A guide to lost and stolen passports
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Key things to know about replacing a lost or stolen passport
- Immediate Cancellation: Report your passport as lost or stolen instantly on GOV.UK to prevent identity fraud; HM Passport Office shares this data with Interpol and the National Crime Agency within 24 hours.
- Emergency Travel Abroad: If you are overseas and need to return urgently, apply for an Emergency Travel Document (£125). It typically takes two working days and allows travel through up to five countries.
- Police Reports for Claims: You must report a stolen passport to local police (abroad) or via 101 (UK) to obtain a crime reference number, which is essential for a successful insurance claim.
- UK Replacement Costs: Replacing a lost passport in 2026 costs £94.50 online (3–6 weeks) or £178 for a 1-week Fast Track. Note that the same-day "Premium" service is not available for lost or stolen documents.
UK lost passport guide
It’s never a good thing to lose your passport, or have it stolen. Thankfully, it is possible to get a new one, or at least be able to travel within a few days of this happening. This guide will explain exactly what you should do if your passport is stolen or lost, both at home here in the UK and if it happens while you’re travelling abroad.
Arguably the most important thing to remember if this happens to you, is that you must report your passport as lost or stolen immediately. This will significantly reduce your chances of having your identity stolen. You can use the GOV.UK website to instantly cancel it.
How to report your passport lost or stolen
1. Visit the GOV.UK "Cancel a lost or stolen passport" page.
2. Verify your location:
- If you’re in the UK - Use the online service to report the loss or theft. This immediately invalidates the document.
- If you’re abroad - If you need to travel urgently, do not use the standard reporting tool first. Instead, apply directly for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). The reporting of your old passport is handled as part of that emergency application.
3. Provide your details - You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and address. You can use a copy or photo of your passport to help you answer questions about the passport number and issue date.
4. Confirm the Cancellation: Once you submit the report, HM Passport Office will cancel the passport electronically in their records. Within 24 hours, this information is shared with the National Crime Agency and Interpol to prevent fraudulent use.
What if I lose my passport abroad?
If you need to return home urgently, you must apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This costs £125 and is usually ready within two working days. It allows you to travel through a maximum of five countries to reach your destination. While you have to complete the application online, you still may need to visit the nearest British embassy, or consulate to collect it in person, as it is a physical document.
What if my passport is stolen?
If your passport is stolen, you must report it to the police as soon as you can. This is because you’ll need a crime number to make a claim on your insurance.
It’s also important because it’s more likely that your identity will be used for fraud than if you lost it.
To do so, you can call 101 and follow the instructions. If you’re abroad, you can visit a local police station and get a crime report in the local language. Make sure you get both a physical and digital copy. You don’t need to get the report translated into English, as most insurers will do this themselves if needed. A verified copy is the most important thing, as it is crucial for making a successful insurance claim.
How to replace a lost or stolen passport in the UK?
There are three main ways you can replace your lost passport in the UK:
- Apply online - This is the fastest and cheapest method of doing it. It costs £94.50, and you simply upload a digital photo and pay with your debit or credit card. This will take approximately 3–6 weeks to process.
- Apply by post - You can pick up a form at a Post Office. This costs £107, plus an optional £16 "Check and Send" fee to ensure your application is error-free. This will take approximately 3–6 weeks to process.
- Fast track application - If you’re travelling soon, you can use the 1-Week Fast Track service. This costs £178 and requires an in-person appointment at a Passport Office.
It’s important to note that you can’t use the "1-Day Premium" same-day service if your passport is lost or stolen. It is only available for passport renewals.
What documents do I need to replace my UK passport?
To replace a lost or stolen UK passport, you need the following documents:
- Passport photos - If applying online, you need two high-quality digital photos taken within the last month. For paper applications, you need two identical printed photos taken within the last month.
- Identification - While not always mandatory for renewals, having your birth certificate or driving licence details ready can help confirm your record.
Because your document is missing, someone must confirm your identity.
- Confirm your identity online - You need to provide the name and email of a friend or colleague who has known you for more than 2 years and works in a recognised profession. They will be emailed a link to verify you digitally.
- Confirm your identity by post: Your countersignatory must sign the back of one printed photo and Section 10 of the application form. They also have known you for more than two years and either worked or is currently working in a recognised profession.
You can also choose to pay online or by post:
- Online - You can pay with your debit or credit card at the end of the application.
- Paper - You can pay by cheque (made payable to "HM Passport Office") or by filling in your card details on the form’s payment section.
Once you’ve got your new passport, and booked your trip, it’s time to get your travel insurance. Compare your options to find the right one for you today.