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British Passport Renewal Requirements

It’s important to understand that each application is unique and may have specific requirements. Applicants will be provided with clear guidance on the exact documents needed when submitting their completed application form.

Please click on the correct link below to get a general idea of document requirements:

British passport renewal requirements

Standard Renewals

If your passport is still valid (within 10 years from its expiry date) or expired for less than 10 years, you can follow the standard British passport renewal process.

Passports Expired or Issued Long Ago

If your passport was issued a long time ago (before 2004) or expired over 10 years ago, the application process will follow the requirements for a first-time passport application. This includes submitting all relevant qualifying documents, such as:

  • Original birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates (if applicable for name changes)

Documents Required for Renewal

Applicants must provide the following original documents (photocopies are not accepted):

  1. Most Recent Passport:
    • Your old passport, whether valid or expired, must be submitted to the passport office for cancellation before a new one can be issued.
  1. Uncancelled Non-British Passports:
    • Any uncancelled non-British passports associated with the applicant must be submitted. The United Kingdom allows dual citizenship.
  1. Name Change Documentation:
    • If you have changed your name since your last passport was issued, you must submit the original full long-form marriage certificate (in the case of marriage with a surname change) or an official name change document (e.g., deed poll or government-issued certificate).

Each passport application is unique and may require additional documents. Applicants will be advised on the exact requirements when submitting their completed application form.

Brexit and Burgundy Passports

Passports issued before Brexit (e.g., burgundy passports with “European Union” on the cover) remain valid until their expiration date.

Processing Times

Passport renewals typically take approximately 3–4 weeks or sooner.

Passport Validity Requirements

To travel internationally, your passport must meet the following criteria:

  • Validity Period:
    • Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended return date. Many countries will deny entry if the passport expires within six months of travel.
    • Airlines often do not notify passengers of this requirement, so it’s essential to renew your passport well in advance if the expiration date is approaching.
  • Blank Pages:
    • Ensure your passport has at least 3 blank pages for visa stamps.

Tip: Always verify your passport’s validity and renew it early to avoid travel disruptions.

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Requirements for First Time Applications

British passports or birth registrations through descent

Additional Documents needed – if applicable 

  • Name change – An official original name change document from the relevant department (or deed poll) must be submitted if the applicant uses a different first and/or middle name or a different last name/family name to the one on the birth certificate. 
  • If the name change is through marriage, provide an original full marriage certificate*. If the applicant was married more than once, provide all original relevant divorce, death and marriage certificates – *See explanation of certificates here.
  • Dual Citizenship – Applicant must submit a full colour copy (every page including blank pages) of any current or expired passport/s (non – British passport) from other countries that haven’t been cancelled. The United Kingdom allows dual citizenship. 
  • Naturalisation – If anyone was naturalised inside the UNITED KINGDOM (applicant/father/mother) submit an original certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen or as a citizen of the United Kingdom. 
  • Parents of minors – any court orders (for example that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements). 
  • If an application is submitted from a country that is not the country where the applicant was born, provide the passport or travel documents used to enter the country where applying from. Also provide an explanation why not applying from the country of birth (if this applies). 
  • Proof of identity – ONE of the following that has your photo on it:

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.

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*Explanation of certificates

  • Full long version birth or adoption certificate – records both the child’s parents’ details
  • Full long version marriage certificate – records the previous marital status of the bride and groom

Only original versions of certificates or original government certified/issued  replacement documents (birth, adoption, marriage, death, divorce) will be accepted as supporting documents. NO photocopies or laminated documents will be accepted. Documents that are not in English – including documents showing an address – must be fully translated by a professional translator.

Applications from South Africa – additional note:

Applicants born in South Africa – ONLY a Vault birth certificate of the applicant will be accepted. A vault birth certificate is a copy of the original registration form completed by the parents when a birth was registered. It is a photocopy of the original, stamped and signed by a Department of Home Affairs Officer. An applicant’s unabridged birth certificate will be accepted ONLY IF it was issued within 12 months of birth).

First-time Passport Application processing time: +/- 1 – 3 months. Varies according to each individual application.

Birth Registration Applications through descent processing time: +/- 3-6 months. Varies according to each individual application.

Click here for more information on first-time passport applications and birth registrations by descent.

Lost or Stolen British Passport Replacements

If your British passport is lost or stolen, you must follow these steps:

  1. Report to Local Authorities:
    • Immediately report the loss or theft to the local police department in the country where you reside.
    • Obtain an official police report, as it will be required during the application process.
  1. Application Process:
    • To replace a lost or stolen passport, you must meet the same criteria as a British passport renewal. Refer to the “Renewals” section for detailed requirements.
    • In some cases, especially if the lost or stolen passport was issued or expired long ago, the replacement process may follow the same criteria as a first-time passport application, including submitting all supporting documents.
    • Additional supporting documents or information may be requested by His Majesty’s Passport Office, which could lead to delays in issuing the replacement passport.
  1. Click here to get a quote.
    Click here to complete a Passport Online Application form.

