How to replace a lost or stolen UK passport

Losing your passport can be stressful, especially if you need to travel soon or are abroad.

Fortunately, His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) provides a clear process to cancel and replace a lost or stolen passport securely.

Whether you’re in the UK or overseas, reporting the loss quickly helps protect you from identity fraud and ensures you can apply for a new document without delays.

Here’s everything you need to know about replacing a lost or stolen UK passport.

⚠️ Step 1: Report and Cancel the Lost or Stolen Passport

The first thing to do is report your lost or stolen passport immediately to prevent misuse.

You can cancel it online via the official Report a lost or stolen passport service. You’ll need to confirm your personal details, the date of loss or theft, and whether you plan to apply for a replacement. Once you submit the form, your old passport becomes invalid instantly.

If your passport was stolen, also report it to the police. In the UK, call 101 (the non-emergency number) or visit your nearest station to get a crime reference number. If you’re abroad, contact the local police and request a written report.

Acting quickly limits the risk of your passport being used fraudulently and allows HM Passport Office to process your replacement smoothly.

📝 Step 2: Apply for a Replacement Passport

Once your lost or stolen passport has been reported, you can apply for a replacement.

You can do this online using the Replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport service, or by completing a paper form available from selected Post Offices. The process is similar to renewing a passport, but it includes extra security checks to confirm your identity.

You’ll need to provide:

• A digital passport photo meeting UK photo standards.
• Proof of identity and nationality, such as your birth certificate or an existing British document.
• Details about your lost passport, including when and where you last had it.

For paper applications, complete the LS01 form (Lost/Stolen Notification Form) and send it with your documents. If you’ve already reported the passport online, you do not need to send the form again.

Once your application is submitted, HM Passport Office will process it as a new passport, not a renewal, since your old one no longer exists.

🌍 Step 3: If You’re Abroad — Emergency Travel Documents

If you lose your passport while abroad and need to travel urgently, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).

ETDs are issued by British embassies, high commissions, or consulates in over 100 countries. They allow you to travel directly back to the UK or to a limited number of destinations, depending on your situation.

To apply, visit the local British embassy’s website and complete the emergency travel form. You’ll need:

• Proof of identity (such as a passport copy or driver’s licence).
• A recent passport photo.
• Police report (if stolen).
• Details of your travel plans or flight booking.

ETDs are usually issued within a few days, depending on demand, and cost around £100. They are valid only for a single trip, so you must apply for a full replacement passport once you’re back in the UK.

This emergency solution ensures that you can return home safely even without your original passport.

💷 Step 4: Fees and Processing Times

Replacing a lost or stolen passport costs the same as applying for a new one.

As of 2025, fees are:

• Online application: £94.50 (adult) / £61.50 (child)
• Paper application (Post Office): £107 (adult) / £75 (child)
• Check & Send service (optional): +£16

Processing time is usually around three weeks, but can take longer because additional security checks are carried out to confirm your identity and cancel your previous document permanently.

If you need your new passport urgently, you can use the 1-Week Fast Track service after your lost passport has been officially cancelled. However, you must attend an appointment at a passport office, and fees for this service are higher.

☎️ Step 5: Contact and Support

If you need help with your replacement or have issues submitting your report, you can contact HM Passport Office directly:

• Passport Adviceline (UK): 0300 222 0000
• From abroad: +44 (0)300 222 0000
• Technical support (online portal): 0300 330 0901
• Postal address: HM Passport Office, PO Box 767, Southport, PR8 9PW

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8 am–8 pm, and weekends 9 am–5:30 pm.

For delivery issues after approval, contact Royal Mail / HMPO Delivery Support at 03452 680234.

Using these official channels ensures your replacement process remains secure and fully traceable.

🔒 Keeping Your Passport Safe in the Future

Losing your passport once is stressful — but you can prevent it from happening again.
Always keep your passport in a secure, dry place and never carry it unnecessarily. When travelling, store it in a zipped inner pocket or hotel safe.

Consider taking a photocopy or digital scan of the identification page, stored separately from the physical passport. This makes it easier to prove your identity if you need to replace it again.

Simple precautions like these can save you significant time and worry.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do first if my passport is lost or stolen?
Report it immediately online using the official gov.uk portal to cancel it and prevent misuse.

2. Can I travel while waiting for a replacement?
No — your old passport becomes invalid once reported, and you must wait for the new one or apply for an Emergency Travel Document if abroad.

3. How long does it take to replace a passport?
Usually around three weeks, though extra security checks can extend this time.

4. Do I need to report the loss to the police?
Yes, especially if it was stolen. The police report can help prevent identity theft and may be required for travel insurance claims.

5. Can I get a fast-track replacement?
Yes, once your passport is officially cancelled, you can book a Fast Track service for quicker delivery.