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British Passport Renewal Requirements

Renew Passport UK : British Passport Renewal Requirements

Each application is unique with different requirements; therefore, an applicant will be advised exactly what documents will be needed when submitting a completed application form.

Click on the relevant link below to get a general idea of document requirements:

Apply Online From Abroad

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British passport renewal requirements

Standard British Passport Renewals

If your British passport is still valid within 10 years from its expiry date or has been expired for less than 10 years, the standard UK passport renewal application procedure applies.

Passport Expired or Issued a Long Time Ago

If your passport was issued a long time ago (before 2004) or has been expired for 10 years or more, you will need to meet the same requirements as a first-time applicant. This includes submitting original documents such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable due to name changes), and other supporting documents.

What Documents Do You Need to Renew a UK Passport?

To renew your UK passport, you will need to submit the following:

  • Your Old ORIGINAL Passport: Photocopies are not accepted. The original passport (valid or expired) must be sent to the passport office for cancellation before a new one can be issued. It must be your most recently issued passport.
  • Any Other Uncancelled Non-British Passport: If you hold dual citizenship, you must include any other valid non-British passports. The UK permits dual citizenship.
  • Name Change Documents:
    • If your name has changed due to marriage, you must submit the original, full, long version of your marriage certificate.
    • If your name has changed for other reasons, provide an original official name change document from the relevant government department or a deed poll.
    • These documents are required if your current name differs from the one on your most recently issued passport.

Note: Each new passport application is unique and may have specific requirements. You will be advised on the exact documents needed once your completed application form is submitted.

Using Passports Issued Before Brexit

If your passport was issued before Brexit and is burgundy or displays “European Union” on the cover, you can continue to use it until it expires.

How Long Does It Take to Renew a UK Passport?

The processing time for a UK passport renewal is approximately 3–4 weeks, though it may be sooner in some cases.

Click here to get a Quote
Click here to complete a British Passport Online Application form

UK Passport renewal requirements infographic

Passport Validity Requirements

When traveling internationally, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date. Most countries will not allow entry if your passport is set to expire within six months after the final day of travel.

Airlines may not always mention this requirement during booking, but failure to comply could result in being denied boarding or entry upon arrival, potentially forcing you to return home immediately. To avoid any issues:

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date.
  • If your passport’s expiration date is close to this cut-off, renew it well in advance.
  • Additionally, you should have at least three blank pages in your passport for stamps and visas.

About U.K.ABROAD’s Legitimacy

For more information regarding U.K.ABROAD’s credibility, please refer to the links below:

How Long After Expiry Can a UK Passport Be Renewed?

To qualify for a standard UK passport renewal:

  • Your passport must either still be valid within 10 years from its expiry date or have been expired for less than 10 years. In these cases, the standard renewal application procedure applies.

However, if your passport was:

  • Issued before 2004, or
  • Expired 10 years ago or longer,

you’ll need to submit all qualifying documents as if applying for a first-time passport. This includes original documents such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable due to name changes), and other supporting materials.

passport uk

Requirements for First Time Applications – British passports or birth registrations through descent

Additional Documents Required (If Applicable)

  • Name Change:
    If the applicant’s current first name, middle name, or last/family name differs from the name on their birth certificate, an official original name change document from the relevant government department (or a deed poll) must be submitted.
    • If the name change is due to marriage, provide the original full marriage certificate.
    • If the applicant has been married more than once, submit all relevant original divorce, death, and marriage certificates.
    • See Explanation of Certificates Here
  • Dual Citizenship:
    Applicants with dual citizenship must provide a full-colour copy of any current or expired non-British passports from other countries, including every page (even blank ones). The United Kingdom permits dual citizenship.
  • Naturalisation:
    If the applicant, their father, or mother was naturalised in the United Kingdom, submit the original certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen or as a citizen of the United Kingdom.
  • Parents of Minors:
    If applying for a child’s passport, include any court orders related to parental responsibility or residency arrangements.
  • Applications from Outside the Country of Birth:
    If applying from a country different from the applicant’s country of birth, provide:
    • The passport or travel documents used to enter the country where the application is being submitted.
    • An explanation of why the application is not being made from the applicant’s country of birth (if applicable).
  • Proof of Identity:
    Submit ONE of the following, which must include the applicant’s photo:
    • A non-British passport that is still valid
    • A national identity card (a colour photocopy is acceptable)
    • Any government-issued or local authority-issued document

Please Note:
Each passport application is unique and may require different supporting documents. Applicants will receive specific instructions on the required documents once a completed application form has been submitted.

