Passport Office feared backlash over public services card confusion

The Passport Office was worried it would suffer reputational damage if it continued to insist that certain applicants needed a Public Services Card (PSC)to use its service, it has emerged.

Until last September, first-time passport applicants were required to have a PSC, as were applicants whose last passport had expired more than five years ago. A PSC was also required for applicants whose previous passport had been issued before January 2005 but had ...