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Guidance

Balance of probabilities: caseworker guidance

Tells HM Passport Office staff how to use a balance of probabilities when dealing with passport applications.

Updates to this page

From:
HM Passport Office
Published:
22 March 2021
Last updated:
1 July 2026
Show all updates

  1. This guidance has been updated to change the terminology used to refer to mother and baby institutions, Magdalene laundries, and workhouses in Northern Ireland.

  2. Updated the sections 'How to make decisions using a balance of probability' and 'Comparing Home Office records and customer documents or information'.

  3. Guidance updated as detailed in 'About' section.

  4. Guidance updated to make minor formatting changes and to reflect the name change from Guidance & Quality, Operating Standards to Quality, Examination Support team (QuESt).

  5. Version 10.0 added of updated guidance.

  6. Accessible version added.

  7. First published.

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Balance of probabilities

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This guidance tells HM Passport Office staff when and how to use a balance of probabilities when dealing with passport applications.

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