Identity and Passport Service

| Identity and Passport Service | Fersiwn Cymraeg |

Press releases

Removal of the fast track service for first-time adult passport customers

Thursday 24th May 2007
New anti-fraud measures mean people applying for their first ever adult passport cannot leave it until the last minute to apply.

From 1 June 2007, first-time adult passport customers will no longer be able to use the fast track one-week service, as the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) introduces face-to-face interviews as part of the passport application process.

Bernard Herdan, IPS Executive Director for Service Delivery, said:

"If you're planning a trip abroad this summer make sure your passport is top of the 'to do' list and get it organised now, before you book your holiday.

"With identity theft on the rise, new developments are being introduced to help fight passport fraud and forgery. The interviews will be brief and straightforward, and are a simple and effective way to protect our customers' identities, making it much harder for a fraudster to get a passport."

The interviews are for passport customers aged 16 or over and who are applying for a passport for the first time. They are being introduced along with other anti-fraud measures to help fight passport fraud and forgery, protect the UK public from identity theft, and ensure the British passport stays one of the most secure and respected in the world.

First-time adult passport customers must allow more time to get their passport: IPS recommends leaving six weeks. Customers are strongly advised against making travel arrangements until they have received their passport.

The fast track one-week service will continue to be available as usual for all other passport customers, such as for passport renewals.

Further information concerning the passport interview requirement.

NOTES TO EDITORS

  1. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) was established as an executive agency of the Home Office on 1 April 2006. It builds on the strong foundations of the UK Passport Service to provide passport services to the public and, as part of the National Identity Scheme established through the Identity Cards Act 2006, will be responsible for the introduction of the National Identity Scheme. The development of the National Identity Scheme builds on the changes being made to passports to provide a secure and straightforward way to safeguard personal identities from misuse.
  2. Withdrawal of the fast track service for first-time adult customers was announced on 20 March 2007 (Home Office press notice 053/2007).
  3. For further information see www.ips.gov.uk or call the IPS Adviceline on 0870 5210410.
  4. For media enquiries and interview requests relating to IPS and passports issued in the UK, please contact the Home Office Newsdesk on 020 7035 3535.

Return to previous page |