you help me? I have an old blue British passport which expired more than 10 years ago which as far as I can work out, means that I have to apply for a new passport (as opposed to a renewal). Do I fill in the C1 form or the OL form? I have checked and rechecked and still am not sure?? How I wish I'd never let the old one expire......Thank you!

BritInParis

If you hold an old blue British passport then you will need to apply as if you were a first time applicant. Make sure that you'll still eligible for a British passport before applying because your application fee won't be refunded if you're not.

If you're resident in South Africa, you'll be applying to the High Commission in Pretoria which means you can use either Form C1 or Form OL. Form OL just makes the job easier for the staff processing your application and reduces mistakes made due to handwriting/spelling errors.

andreae

Thanks for your reply - will use the OL form then as it's much easier. I should still be eligible - both my parents were born in the UK - i was born in Switzerland as my father was working there at the time.

BritInParis

If both your parents are British-born then you shouldn't have a problem.

andreae

Thanks!