From 1 June 2007, first time adult passport customers who are 16 and over will no longer be able to use the fast track one week service when applying for their passport. This is due to the introduction of face to face interviews for all first time adult passport customers during 2007, as part of the passport application process.

For further information please visit: www.passport.gov.uk

The interview process
Passport applications can be made using the standard application form, as now. These can be sent directly by post or by using the Check & Send service available at selected branches of the Post Office and Worldchoice travel agents. Regional passport offices will then establish that the applicant’s identity exists and that they are entitled to a British passport. This will include checks with independent sources such as the electoral roll and address histories. This verifies a “biographical footprint” of identity and will be used later in the identity interview.

At the end of this initial verification process, the applicant will get a letter asking them to telephone us to make an appointment for an interview at one of our 69 interview offices. An applicant can choose any office, but appointments are subject to availability*.

The interview process takes about 30 minutes. It will be conducted in a friendly manner and will consist mainly of asking applicants to confirm facts about themselves, which someone attempting to steal their identity may not know.

All personal information used in the interview is destroyed shortly after the passport is issued.

* As the interview scheme is rolled out, we will start with small-scale interviews in a limited number of interview offices. During this period, customers will not have a choice of interview office. However, the location of the interview will be within one hour’s travelling time.

the Identity and Passport Service wants to develop and share database information with Government and private-sector organisations, building on the success we have had with our Lost, Stolen and Recovered passport database.

i've seen somewhere that they will ask you questions from a question bank of about 200 questions, the 'checks with independent sources ' who knows, your bank details, dvla, nhs, local council, job ???