Ancestors' Passports in HMPO Archive Team's Passport Index Cards

Subject: Discovering Ancestors' Passports with HMPO Archive Team's Passport Index Cards

Hello everyone,

I recently stumbled upon an incredible resource that can help uncover previously unknown family history, especially for those tracing British ancestry: the Passport Index Cards (PICs) maintained by the HMPO Archive Team. These cards can provide fascinating insights into passports issued to your ancestors.

Here's how it works:

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), now known as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), created passport index cards for every passport ever issued throughout the British Empire. In some instances, this continued even after a country's independence. These cards were based on information from the passport application forms and are all stored on microfiches.

You can access these records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Here are the steps:

1. Eligibility: You can request these PICs if the passport holder is presumed to be over 100 years old (thus assumed deceased) or if you provide a death certificate of the passport holder.

2. Request Process: Submit an FOIA request via email to foirequests@homeoffice.gov.uk. Be sure to include as much information as possible about the ancestor whose passport details you are seeking.

This is a fantastic opportunity to uncover hidden aspects of your family history, such as migration patterns, places of residence, and even changes in family names. The PICs can reveal details that might not be found in other historical documents.

I have a lot experience with this process or further tips will be shared!

This could be a game-changer for many of us researching our British roots.

Best of luck with your genealogical adventures!

Best regards,