Passport renewal after expiry UK – Your guide

Passport renewal after expiry UK – your guide to a simple online process through MyBritishPassport. Time waits for no man. It can seem as if the years are flying by, and we often lose track of certain dates that can be of real importance. For example, your British passport expiry date.

You may not notice this if you don’t intend to travel, but if you are not done exploring the rest of the world, you need to be certain of this important detail in your passport. 

Passport Renewal after expiry (UK)

Below are some questions you may need answers to before arranging your next trip.

1. How long after expiration can you renew a passport? 

If your passport was issued before 2004, or if your passport has been expired for ten or more years, the process of application for a valid passport is slightly different. Instead of the usual, very simple application you would need to complete your passport renewal after the expiry of your UK passport, you will need to submit a new passport application. This means that you will have to include all of your original documentation which varies according to your individual circumstance.  These include if you were: 

• born IN the UK before 01 January 1983,
• born IN the UK on or after 01 January 1983,
• born OUTSIDE of the UK and possess a certificate of registration or naturalisation,
• born OUTSIDE of the UK as a citizen of British Overseas Territory before 01 January 1983,
• born OUTSIDE of the UK before 01 January 1983 and your FATHER was born in the UK, or
• born OUTSIDE of the UK on or after 01 January 1983.

All of the scenarios listed above have different documentation requirements and these vary from a simple birth certificate to evidence of your parent’s marriage. This can be very straightforward if your parents kept a well-maintained and easily accessible filing system at home, however, if you do not have access to these documents, the process can be quite intense.  MyBritishPassport will advise on the relevant documents required for the process once your application is in process. We aim to make the British passport renewal or application process simple and stress-free.

2. What is the current waiting time for a UK passport renewal?

The current waiting time for a UK passport renewal within a reasonable period after expiry does not usually exceed six weeks from successful submission. Please note that this is only an indication of the current waiting time, and is subject to change based on the demand that HM Passport Office is experiencing at any given time. Do not make any travel arrangements until you have a valid passport.  Click here to renew your British Passport. With MyBritishPassport, we generally advise our clients to expect the following wait times once their application has been submitted: 

• Renewals – 3 to 4 weeks or sooner
• First-time applications – 4 to 6 weeks or sooner
• Lost/Stolen/Damaged passport replacements – 4 to 6 weeks or sooner

3. Can I travel with an expired passport?

In short, the answer is no.  A valid passport is required to travel. Your passport, at the very least, must be valid until your return date and must contain three blank passport pages.  If you need to travel and you have not noticed that your passport needs to be renewed you may apply for an ETD, short for an emergency travel document. This is usually requested when a citizen needs to travel urgently and they are unable to wait for a full renewed passport. You may only apply for an Emergency Travel Document if you meet the following requirements:

• you’re a British national
• you’re outside the UK
• your passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, is full, has recently expired, or is with HM Passport Office or a foreign embassy
• you do not have time to renew or replace your passport before you travel
• you can provide proof of your travel plans, for example, booking confirmations (or detailed written travel plans if you cannot book ahead)

This document allows you to travel through a maximum of five countries and usually allows you to return to the country from where you applied for the ETD. The countries where you are traveling, as well as the dates of your Emergency travel, will be recorded on your Emergency Travel Document. If your plans change, your emergency travel document is no longer valid and you will need to apply for another ETD with all of the updated travel destinations and dates included.   

Conclusion. Passport Renewal after expiry (UK)

Attempting a UK Passport renewal after expiry without any assistance can end up costing more than you ever intended to spend due to the very strict requirements of the UK passport office. At MyBritishPassport, our service offering includes correct guidance and advice that ensures that your UK passport renewal after expiry is as simple as possible. We make it clear and understandable so that you feel well informed and stress-free throughout the process. Click here to renew your UK passport today.

I was a bit nervous to use the this system but proceeded. The application process was very easy and the instructions for passport picture submission were very clear. It could not have been easier/ There was constant communication regarding the progress and the next steps. Overall a seamless process. – Michael Burns via Google Reviews

Contact MyBritishPassport

MyBritishPassport specialises in British Passport renewals and applications from abroad. Get in touch with us today.