u/CameronValor

Passport documents query - 'please do NOT submit photocopies'

Hi, I am completing a first time passport application (from the UK) and would like some clarity on what needs to be submitted.

The cover letter for the application states both 'certified colour copies of ID are acceptable' and 'Please do NOT submit: photocopies, short form birth certificates or laminated certificates'.

This is causing some confusion - especially after seeing the inconsistent nature of people having a certified copy of a passport declined. Speaking to the webchat, they said that 'I would send in certified copy of driving licence with certified copy of FBR cert'.

How have people got on with submitting a certified copy of a drivers licence instead of a copy of a passport? Is sending a certified copy of both overkill? And does the request for not submitting photocopies only pertain to birth certificates, as the request goes on to mention short form birth certs?

Any insight would be appreciated! Thank you in advance

reddit.com
u/CameronValor — 3 days ago

Thanks to this subreddit for answering any questions I've had, especially regarding additional documents. I'll update the spreadsheet.

Application sent: 01/03/25

Docs received: 11/03/25

Additional docs requested: 09/12/25

Additional docs received: 24/12/25 (found out via webchat, you don't get an email confirming this)

Congratulations email: 05/05/26

430 days total

reddit.com
u/CameronValor — 9 days ago