What do I do if my passport has been lost or stolen? 

You must report the incident immediately to the local authoritiesand the nearest embassy or consulate. Please click here (link) for moreinformation

What if I find a passport that I earlier reported lost or stolen?

You must not use it. Instead return it to the nearest embassy assoon as possible. If you are in the UK, return it to the nearestpassport office. Please check the information on lost and stolen passport.

Can I renew a passport overseas?

Yes. You can renew your passport at most British Embassies orConsulates. For Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories,through the British Embassy in Tel Aviv. You’ll find further detailshere on the IPS website. Please check the opening hours and the individual requirements of the embassy or consulate you wish to apply at.

Can I travel abroad without a passport?

Never travel without your passport.

How much will a new passport cost?

It depends on the type of passport. You’ll find a the all the cost related answers on the IPS-fees page.

What kind of photograph should I send?

Passport photographs must meet the standards set by theInternational Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). These can be foundhere IPS website 

I am a British dual national with a foreign passport. Can I also hold a UK passport?

The UK government has no objection to dual or multiple citizenship,or to a person holding passports from more than one country. However,some countries do object. You should check with the authorities of theother country concerned.

Can I send photocopies of documents with my passport application?

No. We must see originals. Photocopies or notarised copies are not acceptable.

Can a child be included on a parent’s passport?

No. Since October 1998 all children have to hold their own passport.

Do I need to send my birth certificate and expired passport?

If you hold a valid passport, we normally do not need to see yourbirth certificate. But we always need your expired or expiring passportif you have one.

Do I need to have my application countersigned if it is a straightforward renewal?

If your passport was issued in the last 10 years, this is not normally necessary unless your appearance has noticeably changed.

Why can’t I provide my ‘short-form’ birth certificate to support my first passport application?

Some of the information we need is not included in the short formbirth certificate. Sometimes, we need to confirm your place or town ofbirth and your parents’ details. For instance, we may want to know yourparents’ details if you were included in a parent’s passport, fornationality purposes, or if you were the child of diplomatic parent.