The United Kingdom government has confirmed that individuals born on or before 2 September 1929 are entitled to apply for a passport without paying any fee. This exemption applies regardless of whether the applicant chooses to submit their application online or via a paper form.
Who Qualifies for a Free UK Passport?
The exemption is strictly based on date of birth. Anyone born on or before 2 September 1929 is eligible for a zero-cost passport application. The UK government's official website explicitly states: "Passport for people born on or before 2 September 1929." This means that for this specific group, the standard application fee is waived entirely.
Applicants born after 2 September 1929 do not qualify for the exemption and must pay the applicable fee when submitting their passport application. The distinction is simple: those born on or before the cutoff date can apply free of charge; those born after must pay the standard fee.
Application Process for Eligible Individuals
Eligible individuals have the flexibility to apply either through the online portal or by completing a paper application form. Both methods carry no fee for this category. The UK government provides clear guidance on its website for these applicants, ensuring that the process is accessible and straightforward.
For most passport applicants, the fee varies depending on the type of application (online or paper) and the number of pages required (standard 34-page or larger 54-page passport). However, for those born on or before 2 September 1929, all fees are waived, making the process entirely free.
Background and Context
The exemption policy has been in place for many years and reflects a recognition of the oldest members of society. As of 2026, the number of individuals born before 2 September 1929 is very small, but the policy remains active.
In a related development, the UK government also published detailed fee structures for passport applications submitted via paper forms, including separate charges for adults and children, as well as for 34-page and 54-page passports. Various payment methods are available for those who do not qualify for the fee exemption.
This information was originally reported by Legit.ng, with Human Interest Editor Muhammed Hammed Olayinka providing the details. The source article also noted that the exemption covers both new applications and renewals for those in the eligible age group.
