Every application is distinct and has its own set of requirements. Consequently, once you submit your completed application form, we will provide you with precise guidance on the specific documents needed for your unique case.
For passports that are still valid or expired less than 10 years ago, the standard British passport renewal procedure applies.
If your passport was issued before 2004 or expired more than ten years ago, you must follow the process akin to a first-time application. This includes providing original birth certificates, marriage certificates for any name changes, etc.
Old Passport: You must send your most recently issued passport, whether valid or expired, to the passport office for cancellation. Originals only; photocopies are not accepted.
Other Non-British Passports: Any uncancelled non-British passport you hold must also be submitted, as the UK allows dual citizenship.
Name Changes: If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, provide the original long-form marriage certificate (if the change was due to marriage) or an official name change document from the relevant government department or deed poll.
Every renewal application is unique. Upon submitting your completed application form, we will advise you on the specific documents needed for your case.
Before Brexit: Passports issued before Brexit, whether burgundy or with ‘European Union’ on the cover, remain valid until their expiration.
Travel Validity: Passports should have at least six months of validity beyond your intended return date. Many countries do not allow entry if the passport expires within six months of the final travel day.
Blank Pages: Ensure at least three blank pages are available in your passport for entry and exit stamps.
Processing Time: The processing time for passport renewal is approximately 3–4 weeks or sooner.
Application Steps: To begin the renewal process, click here.
Note: Always renew your passport well ahead of your travel dates to avoid any complications.
Applicant’s Original Birth or Naturalisation Certificate: For detailed information, see explanation of certificates.
Identity Verification: Current passport, Identity Document, or driver’s license displaying the applicant’s details and photograph.
Parental Documents:
British Passports of Parents: If available, a color photocopy of the photo/biometric page is acceptable.
Name Change: Official original document of name change (or deed poll) if the name differs from the birth certificate. For name changes due to marriage, provide all relevant original marriage, divorce, or death certificates. See certificate explanations.
Dual Citizenship: Color copies (including all pages) of any current or expired non-British passports. The UK allows dual citizenship.
Naturalisation Evidence: If the applicant or their parents were naturalised in the UK, submit the original certificate of naturalisation.
Parents of Minors: Include any relevant court orders regarding parental responsibility or residency arrangements.
Non-Birth Country Applications: If applying from outside your birth country, provide the passport or travel documents used to enter the current country and an explanation for not applying from the birth country.
Proof of Identity: One document with a photo, such as a non-expired non-British passport, national identity card (color photocopy acceptable), or a government-issued document.
Each application is unique and will require specific documents. Detailed advice will be provided upon submitting the completed application form.
A lost or stolen British Passport must be reported to the local Police Department in the country where the applicant resides, a Police report must be obtained.
Additional supporting documents or information might be requested by HM Passport Office when applying for the replacement of a lost or stolen passport, which may cause some delays with the issuing of your new replacement passport.
Criteria will be the same as for a British Passport Renewal.
See requirements under “Renewals”. Unfortunately, in some cases, the same criteria will apply as for a first-time application, including all supporting documents, depending on the issue and expiry dates of your lost/stolen passport. Click here to complete a Passport Online Application form.
Non-British passport that hasn’t expired, national identity card (a colour photocopy will do), any government or local government produced document.
Each new application is unique with different requirements; therefore, an applicant will be advised what documents will be needed when submitting a completed application form.
Criteria will be the same as for a British Passport Renewal. See requirements under “Renewals”.
Unfortunately, in some cases, the same criteria will apply as for a first-time application, including all supporting documents, depending on the issue and expiry dates of your damaged passport. Click here to apply online.
Changing your name or surname on a British passport follows the same criteria as a standard British Passport Renewal. Please refer to the requirements listed under “Renewals”.
In cases of marriage, divorce, civil partnership, or other reasons necessitating a name change in your passport, you must submit a British passport renewal application. Upon application, your current British passport will be immediately cancelled and replaced with a new one reflecting your new name.
Official Name Change Document: If your new name (first, middle, or last/family name) differs from the one on your birth certificate, you must submit an official original name change document, such as a deed poll.
Marriage-Related Name Change: Provide the original full marriage certificate. If you have been married multiple times, all relevant original divorce, death, and marriage certificates are required. See detailed certificate explanation below.
Reverting to Previous Name: Submit an official certified letter declaring your name change and provide proof of the same.
Ready to update your passport with your new name? Apply Online.
Approximately 3 – 4 weeks or sooner. Apply Online.
Old passports and other original documents will be returned after review. The old passport and supporting documents are returned once the new passport has been dispatched and delivered.
Each application has its own specific requirements. You will be informed about the necessary documents once your completed application form is submitted. Apply Online.
Anyone can apply for an Emergency Travel Document if one needs to travel urgently while an application for a UK passport renewal is being processed but has not been received yet. Your application for a renewal must be submitted first to be able to apply for an emergency travel document.
Your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate where you reside can issue an Emergency Travel Document. This document will allow you to travel abroad up to a maximum of 5 countries and will cover your return to the country you apply from, where you reside.
If it is approved, you may get the document the same day or a few days later in the event of more information being required.
If approved, your Emergency Travel Document will only be valid for the specific travelling plans you supply at the time of application.
You can apply for an emergency travel document (sometimes called an ‘emergency passport’) if you’re abroad, need to travel and cannot get a passport in time.
You usually cannot get an emergency travel document if you’ve never had a UK passport. You usually also cannot get it if your passport has been expired for more than 10 years.
What an emergency travel document lets you do:
You can use an emergency travel document to travel to your destination through a maximum of 5 countries. You can also normally use it to return to the country you’re applying from if you live there.
Your travel plans (countries and dates) will be printed on your emergency travel document. If you change your travel plans once you have your emergency travel document, you’ll need to apply for a new one.
You may need a visa to leave the country you’re in or to travel through other countries with your emergency travel document. Check with the embassy or consulate of each country.
If your final destination is the UK, border staff will keep your emergency travel document when you arrive. Border staff at a different final destination might also keep the document.
You might need to attend an appointment at your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate after you apply online. You’ll be told after you’ve submitted your application whether you need an appointment.
You’ll need to give a contact telephone number and email address as part of your application.
Click here to apply: https://www.apply-emergency-travel-document.service.gov.uk/