Passport information

Information from the Identity and Passport Service (IPS)

Before you travel abroad

  • you must hold a valid passport, even for a day trip. Make sure you apply leaving plenty of time before you’re due to travel. IPS recommends that you use the passport application Check & Send service available at Post Offices.
  • the Identity and Passport Service has recently introduced changes to passport applications - all first time adult applicants must now attend an interview and it can take up to six weeks to get a passport. For more information please visit www.ips.gov.uk
  • make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip.
  • fill out your next of kin’s details in your passport
  • make a note of your passport number and date of issue, and keep it separately in a safe place.

Applying for a passport

Application forms

A standard passport application form is available through the Passport Adviceline (0300 222 0000), IPS website, at a passport office, or at selected Post Office branches. You will need to supply two recent, identical photographs taken against a light background, so that your features are distinguishable, and contrast against the background.

Application lead-times:

by appointment at a passport office for the Premium one-day service 1 one day guaranteed
by appointment at a passport office for the Fast Track one-week service 1 one week guaranteed
by using the Check & Send service at selected Post Office branches please allow two weeks
by post please allow three weeks
by applying online at www.ips.gov.uk/apply_online.asp please allow four weeks
all first time applicants are now required to attend an interview please allow six weeks

1 Customers requiring these services must make an appointment by ringing the Passport Adviceline. The premium one-day service is available for passport renewals, amendments and extensions of child passports. It is not available for customers applying for a passport for the first time, or for those applying to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport. The Fast Track one-week service is not available for adults applying for a first passport.

 

Customers with special requirements: Please telephone the Passport Adviceline for a listing of services available.

 

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen in the UK:

 

Report the loss or theft to IPS and, in the case of theft, also report this to the police immediately. You will be asked to fill out a lost/stolen declaration form, which you can obtain from the following outlets:

  • Passport Adviceline:  0300 222 0000
  • IPS website
  • your local passport office
  • your local police station
  • selected Post Office branches that offer the passport application Check and Send service

 

To avoid future travel delays and similar inconveniences, the IPS recommends that you apply for a replacement passport at the same time you report the previous one lost or stolen.

 

If your passport is lost or stolen abroad:

You must report the loss or theft of your passport as soon as possible to the local police and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consulate, Embassy, or High Commission. You can request details of the nearest FCO post by telephoning 0870 606 0290 before you set off, or by visiting www.fco.gov.uk.