What do I do if my passport has been lost or stolen? 

You must report the incident immediately to the local authorities and the nearest embassy or high commission.

What if I find a passport that I earlier reported lost or stolen?

You must not use it. Instead return it to the nearest embassy or high commission as soon as possible. If you are in the UK, return it to the nearest passport office. Please check the information on lost and stolen passport.

Can I renew a passport overseas?

Yes. You can renew your passport at most British Embassies or High Commissions. You’ll find further details here on the IPS website. Please check the opening hours and the individual requirements of the embassy or high commission you wish to apply at.

Can I travel abroad without a passport?

Never travel without your passport.

How much will a new passport cost?

It depends on the type of passport. You’ll find a the all the cost related answers on the IPS-fees page.

What kind of photograph should I send?

Passport photographs must meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). 

I am a British dual national with a foreign passport. Can I also hold a UK passport?

The UK government has no objection to dual or multiple citizenship, or to a person holding passports from more than one country. However, some countries do object. You should check with the authorities of the other country concerned.

Can I send photocopies of documents with my passport application?

No. We must see originals. Photocopies or notarised copies are not acceptable.

Can a child be included on a parent’s passport?

No. Since October 1998 all children have to hold their own passport.

Do I need to send my birth certificate and expired passport?

If you hold a valid passport, we normally do not need to see your birth certificate. But we always need your expired or expiring passport if you have one.

Do I need to have my application countersigned if it is a straightforward renewal?

If your passport was issued in the last 10 years, this is not normally necessary unless your appearance has noticeably changed.

Why can’t I provide my ‘short-form’ birth certificate to support my first passport application?

Some of the information we need is not included in the short form birth certificate. Sometimes, we need to confirm your place or town of birth and your parents’ details. For instance, we may want to know your parents’ details if you were included in a parent’s passport, for nationality purposes, or if you were the child of diplomatic parent.