Which birth certificate do I need for a passport?
For a first passport Any person born on or after 1st January 1983 applying for their first passport will need to supply a full (or standard) birth certificate with their application form, which provides additional information about parentage.
This measure is an important safeguard against false claims of British nationality and has been introduced to protect against identity fraud. The shortened birth certificate is no longer acceptable evidence of nationality for the purpose of applying for a British passport in the UK.
Babies and children are no longer included on a parents’ passport – they must apply for their own child passport, valid for 5 years a time until the child reaches the age of 16, after which they must then apply for a 10 year adult passport.
Renewing or replacing a lost, damaged or stolen passport
Renewing a passport usually doesn't require evidence of a birth certificate, provided the passport has not yet expired. However, in cases where a passport has expired, been lost, damaged or stolen, evidence such as a birth or marriage certificate may be needed. Click on the Home Office’s
Identity & Passport Service website for up-to-date information on what is required.