How to Apply for British Certificates from Abroad.

Explanation of Certificates

  • Full Long Version Birth or Adoption Certificate:
    This certificate includes detailed information, recording both parents’ details.
  • Full Long Version Marriage Certificate:
    This certificate shows the previous marital status of both the bride and groom.
  • Important Notes:
    • Only original certificates or original government-certified/issued replacement documents (such as birth, adoption, marriage, death, or divorce certificates) will be accepted as supporting documents.
    • Photocopies or laminated documents will NOT be accepted.
    • Any documents that are not in English—including those showing an address—must be fully translated by a professional translator.

Important Information for Applicants from South Africa

  • Applicants Born in South Africa:
    • Only a Vault Birth Certificate will be accepted. This is a copy of the original registration form completed by the parents at the time of birth, which is then stamped and signed by an officer from the Department of Home Affairs.
    • An Unabridged Birth Certificate will only be accepted if it was issued within 12 months of birth.

Processing Times

  • First-Time Passport Applications:
    Processing time is approximately 6-8 weeks, depending on the individual application.
  • Birth Registration Applications Through Descent:
    Processing time is approximately 3-6 months, which may vary based on the specific case.

Click here for more information on first-time passport applications and birth registrations by descent.

Regarding U.K.ABROAD’s legitimacy, please see below for more information:

Lost or Stolen British Passport Replacements

If your British passport is lost or stolen, you must report it to the local police department in the country where you currently reside and obtain an official police report. When applying for a replacement, His Majesty’s Passport Office may request additional supporting documents or information, which could cause delays in issuing your new passport.

The criteria for replacing a lost or stolen passport are generally the same as for a British passport renewal. Please refer to the Renewal Requirements for detailed information. In some cases, however, the process may follow the same criteria as a first-time passport application, including the need for all supporting documents. This will depend on the issue and expiry dates of your lost or stolen passport.

About U.K.ABROAD’s Legitimacy

For more information about our credibility, please refer to the links below:

Additional Documents Needed (If Applicable)

  • Name Change: If your current first, middle, or last name differs from the name on your birth certificate, submit an official original name change document from the relevant authority or a deed poll.
    • If the name change is due to marriage, provide an original full marriage certificate.
    • If married more than once, include all relevant original divorce, death, and marriage certificates.
    • See Explanation of Certificates Here.
  • Dual Citizenship: Submit a full-colour copy (every page, including blank ones) of any current or expired non-British passport(s) that haven’t been officially canceled. The United Kingdom allows dual citizenship.
  • Naturalisation: If the applicant, mother, or father was naturalised in the UK, provide the original certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen.
  • Parents of Minors: Include any court orders that outline parental responsibility or residency arrangements.
  • Applying from a Different Country: If applying from a country different from your country of birth, provide the passport or travel documents used to enter your current country of residence. Also, include a brief explanation for not applying from your birth country (if applicable).
  • Proof of Identity: Submit ONE of the following with your photo:
    • A non-British passport (valid)
    • A national identity card (colour photocopy accepted)
    • Any government-issued or local authority document with your photo

Important Note:

Every passport application is unique, and requirements may vary. Once you submit your completed application form, we will advise you on any specific documents needed to support your case.

british passport renewals

Damaged British Passport Replacements

The criteria for replacing a damaged British passport are generally the same as those for a British passport renewal. Please refer to the Renewal Requirements for detailed information.

In some cases, however, the process may follow the same criteria as a first-time passport application, requiring all supporting documents. This will depend on the issue and expiry dates of your damaged passport.

Regarding U.K.ABROAD’s legitimacy, please see below for more information:

Name/Surname Change on British Passports

The criteria for changing your name or surname on a British passport are the same as for a British passport renewal. Please refer to the Renewal Requirements for detailed information.

If you wish to update your name due to marriage, divorce, civil partnership, or any other reason, you must submit a British passport renewal application. Your current passport will be canceled immediately and replaced with a new passport reflecting your updated name.

Documents Required to Prove Your Name Change

  • Official Name Change Document: If your new first, middle, or last name differs from the name on your birth certificate, submit an original official name change document from the relevant authority or a deed poll.
  • Marriage Name Change: If the name change is due to marriage, provide an original full marriage certificate.
    • If you’ve been married more than once, submit all original divorce, death, and marriage certificates related to your name change.
    • See Explanation of Certificates Below
  • Reverting to a Previous Name: Provide an official certified letter from yourself declaring the name change, along with supporting proof of your previous name.

