Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Michelle Krause
Topic: Do I have to send in my old UK passport when renewing?
One of the most common questions here at MyBritishPassport is, “Do I have to send in my old UK passport when renewing?”. This article will explain everything you need to know about sending in your old UK passport when renewing.
Need to renew your British Passport? CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE.
Key Take Aways:
- To answer this common question, yes, you will need to send in your most recently issued British passport when you renew it.
- The good news is that the passport office will return your old passport.
- Your old passport will be couriered to you, and your new one will arrive by a separate courier. This is to mitigate the risk of one of the documents going missing.
Do I need to send in my old UK passport when renewing?
To answer this common question, yes, you will need to send in your most recently issued British passport when you renew it.
This is done so that HM Passport Office can officially verify your details and compare them against your online passport renewal forms.
Many MyBritishPassport clients become concerned when they hear that they need to send in their current passports, but you can rest assured that the passport office takes very good care of this official document.
What if my UK passport gets lost in transit?
This is another common fear among those who need to renew their British passports.
Even though your passport could get lost in transit to the UK passport office, if you use a suitable courier service, you should be just fine.
MyBritishPassport does not recommend using the local post office to send in your old passport. Even if you use the registered mail facility, there is a significant risk that your passport will experience a delay in arriving in the UK. Furthermore, there is a chance that it will not arrive at all.
We strongly advise using a well-known courier service to prevent this. Should the worst happen and your passport goes missing in transit, you would need to report this to your local police station and then make contact with the British High Commission, Consulate, or Embassy in your town or city.
They will then assist you in obtaining a temporary passport, which you could then send to the passport office.
Of course, we should again stress that this is unlikely to happen if you use a good courier company, so don’t worry!
READ | How does a damaged UK passport affect your travels?
Will the Passport Office send my old UK passport back to me?
Yes, the good news is that the passport office will send your old passport back to you.
Your old passport will be couriered to you, and your new one will arrive by a separate courier. This is to mitigate the risk of one of the documents going missing.
It should be noted that even though you will receive your old passport back, you cannot use it again as an official travel document. The passport office will have cancelled it, and the corners of the cover will also have been cut off.
It is a good idea to keep your old passport, however, as it could help if your new one goes missing or is stolen. You can then use it to verify your identity with HM Passport Office or at your local British embassy.
Once your new passport arrives, you can use it immediately as an official travel document.
Renewing your UK passport from Australia? Find out more here.
Can I use my old passport while waiting for a new one?
The short answer is no. You cannot use your UK passport while it is being renewed, as you will need to send it to HM Passport Office to be invalidated. Click here to read more about using your passport while it is being renewed.
About MyBritishPassport
MyBritishPassport is a professional British Passport application and renewal assistance service. We help individuals and families with UK passport applications, renewals and replacements from abroad. Our services include British Passport renewals, first-time Applications, replacement of lost or stolen passports and more.
We also provide expert advice on the best way to complete your application and can provide accurate guidance on what supporting documentation may be required. In addition, we ensure that your documents are safely couriered to and from HM Passport Office. If you want to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have! Click here to renew your British passport online.
First class service, the staff member responded immediately to emails. Directions were clear, as to what I had to do, when and how. I have recommended the service to my friends here in France when they need to renew their British passport. – Joyce Wise. Click here to read more verified Google reviews.
People Also Ask:
How long are UK passport renewals taking right now?
Standard UK passport renewals will be processed in 3 – 4 weeks after the examiner receives your documents.
Can I renew my UK passport 12 months before it expires?
You can technically renew your passport at any time. You are generally advised to renew your passport around nine months before your current passport expires. This accounts for possible delays or complications.
What is the safest way of sending an old passport back?
Generally, it’s best to use a tracked and secure mailing service. When using the services of MyBritishPassport, your old passport will be sent securely via a registered courier service, ensuring it arrives at the relevant government office in the United Kingdom without delays.
Read more tips for renewing your Great Britain passport here.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, yes, you must send in your old passport for renewal. While the thought of it getting lost in transit may be concerning, choosing a reputable courier service can significantly mitigate this risk. The passport office ensures the safe handling and return of your old passport, allowing you to use your new one immediately upon receipt.
This article addresses common concerns and questions, providing reassurance and clear instructions for those needing to renew their British passports from abroad.
We hope this article has answered your question: “Do I have to send my old passport when renewing (UK)?” MyBritishPassport specialises in British Passport renewals, replacements and applications from abroad. Get in touch with us today.
Infographic: Do I have to send in my old UK passport when renewing?
MORE HELPFUL GUIDES:
- Renew British Passport from Canada
- British Passport renewal from South Africa
- Renew British Passport from the USA
- Renew UK passport from Australia
- Renew UK passport from New Zealand
- Renew UK passport from Europe
- Renew UK passport from Asia
Topic: Do I have to send my old passport when renewing (UK)
