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Free passports for those born on or before 2 Sept 1929

On 19 May 2004, the Home Secretary announced a free passport scheme for all British passport holders born on or before 2 September 1929, in recognition of all the sacrifices made by World War II veterans and civilians. This applies to all British passport holders. 

All free passports are issued in the United Kingdom and take a minimum of 10 weeks to be processed. To apply for a free passport, please complete an Identity and Passport Application form IPS SE/04 form. You can obtain an IPS SE/04 form and further information on applying from your nearest British Embassy or High Commission either by post, email or by telephone (charges may apply to telephone enquiries).  Applications are forwarded to the Identity and Passport Service from your local Embassy/High Commission/Consulate.

If you are in the UK please seek information about this scheme via the Identity and Passport Service.

Your passport will be free whether it is a renewal of an existing passport or your first UK passport. If you have applied for a passport since 19 May 2004 and you are eligible for a free passport for veterans, you can apply for a refund of the standard passport fee by contacting your nearest Embassy/High Commission or Consulate who will send your request on to the Identity and Passport Service.  - Find an Embassy.

Applicants are eligible for a free passport but who need to travel urgently

Please note that if you need to travel within the 10 week minimum processing time, you can opt instead to apply for a Passport in the normal way and pay for it. You would not be entitled to a refund under these circumstances. You could also choose to apply for an Emergency Travel Document if your travel is urgent. Please see section on urgent travel. Please include a covering letter with your passport application, informing us of your decision to pay for your passport on this occasion.

Your application

Please ensure that your application is correctly completed. Incorrect applications will cause long delays and may incur additional expense. Getting it right the first time will save you time and money.