Explanation of Certificates

  • Full (Long-Form) Marriage Certificate: This includes details of the bride and groom’s previous marital status.
  • Accepted Documents: Only original certificates or original government-certified/issued replacement documents (e.g., birth, adoption, marriage, death, divorce certificates) will be accepted as supporting documents.
    • Photocopies or laminated documents will NOT be accepted.
    • Any document not in English—including those showing an address—must be accompanied by a full professional translation.
British Passport renewal

General Information & Original Supporting Documents

Age Categories:

  • ADULT: 16 years or older (or turning 16 within two weeks)
  • CHILD: 15 years or younger

Processing Times:

Important Guidelines for Supporting Documents:

  • Only original certificates or original government-certified/issued replacement documents (e.g., birth, adoption, marriage, death, divorce certificates) will be accepted.
  • Photocopies or laminated documents will NOT be accepted.
  • Documents not in English, including those showing an address, must be fully translated by a professional translator.
  • Old passports and original documents will be returned after examination.

First-Time Adult Passport Applications:

  • Interviews are required for some first-time adult applications.
  • Conducted at the local Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
  • Not all applicants will be called for an interview, as selections are made randomly.

Application-Specific Requirements:

Every passport application is unique, with varying document requirements. You will receive specific guidance on the documents needed after submitting your completed application form.

Explanation of Certificates:

  • Full (Long-Form) Birth or Adoption Certificate: Includes details of both parents.
  • Full (Long-Form) Marriage Certificate: Shows the prior marital status of both the bride and groom.

Special Notes for Applicants from South Africa:

  • Applicants Born in South Africa:
    • Only a Vault Birth Certificate will be accepted. This is a photocopy of the original birth registration form, stamped and signed by a Department of Home Affairs officer.
    • An Unabridged Birth Certificate will be accepted ONLY if it was issued within 12 months of the applicant’s birth.

British citizenship through descent is only transferable to one generation down from the parent who is a British citizen (born or naturalised in the United Kingdom), if the child is born abroad (outside the United Kingdom). Or if a parent was naturalised before the birth of the applicant.

Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

If you need to travel urgently while your UK passport renewal application is still being processed, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). However, you must submit your passport renewal application first before applying for an ETD.

Where to Apply:

An ETD can be issued by your local British Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in the country where you reside. This document allows you to travel through up to 5 countries and return to the country where you submitted your application, provided you live there.

Processing Time:

If your application is approved, you may receive your ETD on the same day or within a few days if additional information is required.

Important Details About Emergency Travel Documents:

  • Eligibility:
    • You can apply for an ETD if you are abroad, need to travel urgently, and cannot get a passport in time.
    • You usually cannot get an ETD if you’ve never had a UK passport.
  • Travel Restrictions:
    • Your ETD will only be valid for the specific travel plans (countries and dates) you provide at the time of application.
    • If you change your travel plans after receiving the ETD, you’ll need to apply for a new document.
    • The ETD can be used to travel through a maximum of 5 countries and return to your country of residence.
  • Visas:
    • You may need visas to leave the country you’re in or to transit through other countries with an ETD.
    • Check with the embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit or transit through.
  • Document Retention:
    • If your final destination is the UK, UK border staff will retain your ETD upon arrival.
    • Border staff in other countries may also keep the document when you reach your final destination.

How to Apply for an Emergency Travel Document:

  1. Apply online here.
  2. The application fee is £100.
  3. After submitting your online application, you may need to attend an appointment at your nearest British Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate. You’ll be notified if an appointment is required.
  4. You’ll need to provide a contact telephone number and email address as part of your application.

Ancestral Visas

British citizenship cannot be passed directly from grandparents to grandchildren. Citizenship through descent is only transferable one generation down—from a parent who is a British citizen, provided that:

  • The parent was born or naturalised inside the United Kingdom, and
  • The child was born abroad (outside the UK), or
  • The parent was naturalised inside the UK before the applicant’s birth.

However, individuals aged 18 or older may be eligible to apply for an Ancestral Visa through double descent, allowing them to live and work in the United Kingdom.

After residing in the UK for five consecutive years, Ancestral Visa holders can apply for British citizenship and a British passport.

passport uk

Spouse Visas

British citizenship cannot be acquired through marriage alone.

You are not eligible for British citizenship if you:

  • Were not born in the UK, and
  • Cannot claim citizenship through descent.

However, you can apply for a Spouse Visa, which allows you to live and work in the United Kingdom with your British spouse.

After living in the UK for five consecutive years with your spouse, you may become eligible to apply for British citizenship and a British passport.