Cats-R-Us

A friend is trying to renew his passport before it expires early November. He has been unable to find out where he can print off the application form. I tried for him but the gov.uk web site seems to be trying to make him apply on line but we get stuck when it comes to the part about adding the digital photo. He looked at other web sites but they seem to be trying to get him to pay them as well as the payment for the passport. The other query is he doesn't have a UK bank account, does this matter? He does have a direct debit card for his Spanish account which has a Visa symbol on it so perhaps they accept that? Any advice I can pass on to him would be welcome.

spainrico

This might help

https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog...-in-spain.html

Loafing Along

Best method is take a "Selfie" - with mobile, save it to the computer then it can be uploaded to the box on the online application. I paid for mine with a Visa Credit Card. Does not need a UK bank account

BritInParis

No need to print the application form; you can do the whole thing online. You only need to post the old passport. As mentioned you can take a photo on your mobile phone or digital camera and providing it meets the requirements you can use this. Alternatively you can visit a professional photographer who will be able to email you a copy to use. No need for a UK bank account - any VISA/MasterCard credit or debit card should work fine.

Make sure you’re using the correct website: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

bob_day

We renewed our a couple of months ago. Filled in the online form, took a few selfies. Simple process with notifications from the UK gov as the process went on. Took almost 4 weeks, most of which was the post either way. Although guicker coming back.

Simple, painless but quite expensive. Not that they no longer add any time left on your old passport to the new one. So no matter how long your old passport's validity is remaining you only get 10 years on the new one.

billgates

Do you still have to get a "professional" person to verify your identity?

BritInParis

Only for first time applications.

snikpoh

They also consider changing from a child's 5-year passport to an adult 10-year one as a "first time application" so this also requires a signatory.

el collado kid

Are you sure thats right they no longer add any time left on your passport adverts now running on tv and radio say they do. just a question?

Loafing Along

Definitely do not, I renewed mine a few months ago and had about five months left on my old one but new dated from time of application . Did it to keep my EU crest !!

Fred James

The law has recently changed and you do not get any credit for the remaining time on your passport.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ne...er-than-expec/

BritInParis

That would be considered an adult renewal if you were renewing it before it expired or shortly afterwards so no countersignature is required.

JosedP

Sometimes is easier and cheaper to get assistance from some inmigration company which helps you to get the documents need it. Manage with administration is always difficult.

snikpoh

Nope that is incorrect. It is considered a new application for an adult passport. I only know because I asked them to confirm I needed a countersignature

BritInParis

If you follow the online application form there’s no request for a countersignature.