Last Updated on November 5, 2024 by Tracey Roberts
What happens to your old UK passport when you renew?
So you have just renewed your passport, and you might be wondering what you should do with the old one. Will it be returned? Must you throw it away? Must it be destroyed?
The Identity and Passport Service states that about 10,000 passports are thrown in the trash every year. This is not recommended. Even though your passport may be expired, it is still a valuable document that can be used for identity theft.
Let’s dive into these questions and find solutions for your old passport. In addition, we will provide tips on how to make the renewal process as easy as possible.
Key Takeaways
- It is not recommended to throw your old passport away.
- Even though your passport may be expired, it is still a valuable document that can be used for identity theft.
- You are advised to either keep your old passport in a safe place, or send it back to HM Passport Office if you are sure you will not be needing it in future.
What to do with your old passport when you renew
You will need to send in your old/ most recently issued passport with your British passport renewal to verify your identity. Once you have received the new passport, the old one will be returned to you in a separate courier.
Do you need to renew your UK passport?
If you plan on renewing your British passport, you must keep your old passport. This is because you will need to send in your old passport when you renew. This is done so that HM Passport office can officially verify your details and compare them against your online passport renewal forms.
Many clients become concerned when they hear that they need to send in their expired or most recent passports. However, U.K.ABROAD assures all its clients that the process is entirely safe, and your passports will be returned to you via a secure and tracked delivery service.
Contact our helpful staff today if you have any questions or concerns about renewing your UK passport. We are always ready to address any of your concerns.
Need to renew your British Passport from Australia? Read the ultimate guide here.
What if I do not plan on renewing my British passport?
If you are certain you will not be renewing your UK passport in the future, you can either destroy it or keep it in a very safe place. However, we do not recommend destroying your expired British passport. Though you may think you are certain you won’t be renewing it right now, you may change your mind at some point. In this case, you will still have your old passport to use during the renewal process.
It is also important to note that sometimes an expired passport can still be used to prove your nationality. If you plan on keeping your old British passport, make sure to keep it in a safe place where it won’t get lost or stolen. Consider storing it in a waterproof and fireproof safe.
Suppose you choose to destroy your old passport. In that case, the Identity and Passport Service recommends that you cut it up and dispose of it in multiple bins. This will prevent anyone from being able to use your old passport for identity theft.
Where to send your old UK passport
Alternatively, you can mail your expired passport to HM Passport Office at this address and request that they dispose of it.
- Customer Service Manager
- HM Passport Office
- PO Box 767
- Southport
- PR8 9PW
When you post your expired passport, it is advised to cut off the top right-hand corner of your passport book and send it through a registered courier service. This is purely to ensure your passport does not end up in the wrong hands.
About U.K.ABROAD
U.K.ABROAD is a leading British document service provider, assisting British citizens living abroad with UK passport renewals, replacements, or first-time UK passport applications.
We understand that the UK passport renewal or application process can be confusing, especially if you’re living abroad. That’s why we offer an all-inclusive service to help make the process as simple and efficient as possible.
If you’re ready to start the UK passport renewal or application process, we can help!
Our team of experts are available to answer any questions you may have about renewing or applying for your UK passport from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if you find a lost British passport?
The best solution would be to mail it directly to HM Passport Office. Include a note explaining where and when you found the passport.
Can I throw my old British passport away?
You can, but we don’t recommend it. You may need your old passport in the future, even if you’re not planning on renewing it right now. Throwing your passport away also opens you up to the possibility of identity theft. It is a much better option to keep your old or expired British passport in a safe place rather than throwing it away.
What do I do with an expired passport?
We recommend keeping your expired passports in a safe place. If you are absolutely certain that you will never be renewing your passport and would not like to keep it, you can send your expired passport to HM Passport Office to be safely disposed of.
What is the HM Passport Office address to send your old passport?
You can mail your expired passport to HM Passport Office at this address and request that they dispose of it.
- PR8 9PW
- Customer Service Manager
- HM Passport Office
- PO Box 767
- Southport
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us below.
Topic: What happens to your old UK passport when you renew?
Renewing your British passport from New Zealand? Click here to find out more.
