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Original poster

Getting a passport as an adopted person.

32 replies

happyinherts · 01/12/2022 19:36

Has anyone here ever managed to get their first adult passport as an adopted adult?

Passport form has a lot to say about adopted children, ie those currently under 18 - but no explanation about adults wishing to obtain their first passport.

For instance, do you put your birth parents names / date of birth down on the form - or your adoptive parents? If the latter, did you have to write a cover letter - or extra information explaining that your surname had changed from birth surname? Or did you only have to send in documentation with your adoptive surname?

Confused?

OP posts:
Annabananna1 · 01/12/2022 19:39

When you were legally adopted did you get a new birth certificate with your adoptive parents name and your name etc.
If you did, you use all the details on their and forget about the first one.

dementedpixie · 01/12/2022 19:41

I imagine you'd use the adoptive parents details, provide your birth certificate and then the adoption stuff showing change of name. You can give more info in the section provided.

Original poster
happyinherts · 01/12/2022 19:41

No, you can't have a new 'birth' certificate. You get a 'Certificate of Adoption' but still unsure which 'parent' to enter on passport form.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Families
PandaOrLion · 01/12/2022 19:41

I just used my adoption certificate and put adopted parents names.

PandaOrLion · 01/12/2022 19:42

I was always taught my adoption certificate superseded my birth certificate so it’s what I use for DBS, marriage etc

Loopyloooooo · 01/12/2022 19:43

You put your legal parents, so if you're legally adopted you put your adoptive parents details and send off you're adoption cert. No need to write in birth name either under previous names etc.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 01/12/2022 19:43

Legally your parents are your adoptive parents, so those are who you put down on any official/legal forms.

I was about 7 when I was adopted, I've never declared my birth surname - I can't think of a time it was asked. As PP says I have a birth certificate in my adopted name.

PacificallyRequested · 01/12/2022 19:43

It clearly says on the web page that you can use your adoption certificate:
www.gov.uk/apply-first-adult-passport/what-documents-you-need-to-apply

Loopyloooooo · 01/12/2022 19:43

PandaOrLion · 01/12/2022 19:42

I was always taught my adoption certificate superseded my birth certificate so it’s what I use for DBS, marriage etc

Yes this is correct :)

DisplayPurposesOnly · 01/12/2022 19:45

you can't have a new 'birth' certificate. You get a 'Certificate of Adoption'

I have a birth certificate in my original name, a birth certificate in my adopted name and a certificate of adoption. Mind you, it was 1973 so things may have changed!

Original poster
happyinherts · 01/12/2022 19:49

Thanks all. So @PacificallyRequested on that link - born before 1983. It states you need your birth certificate or adoption certificate. It just seems confusing as to why either are acceptable. (I've been rejected before). Surely it would only be adoption certificate. (I've been rejected on that too before). But it seems adoptive parents are to be named, so I'll try again with that.

OP posts:
mrsmacmc · 01/12/2022 19:51

Fellow adoptee here OP

I have an extract entry birth certificate and my adoption certificate. Parents names I put my adopted parents down

Original poster
happyinherts · 01/12/2022 19:58

Thank you so much @mrsmacmc It's reassuring to know others have been in this situation. I do appreciate this, as I've been rejected twice - but now at least I know that I've put the correct details in. I will try again after Christmas.

OP posts:
Clairejay34 · 01/12/2022 20:06

What age were you adopted at? I was adopted at 13 months and in all forms like this I have never mentioned birth parents names, I just use my adopted parents details for everything, as they are legally my parents. Alot of people don't actually know the details of thier birth parents so I wouldn't think you would have to do that.

Clairejay34 · 01/12/2022 20:07

And I'm sure I just used my adoption certificate. I don't have anything else.

Original poster
happyinherts · 01/12/2022 20:12

@Clairejay34 Over the years I've had passport forms rejected in both birth name and adopted name - it's been stressful. This is why I've asked the question, and as everyone here confirms the same thing, I'm going to have another try with adoptive parents name. In my possession I do have a birth certificate (with original parents) and an adoption certificate. I was a little older than you when I was adopted, about two years old.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 01/12/2022 20:37

Have they given a reason for rejection or asked for further information? Odd to reject with no guidance as to what info they need?

Original poster
happyinherts · 01/12/2022 20:43

@dementedpixie It was a very long time ago - I then gave up even attempting to get a passport, but as I don't drive, I would like photographic ID, and of course with a passport I'll then be tempted to travel!

Birth parents name probably rejected because it was wrong, ie I'm adopted. Adopted parents application rejected because it was deemed they were too old Or that I'd made a mistake on their dates of birth - which was asked for - and therefore too old. To be fair, they were a lot older than would probably be allowed today - but it was a special case at the time. I'm not sure really. I was upset at the time, and left it.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 01/12/2022 20:56

I'd start an online application and it will likely tell you what you need to send. You will need someone you know to verify your identity and may need to attend an interview

MayISuggestSomeThickCutSteakChipsToGoWithThat · 01/12/2022 21:03

happyinherts · 01/12/2022 19:41

No, you can't have a new 'birth' certificate. You get a 'Certificate of Adoption' but still unsure which 'parent' to enter on passport form.

It shouldn't be an issue. I'm adopted. My full name has changed. I have a new birth certificate with my adoptive name on it. Passport. It was just the same filling it in for me as it would be for any other person. Same with my drivers license.

RandomMess · 01/12/2022 21:03

How difficult and upsetting for you Flowers

You could apply for a learner driving license to get photo ID.

Once you have that it should be easier to do your passport on line but an expensive way of doing it!!

pigonalipstick · 01/12/2022 21:56

OP sorry to sound simplistic but have you thought about calling the passport office and asking?

Original poster
happyinherts · 01/12/2022 21:58

Yes @pigonalipstick I have thought of that. It would have been nice to have actually spoken to a human, instead of pressing a lot of buttons and listening to music for ages and ages and ages. I wanted the opinions of people who actually had experienced this. Don't forget I've had two applications refused.

OP posts:
pigonalipstick · 01/12/2022 22:01

It was the two rejections that made me think the passport office might know more. Sorry I was trying to be rude

Clairejay34 · 01/12/2022 22:08

Are you anywhere near a passport office? You could maybe make an appointment and take your birth certificate and adoption certificate and see what they advise? I don't actually know if this is an option be honest, but worth looking in to? Hope you get it sorted x