What to do if you lose your British passport in the UK
If you have lost your British passport in the UK, the first thing to do is cancel it. Cancelling your passport online, using the UK government’s service. It is easier to do this process online, and you can also complete it on behalf of someone else who cannot do it themselves. When your passport is cancelled, it stops anyone else from using it and allows you to apply for a replacement.
If you think your passport has been stolen, we recommend reporting it to your local police. You can obtain a written report, too, which can help with any insurance claims and ensure a record of you reporting it.
Once you have reported your passport as lost or stolen, you can apply for your new passport. Applying for a new passport can take several weeks, even in the UK. To speed up the process, you can turn to ASAP Passports, which can fast-track your application, check that it is correct, and chase it regularly to ensure you get your new UK passport within a week.
Can I apply for a new British passport if I lose or have my passport stolen in the UK?
Yes, you can apply for a new British passport if you lose or have it stolen in the UK, but you must report it first. The original passport must be reported as lost or stolen before you can apply for a new one, ensuring that the original passport cannot be used by anyone else. Applying for a British passport in the UK is straightforward, with a simple application form and a signature proving your identity. We can handle your application process and ensure it is submitted, chasing for updates to ensure you get your passport quickly without interrupting your travel plans.
What is the fastest way to replace a lost or stolen UK passport in the UK?
The fastest way to replace a lost or stolen passport in the UK is to contact us for help. At ASAP Passports, we have years of experience delivering passports quickly to Brits around the globe and can have your replacement passport in your hands within a week. Instead of you battling the Passport Office and trying to cut through any tape stopping you from getting your passport, we handle them on your behalf and use our team of experts to ensure that every aspect of your application form is correct before submitting it.
An emergency travel document can also be obtained to help you travel if you don’t have a week to wait, but these must be applied for and paid for separately.
Our fast-track process for a lost British passport in the UK
You can use our fast-track process to replace a lost British passport in the UK, and have your new passport in just one week. This is faster than if you were to obtain an emergency travel document and allows you to continue with your travel plans worry-free. Our process takes the hard work away from you, as we will chase the Passport Office on your behalf to ensure that your new passport arrives soon. Our process uses the following steps:
1. Report your passport as missing
Before we can do anything, please report your lost or stolen passport to the Passport Office. You can do this online by following the steps on the UK government website to cancel a lost or stolen passport. Reporting the passport as lost cancels it and stops anyone from using it, protecting you from identity theft.
You can also report your passport as missing in person via the Passport Office, but it is usually quicker and easier online. You can also report a lost or stolen passport on behalf of someone unable to, like a child.
2. Contact ASAP Passports
For replacement passports, we ask that you contact us directly, either over the phone or through our online contact system. We will contact you and provide the support and guidance you need to replace your passport. Replacing a lost passport is slightly different to renewing one, so it is best to speak to us to learn about the process and have support through the application process.
3. Complete the application form
You will need to complete an application form, like you would when renewing a passport, but we will ask for additional information. New passport photos must be provided, complying with UK passport photo guidelines, and a countersignatory might sign one. Your countersignatory validates your ID and allows us to process your application. They will also need to sign the form, which must be completed before you submit your application.
4. Fast-track application
When we have your application, we take charge and aim to have your new passport at your door in one week. We will deliver your application directly to the UK Passport Office and regularly check back for updates on your application. By visiting in person, we reduce the chance of your application being forgotten, ensuring you get your new passport.
5. Receive your new passport
Once your passport is ready, we collect it from the UK Passport Office and deliver it to you, using one of our couriers. We have a team of global couriers we use based on their reliability and speed, ensuring that your passport is safely delivered. We will provide you with complete tracking information so that you can monitor your passport’s journey and ensure someone is there to receive it.
What additional supporting documentation will I need to replace a lost or stolen passport?
To replace a lost or stolen UK passport, you need to provide more information than if you are simply renewing it. We need two identical passport photos for a replacement passport, one of which must have a countersignature. A countersignatory must have known you for at least two years, be able to identify you, and be a ‘person of good standing in their community’ or work, or have retired from a recognised profession. You can check the UK government website to see who can be used as your countersignatory.
They will need to sign your passport photo and form, validating that you have completed it correctly and are the person you say you are. As you are applying for your passport in the UK, you won’t need to provide any additional supporting documents beyond this, speeding up the application process.
How much will replacing a lost or stolen British passport in the UK cost?
Replacing a lost or stolen British passport in the UK can be costly. We have several payment options you can choose from, with different service packages allowing you to receive your passport quickly. The price will depend on the package you choose, with more expensive packages offering a faster service and more support. When choosing your package with us, you must consider how quickly you need your new passport and the level of support you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel within the UK without my British passport?
You can still travel within the UK without your British passport, provided you have another valid ID. All domestic flights (to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) from another part of the UK will accept photographic ID, such as a valid driver’s or provisional license. Your ID must be in date and take it with you when travelling to the airport. You can also travel to Ireland without a passport, although a valid ID is recommended if you are asked to identify yourself on ferries or at airports.
Travelling around the UK via car or public transport will not require you to have a British passport either, but you will need one if you need to leave the country.
What happens if my visa is lost in my passport? How do I prove my legal status in the UK?
If you lose your passport, you can use an eVisa to prove your legal status in the UK. We recommend having an eVisa saved on your phone, laptop, or other device to ensure that you have a digital copy of your visa if needed. An eVisa is simple to obtain and can be accessed anytime, ensuring you can prove your legal status in the UK whenever needed.
You can view your eVisa online through the UK government website, where a code can also be given that allows you to share your immigration status with others, like employers or airline staff.
Will my UK passport be cancelled once it is reported lost or stolen?
Yes, as soon as your UK passport is reported as lost or stolen, it is cancelled and can no longer be used as a form of ID. Cancelling the passport prevents anyone from using it, impersonating you to travel or obtaining any items requiring a valid ID. The details on the passport will be flagged as cancelled when the passport is used in airports, and the person using the passport would have it confiscated and be prevented from travelling. This keeps you safe from identity theft and ensures that only your new passport will be valid.
Do I need to report a lost or stolen British passport to the British Consulate General?
You don’t need to report a lost or stolen British passport to the British Consulate General. As you have lost your passport in the UK, you can easily cancel it online or contact the Passport Office directly if needed. If you have dual citizenship, it is worth reporting to the Consulate General, but you can also report your lost passport online.
If I find my passport after reporting it lost or stolen, can I use it again?
No, once your passport is reported as lost or stolen, it is cancelled and you cannot use it again. The details on the passport, like your passport number, will change when you have a new one, cancelling the old number and preventing it from being used as a form of identification or to travel. If you find your lost British passport in the UK after cancelling it, you should destroy it.
Can I expedite my passport replacement application?
Using our fast-track passport replacement service, we can expedite your application and ensure you have your new UK passport within two weeks. Our fast-track service includes us delivering your passport application in person and visiting the HM Passport Office to chase the application status and ensure that your passport is processed quickly. We guarantee that your new passport will be with you in just one week if you live in the UK or have your money back.
