Do you know where UK passports are printed? Most people don’t, but it’s an interesting fact that many people are curious about. In this blog post, we will discuss the history of UK passport printing and where they are currently made. We will also talk about some of the new features that have been added to UK passports in recent years.
UK passports have a long history. The first UK passport was issued in 1540, and it was printed on vellum paper with the bearer’s name and rank in Latin. This form of identification was used until the late nineteenth century when photographs were added to passports for security reasons. By 1914, all British passports were printed on specialized government-issued paper with an embedded watermark.
Where Are UK Passports Printed?
Today, you may be surprised to learn that UK passports are printed in Tczew, Poland, and not in the United Kingdom. The British government has outsourced its passport printing to a Polish company since 2018. The company, Gemalto beat out British company De La Rue in 2018. The reason UK passports are now printed in Poland is due to it being more cost-effective.
Since Brexit was finalized in 2020, the UK passport is also now blue, rather than burgundy in color. This change alone brought about much controversy. Read more here.
HM Passport Office is constantly innovating to make sure your passport is secure from potential fraudsters and hackers. The current version of the UK passport contains advanced security features such as biometric technology, digital watermarks, RFID chips, and holograms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does passport printing take UK?
The average turnaround time to print a UK passport is four to six weeks, although it can take longer depending on HM Passport Office's current processing times and demand. HM Passport Office advises a waiting time of around ten weeks, as of November 2022.
Who issued my passport UK?
In most cases, your passport will have been issued by the HM Passport Office.
About MyBritishPassport
If you are a British citizen living abroad, you may be wondering how to renew your British passport when the time comes. MyBritishPassport offers hassle-free online British passport applications, renewals and replacements from abroad.
Some of the benefits of using MyBritishPassport’s services include:
Free Advice from their Expert Team
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Passport Forms Preparation & Verification
MyBritishPassport will prepare your passport forms for submission to HM Passport Office and ensure that your photos comply. Simply complete the easy, online form and they will take care of the rest. Click here to apply now.
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Payment is made on their safe and secure platform using the best-in-class security tools and practices to maintain a high level of security.
Delivery To Your Doorstep
MyBritishPassport uses a dedicated and reliable courier service to ensure that your documents reach HM Passport Office quickly and safely.
Once approved, your new passport will be delivered directly to your door via DHL.
How to Renew your UK Passport Online
Renewing your UK passport is easy with MyBritishPassport. Simply complete the online application form, make payment and wait for our team to review your application. Once approved, we will submit it to HM Passport Office on your behalf and you should receive your new passport within a matter of weeks. If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team below.
