Anyone applying for an adult passport for the first time will have to go through a new application procedure, under changes introduced by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS).
All applications for a first-time passport by over 16s who have not held their own passport as a child will now require an interview at one of 69 regional passport offices around the UK.
The changes have been introduced in an attempt to reduce identity fraud, with the 10-minute interviews requiring applicants to confirm facts about themselves that someone attempting identity theft would not know.
Applicants will receive a letter advising them to telephone the IPS to arrange an interview appointment after initial checks on their passport application have been completed.
An interview can be held at any one of the regional passport offices. The booking of interview slots is subject to availability.
As a result of the changes, the IPS has advised anyone beginning the passport application process in this way to allow at least six weeks before the date they require their new passport.
More information can be found at www.ips.gov.uk.
