How to Replace a Lost or Stolen UK Passport
Report the loss first (online or by phone) so the passport is cancelled, then apply for a replacement online. Replacements cost the same as renewals but take longer — up to 6 weeks — and you need a countersignatory if the passport was lost or stolen.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Report the passport lost or stolen immediately
Report it online at gov.uk or call 0300 790 6609. Once reported, the passport is cancelled — this protects you if someone tries to use your identity. If it was stolen abroad, also report it to the local police and get a crime reference for insurance.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 30 min
Apply online for a replacement
Use the standard online application at gov.uk. You will need a new digital photo and details of the loss. The fee is the same as a renewal: £88.50 for adults, £57.50 for children (2025 fees).
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare
Arrange a countersignatory
Unlike routine renewals, lost or stolen replacements require a countersignatory who has known you for 2+ years, holds a British or Irish passport, and is not a relative or partner. They confirm your identity and photo — digitally if you apply online.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay
Post any requested documents
HMPOHis Majesty's Passport Office — The agency that issues and renews UK passports.Click for official info ↗ may ask for your naturalisation or birth certificate by post. Send copies only when asked for originals — the form tells you exactly what is needed. Include a return envelope if applying from abroad.
Click to mark as done
- Wait Up to 6 weeks
Wait for the replacement
Replacements take longer than renewals — allow up to 6 weeks (first-time-style checks apply). Track progress online. If you travel urgently, the 1-week Fast Track service covers lost/stolen replacements; book by phone.
Click to mark as done
- Receive
Check travel rules if your visa was in the old passport
If your old passport held a visa or residence permit from another country, that country decides whether the visa still counts. Contact its embassy before you travel — some require you to carry both passports or transfer the visa.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Someone found my passport after I reported it. Can I use it again?
No. A reported passport is permanently cancelled and will be flagged at every border. Destroy it or return it to HMPOHis Majesty's Passport Office — The agency that issues and renews UK passports.Click for official info ↗ — using or travelling on a cancelled passport is a crime.
I lost my passport abroad and need to fly home urgently.
Contact the nearest British embassy, high commission, or consulate. They can issue an emergency travel document valid for a single journey back to the UK, usually within 48 hours. You need a police report, a passport photo, proof of travel, and the fee (about £100).
Will a lost passport affect my next application?
Not usually — one loss is routine. Multiple losses can trigger extra identity checks and longer processing. Keep your passport number recorded somewhere safe so you can report a loss quickly.
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