How to replace a lost or stolen passport

What to do if your passport is lost or stolen?

If your passport goes missing, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what to do:

• Report your passport lost or stolen right away
• Remember there are different processes for the UK and abroad
• Look at your travel plans and how urgently you need a replacement
• Gather the documents you’ll need
• Apply for a replacement passport

It’s important to start your new passport application immediately. Take care when completing it as small mistakes can hold things up. For extra confidence, you could use a checking service like Passport Check & Send.

Reporting your passport lost or stolen

As soon as you’ve discovered your passport is lost or stolen, report it immediately. Your passport will be cancelled so no one else can use it.

Once it’s cancelled, you can’t use it again either, even if it turns up later. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially to protect your identity.

How to replace a lost or stolen passport in the UK?

If you’ve lost or had your passport stolen in the UK, you’ve got a couple of passport replacement options, depending on how quickly you need it.

Most people apply for a replacement passport online or in Post Office branches. This is the standard option if you’re not travelling soon. If you need a passport application form, you can pick one up from our branches.

If you need your passport more quickly, you can use the HM Passport Office 1-week Fast Track service, which lets you book an appointment and get your new passport sooner.

How our Passport Check & Send Service can help?

If you’re not travelling for at least four weeks and want extra peace of mind, Passport Check & Send can help you get your application right first time and reduce the risk of delays.

You’ve got two options: Digital Check & Send and Paper Check & Send. Whichever option you choose, the process works in a similar way:

• We check your application and supporting documents to make sure everything’s right
• We send your application securely to HM Passport Office
• They process your application and post your new passport to you

How to replace a lost or stolen passport abroad

If you’re a British national stuck without your passport abroad, don’t panic. It’s best to act straight away but you’ve still got options.

Depending on how quickly you need to move, you can either:

• Apply for a replacement passport from overseas: Take this route if you don’t need to travel urgently. Remember to add the country you’re currently in so the passport can be delivered there
• Apply for an emergency travel document: Use this option if you need to travel within six weeks and don’t have time to replace your passport. You can usually only use it for one single but can travel through up to five countries with it. Remember to check if it will be accepted in the countries you plan to leave, enter or travel through

What to do if your passport’s been stolen?

Report a stolen passport to the police as soon as possible. In the UK, you can do this by phoning 101.

If you’re abroad, report it to the local police and ask for a written police report. You may need to give this to the British Embassy when applying for a new passport. Your travel insurance provider may also need it if you want to claim for expenses from changing your travel plans.

What to do if you need an emergency passport in the UK?

What if you’re in the UK and have a trip coming up that’s less than a month away? Or you need to take an emergency trip abroad?

In that case, you can use the government’s Fast Track Service. This involves booking an appointment online to attend a passport office in person.

Book as soon as possible, as appointment slots fill up fast. You’ll need to bring the following to your appointment:

• A completed application form
• Two passport photos
• Any supporting documents

Once the application’s been processed, your new passport will be delivered to you. This should be seven days after your appointment, guaranteed.

Can I use the one-day Premium Service?

No, you usually can’t use the one-day Premium Service to replace a lost or stolen passport. This is only for renewing an existing adult passport, where you still have your old one.

In rare cases, such as a serious illness or bereavement, you may be able to get urgent help. If this applies to you, you’ll need to contact HM Passport Office directly to discuss your situation.

If you need a replacement quickly, the 1 week Fast Track service is usually the fastest option.

Lost your passport just before a flight?

This is the worst timing, but it can happen, especially if you’ve been rushing to get to the airport. If you’re at the airport or about to leave and discover your passport is missing, make sure you:

• Report your passport lost straight away
• Speak to your airline to rebook another flight
• If at home, apply for a new passport through 1-week Fast Track service
• If abroad, apply for an emergency travel document

Airlines won’t let you board without a valid passport, so you’ll have to find the best solution for your circumstances.

How to avoid delays in getting your passport back?

Delays in passport applications are usually caused by small mistakes like incorrect photos or spellings, missing details or mismatched documents, all of which can slow things down. Before you send your application make sure you’ve:

• Double and triple checked the spelling of all your personal details
• Confirmed your photo meets the HM Passport Office requirements
• Included all relevant documentation needed

Remember, using our Passport Check & Send service means we review it for you, taking away the hassle and worry about missing anything.