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

  1. Name Changes:
    • If your current name differs from the one on your birth certificate, you must submit:
      • An official original name change document (e.g., deed poll or government-issued certificate).
      • If the change is due to marriage, provide an original full marriage certificate.
      • For multiple marriages, submit all relevant original divorce, death, and marriage certificates.
  1. Dual Citizenship:
    • Submit a full-colour copy (every page, including blank pages) of any valid or expired non-British passports. The United Kingdom permits dual citizenship.
  1. Naturalisation:
    • If the applicant (or their parents) were naturalised in the UK, submit the original certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen or as a citizen of the United Kingdom.
  1. Parents of Minors:
    • If applying for a child, submit court orders related to parental responsibility or residency arrangements, if applicable.
  1. Country of Application:
    • If the application is submitted from a country other than the applicant’s country of birth, provide:
      • The passport or travel documents used to enter the current country.
      • A written explanation of why the application is not being submitted from the country of birth (if applicable).
  1. Proof of Identity:
    • Provide one of the following documents with your photo:
      • A valid non-British passport.
      • A national identity card (colour photocopy acceptable).
      • Any government or local government-issued photo ID.

Key Information

Each application is unique and may require additional documents. Applicants will be informed of the exact requirements when submitting their completed application form. Be prepared for variations based on your specific circumstances.

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Damaged British Passport Replacements

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 get a quote.

Click here to complete a Passport Online Application form.

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Name/Surname Change on British Passports

Criteria will be the same as for a British Passport Renewal. See requirements under “Renewals”.

A British passport renewal application must be submitted in the event of marriage, divorce, civil partnership or other reasons if you want to do a name change in your passport. Your existing current British passport will be cancelled with immediate effect and will be replaced with a new British passport in the new name.

The following will be needed to prove your name change:

  • An official original name change document from the relevant department (or deed poll) must be submitted if the applicant uses a different first and/or middle name or a different last name/family name to the one on the birth certificate.
  • If the name change is through marriage, provide an original full marriage certificate*. If the applicant was married more than once, provide all original relevant divorce, death and marriage certificates* See *Explanation of certificates lower down.
  • When reverting to a previous name, an official certified letter from you will be needed declaring your name change and proof of the same.

*Explanation of certificates

  • Full long version marriage certificate – records the previous marital status of the bride and groom

Only original versions of certificates or original government certified/issued  replacement documents (birth, adoption, marriage, death, divorce) will be accepted as supporting documents. NO photocopies or laminated documents will be accepted. Documents that are not in English – including documents showing an address – must be fully translated by a professional translator.

Click here to get a quote.

Click here to complete a Passport Online Application form.

Apply Online Now

General Info/ Original Supporting Documents

Age Categories

  • Adult: 16 years or older (or turning 16 within two weeks).
  • Child: 15 years or younger.

Passport Renewal Delivery Time

Processing time for passport renewals is typically 3–4 weeks or sooner.

Document Requirements

  • Original Certificates Only:
    • Only original certificates or government-certified/issued replacement documents (e.g., birth, adoption, marriage, death, or divorce certificates) are accepted.
    • No photocopies or laminated documents will be accepted.
  • Documents in Non-English Languages:
    • Any document not in English, including those showing an address, must be fully translated by a professional translator.
  • Return of Documents:
    • Original documents, including old passports, will be returned after examination.

Application Interviews for First-Time Adults

  • For first-time adult applicants, passport application interviews are compulsory and conducted at a local Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
  • Not all applicants will be required to attend an interview; selections are made randomly.

Application Specificity

Each application is unique, and the required supporting documents may vary. Applicants will be informed of the specific requirements when submitting their completed application form.

Explanation of Certificates

  1. Full Long-Form Birth or Adoption Certificate:
    • Includes details of both parents.
  1. Full Long-Form Marriage Certificate:
    • Records the previous marital status of both the bride and groom.

Additional Notes for South African Applicants

  • Vault Birth Certificates:
    • For applicants born in South Africa, only a vault birth certificate will be accepted.
    • A vault birth certificate is a photocopy of the original registration form completed by the parents at the time of birth registration. It must be stamped and signed by a Department of Home Affairs officer.
    • An unabridged birth certificate will only be accepted if it was issued within 12 months of the applicant’s birth.
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Emergency Travel Document

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.

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.

How to apply

  • You need to apply online.
  • It costs £100 to apply for an emergency travel 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/

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