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Losing your passport can be stressful, especially if you have travel plans. The first and most crucial step is to cancel it immediately.
This guide will show you exactly how to report your UK passport as lost or stolen. We’ll also walk you through applying for a replacement online.
You will learn how to track your application from start to finish. This ensures you know exactly where your new passport is and when to expect it.
First Step: Cancel Your Lost or Stolen Passport Immediately
As soon as you realise your passport is missing, you must report it. This is a critical security step to prevent identity fraud.
Once you report your passport as lost or stolen, it is cancelled permanently. It cannot be used again, even if you find it later.
You can cancel it online through the official GOV.UK website. This is the fastest and most secure method available.
Important: Do not delay this step. Someone could use your passport to travel or commit fraud, causing serious problems for you.
How to Report Your Missing Passport
The process is straightforward. You will need to provide some personal information to confirm your identity.
Visit the “Report a lost or stolen passport” page on the GOV.UK website. You will be guided through a series of questions.
Be prepared to provide the following details:
- Full name: As it appears on your passport.
- Date of birth: Day, month, and year.
- Place of birth: Town and country.
- Passport number: If you know it, but it’s not essential.
- Contact details: Your email address and phone number.
After you submit the report, His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) will cancel the passport immediately, making it unusable.
Applying for a Replacement Passport Online
Once you’ve cancelled the old one, you can apply for a replacement. The online application is the cheapest and quickest way to get a new passport.
You will need a few things to complete your application successfully.
- A digital photo: This must meet specific rules. You can take one at home with a phone or go to a photo booth.
- A credit or debit card: For paying the application fee.
- Your personal details: Same as when you cancelled your old passport.
The online form will guide you. It asks for details about your previous passport and how it was lost or stolen.
Understanding the Costs and Service Speeds
The cost of a replacement passport depends on how you apply and how quickly you need it. Applying online is always the cheaper option.
Here’s a breakdown of the standard service fees for a replacement adult passport (34 pages):
| Application Method | Standard Fee | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Apply online | £88.50 | Up to 10 weeks |
| Apply with a paper form | £100 | Up to 10 weeks |
If you need your passport urgently for travel, you may need to use a faster service. These services cost more and require an appointment.
- Online Premium: Costs £207.50. You get your new passport at your appointment. Appointments can be booked up to 3 weeks in advance.
- 1 week Fast Track: Costs £166.50. Your passport is delivered to your home within one week of your appointment.
Warning: Be very careful of unofficial websites that charge extra fees to “help” with your application. Always use the official GOV.UK site.
How to Track Your Passport Application
After you’ve submitted your application, you can track its progress online. This helps you know what stage it’s at and when to expect it.
You will need the application reference number you received when you applied. It usually starts with “PEX”.
Go to the “Track your passport application” page on the GOV.UK website and enter your details.
The tracker uses simple terms to show your application’s journey:
- Application received: Your form and documents have arrived and are in the queue.
- Application being processed: Checks are being carried out on your identity and documents.
- Application approved: All checks are complete, and your application is successful.
- Passport printed: Your new passport is being printed and prepared for delivery.
- Passport dispatched: Your passport is on its way to you via courier.
The tracker provides peace of mind and a clear timeline. Check it once or twice a week for updates.
What to Do if You’re Abroad
Losing your passport while overseas is more complicated, but manageable. You need to apply for an emergency travel document.
This document, also known as an emergency passport, lets you travel back to the UK or to another destination.
You must apply for it online from the country you are in. You will need to explain your travel plans.
- Report it lost or stolen: Contact the local police to get a police report, as you may need it.
- Apply online: Use the GOV.UK service to apply for an emergency travel document.
- Book an appointment: You’ll likely need to visit the nearest British embassy, high commission, or consulate.
- Pay the fee: The fee is £100, and it is non-refundable.
An emergency travel document is only valid for a specific journey. Once you are back in the UK, you must apply for a new passport.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A simple mistake can delay your application significantly. Being aware of common pitfalls can save you a lot of time and stress.
The most common issue is the digital photograph. Make sure it meets all the official requirements.
- Photo quality: It must be clear, in focus, and in colour. No filters or heavy editing.
- The background: Use a plain, light-coloured background (like cream or light grey).
- Your expression: Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
- Head coverings: Only allowed for religious or medical reasons, and your full face must be visible.
Another common error is providing incorrect information. Double-check all names, dates, and details before you submit the application.
What If You Find Your Old Passport?
It happens more often than you think. You report your passport lost, apply for a new one, and then find the old one in a jacket pocket.
As soon as you report it to HMPO, it is cancelled forever. You cannot use it again under any circumstances.
Attempting to travel with a cancelled passport is a serious offence. It will be confiscated at border control, and you could face investigation.
You must return the old, cancelled passport to HMPO. The application process provides instructions on how to do this securely.
Final advice: Act quickly to cancel your lost passport, apply online for a replacement, and use the official tracker for updates.
