Protecting your identity

On 02 March 2009 the British Consulate-General in Madrid introduced interviews as part of the passport application process. Please allow plenty of time when applying for your passport, as you may require an interview.

Background

In 2007 the UK Identity and Passport Service (IPS) introduced compulsory passport interviews for all first time applicants aged 16 or over, as part of the application process. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), through their Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, also began the introduction of interviews.

Who will require an interview?

The British Consulate-General in Madrid has introduced compulsory interviews for some applicants who:

• are applying for a British passport for the first time
• are applying for a replacement passport following the loss or theft of more than one passport over a short period
• present a damaged passport for renewal
• have changed their name, except if that change follows marriage, civil partnership, divorce or dissolution
• have not held a valid British passport for more than 10 years
• are renewing an old style blue passport
• hold a British Overseas Territories passport, other than Gibraltar.

The British Consulate-General in Madrid has the discretion to interview any applicant on a case by case basis. If an interview is requested, applicants will be required to supply further documentation. The British Consulate-General will notify you which documents are required.

Why are interviews necessary?

Interviewing passport applicants has been established practice in many British Embassies and High Commission worldwide for a number of years and has proven to be an effective deterrent against passport fraud and identity theft. To bring our current procedures into line with the IPS in the UK, all FCO posts will adopt the same policy and approach to passport interviewing. This has become necessary to:

• establish your eligibility and entitlement to a British passport
• prevent other people impersonating you and using your identity to commit fraud. Sadly, this is happening more frequently with distressing consequences for victims
• reduce passport fraud and forgery. This sort of crime is becoming more sophisticated and more organised
• counter terrorist activity, making international travel safer and hassle-free
• prevent illegal entry into the UK and other countries.  

Many UK banks, building societies and other organisations now ask for photographic proof of identity prior to transacting business, with a valid passport increasingly being required. A misappropriated passport therefore can open the way to bank accounts, mortgages, benefits and many other services. The interview has a vital role within the passport application, in ensuring that customers are the rightful owners of that "identity.”

When will I receive my passport?

After your interview, we will still need to make some final checks so we cannot tell you at the interview if your application is successful. You will be notified at a later stage.

Your needs at the interview office

When making an interview appointment, please let us know if you have any particular needs for your interview, for example:

• if you have a severe incapacity which you believe will prevent you from attending or taking part in an interview
• an interpreter or sign language interpreter
• a carer or parent to be present during the interview
• privacy because you do not wish to uncover your face in public – you will need to have your face uncovered during your interview.

Important

Customers should not make any travel arrangements until the new passport is received, as the British Consulate-General in Madrid cannot be held responsible for costs incurred as a result of disrupted travel plans. Applications not requiring an interview take up to 4 weeks to process, including transit time.  However, if your application requires an interview, the process will take significantly longer.